Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY364389 Inspection date 06/10/2011 Inspector Laura Hoyland

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and two children in a property in the village of Gargrave near Skipton. The playroom, lounge and dining room on the ground floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Local amenities include shops, a park and schools.

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Description of the childminding

The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Currently there are 11 children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The provision is open between 8am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

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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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe and stimulating environment where the childminder values each child's individuality. Children progress is outstanding in all six areas of learning because the childminder provides exciting and challenging learning opportunities for all children. Excellent partnerships are established and maintained with the parents, who are valued highly. Meticulous attention is given to self- evaluation, with staff, parents and children all fully involved in the process. This collaborative approach ensures continuous improvement and provides a service that is highly receptive to the needs of all its users.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continuing to develop and provide flexible resources that can be used in many different ways to facilitate children's play and exploration.

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the early years provision

The highest priority is given to safeguarding children. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to keep children safe and has attended safeguarding training. There are robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place. The childminder shares all policies with parents and carers and discusses her role and responsibilities. Background checks have been carried out on all adults in the setting. This means that children are safe and secure while in the childminder's care. The childminder has comprehensive, up to date risk assessments in place and daily health and safety checks are carried out. This means that children can This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 move around the setting safely and freely.

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the early years provision

The childminder is exceptionally knowledgeable about the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this to support all children's learning and development. The childminder plans for each child's individual needs meticulously. This means that all children make excellent progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder regularly observes children and liaises with parents and carers to ensure that children reach their full potential in relation to their starting points.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a superb understanding of her strengths and areas for development. She is highly motivated to find ways to improve her provision. For example, she attends regular cluster meetings to share best practice with other childminders. The childminder sets herself realistic and appropriate targets. She has addressed previous recommendations promptly and effectively. For example, she has widened the range of resources children can access that promote non- stereotypical play. This means that children have a wealth of resources to widen their experiences.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents, carers and other provisions are exemplary and this is shown through well-established channels of communication. The childminder constantly works with parents and carers to improve her service. For example, regular questionnaires are handed out. This has resulted in changing the menus to meet with parents' wishes. The childminder regularly shares information with parents and carers regarding children's development. They are able to contribute to children's development files and the childminder keeps them updated of children's progress. For instance, a six-monthly report covering all areas of learning is shared with parents. Highly effective relationships have been formed with other provisions and professionals.

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and outcomes for children

All children are extremely settled and confident in the setting. For example, children are exceptionally talkative while removing their shoes and hanging up their coats when they arrive. The childminder uses a positive behaviour management strategy. For example, children take part in regular fire drills and older children discuss the practice with the childminder to evaluate whether it can be improved further. Children have access to a range of tools that the childminder has taught them to use safely. For example, they measure the furniture in the playroom with a tape measure.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is aware of the importance of children adopting healthy lifestyles and discusses hygiene routines, healthy diets and exercise with them. As a result, children show an exceptional understanding of keeping healthy. For example, children wash their hands before meals and snacks and after using the toilet. Younger children are encouraged to wash their hands after nappy changes. All children are provided with a nutritious and balanced diet as the childminder follows a healthy eating policy, ensuring children are provided with five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Children access the outdoors in all weathers and are keen This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to discuss wearing 'wellies' and using umbrellas. Older children spot rainbows and discuss the weather with the childminder. She has an excellent understanding of each child's individual needs and ensures that all children's welfare needs are met

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children regularly and plans their next steps. This ensures that all children's needs are catered for and that activities and learning opportunities consistently provide children with challenges and new experiences. For example, the children access a range of equipment, including a computer, a keyboard and old telephones and calculators, which they use to role play working in an office. Children interests are used to explore and extend play opportunities. For example, the paddling pool is filled with leaves for a child who enjoys playing with cars, and the child pretends the leaves are a wood and drives the car through. Children use play dough and tools and their play is extended to use their senses by changing the play dough from smelling of chocolate to smelling of mint. Consequently children make exceptional progress in all six areas of learning and are developing skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave exceptionally well and show respect for their peers. For instance, children share resources and demonstrate excellent cooperative skills when sharing plastic building blocks to make structures. Children show respect for themselves and others. This is promoted by the childminder, who provides books and resources that reflect diversity. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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