Childminder in WakefieldOfsted inspection, 22 Sept 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY407068 Inspection date 22/09/2011 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2010. She lives with her partner and teenage child in Wakefield. She uses all downstairs for childminding and has a garden accessible to children for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and there are three children on roll. She is also registered on the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are well cared for in a safe and welcoming environment in which their individual needs are well met and they make good progress in their learning and development. Documentation supports the practice well and this is filed confidentially. Effective partnerships with parents enable the childminder to promote the individual well-being of each child and she understands the benefits of establishing links with others to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development. Systems for evaluating and monitoring the quality of the provision accurately identify strengths and areas to improve.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop ways to include information from parents about their child when sharing records of children's progress and development  develop closer links with other settings that children may attend, in order to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder clearly understands her role in safeguarding children and knows the signs of abuse and neglect. She is proactive in updating her knowledge of safeguarding through further training. The safeguarding policy and procedure has relevant contact details should the childminder need to report a concern or allegation. Children are very safe and secure through good practice. Doors are kept secure, visitors are closely monitored and children cannot be collected by anyone unauthorised. Children understand how to keep themselves safe, such as how to practise fire drills. They know the assembly point outdoors is marked by a favourite children's character. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Documentation is organised well and confidentially filed. The childminder ensures children do not come into contact with any hazards and she makes regular visual checks, as well as detailed written risk assessments. The childminder clearly enjoys

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the early years provision

spending time with the children and this reflected in her positive interaction with them. She keeps her own professional knowledge up to date through attending short courses, such as inclusion and diversity, safeguarding and sign language. Children freely access the space they need to play and the playroom is inviting and stimulating. Children's artwork is displayed and there are colourful posters and displays at child height. Resources are used well to promote children's independence and learning across all areas.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very flexible in her care for the children, supporting parents in their role. For example, she accommodates their differing work patterns by offering childcare hours to suit their needs. Individual profiles contain observations and examples of children's developmental progress towards the early learning goals, along with the next steps in their learning. Parents are aware of these, although, they do not contribute with their own information about their child. Discussion with parents takes place daily to enable the childminder to meet the individual needs of the children. The childminder also compiles individual photograph albums for children, which they love to look at and which provide a keepsake for parents. The childminder understands the need to develop communication with others to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development, although, links with other settings children attend are not yet fully

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the early years provision

established. The childminder evaluates her practice and identifies strengths and areas to improve through using the self-evaluation form and continuously reflecting upon her practice. She seeks parents' views and they say they are 'very happy', the childminder 'exceeds their expectations' and she provides 'exceptional care'.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. Warm and caring relationships support children well and give them a sense of belonging. For example, children spontaneously hug the childminder and she responds with lots of affection. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child in her care, enabling her to provide activities that promote and challenge their development across all six areas of learning. Children lead their own play and the childminder encourages them to make decisions. For example, they choose a selection of jigsaw puzzles and the childminder sits with them to help to complete each one. Children enjoy looking at books and reading with the childminder and they choose their favourites ones to look at together. Children talk about visiting the library and they know 'you have to be quiet because people are trying to read' when they go there. Children use their imaginations very well and the childminder joins in

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and outcomes for children

skilfully to extend their ideas and language. For example, the childminder 'talks' on the toy telephone to children's parents and children enjoy this pretend play. Children enjoy a range of opportunities outside the home, such as visiting local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 groups, or going on trips further away. Children talk about collecting conkers and picking blackberries with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health is supported through effective policies, practices and personal hygiene routines. Children understand their own health needs, such as why they need a drink, through appropriate reminders and discussion. Outdoor and indoor activities support children's health well and they have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air. For example, children enthusiastically climb on the play equipment in the childminder's garden. Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure all dietary needs are met. Mealtimes are relaxed and social occasions in which children are given plenty of time to enjoy their food.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder helps children to understand equality and diversity through activities and discussion, encouraging them to consider the needs and feelings of others and to behave with respect for each other and their environment. A display in the playroom positively states 'everybody welcome' and the childminder includes all children equally within all activities. Positive strategies are used to manage children's behaviour and the childminder has a clear and consistent approach. She enables children to play well together, such as through board games and she joins in to help children learn to take turns and accept that they can not always win each time. She gives plenty of praise and encouragement to help children to feel good about themselves, using positive words, gestures and facial expressions. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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