Ysgol Llanstephan

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 400805 Inspection date 11/10/2011 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 established in 1982. She lives in a semi-detached house in the Bilton area of Harrogate. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Currently there are six children on roll. All children attend on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The playroom, lounge, dining room and bathroom 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 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's individuality is recognised and acknowledged by the childminder who provides a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment for all children. She ensures that children's welfare, learning and development needs are met and most resources enable children to progress well in all six areas of learning. Children display confidence and self-esteem as the childminder provides a safe and secure environment for all children The childminder is aware of her strengths and most areas of weakness and understands the importance of setting realistic targets to drive continuous improvement. However, she has not yet started a system of self- evaluation. The childminder has formed strong links with parents, carers and other providers.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide positive images that challenge children's thinking and help them to embrace differences in gender, ethnicity, language, religion, culture, special educational needs and/or disabilities  develop an effective self-evaluation process.

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the early years provision

The childminder has comprehensive knowledge on safeguarding issues and a high level of commitment to promoting children's safety. For example, she has attended safeguarding training. The childminder has effective procedures in place for identifying children at risk of harm and liaises with the appropriate child agencies. This means that children are safe and secure while in the setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder has detailed risk assessments ensuring that all areas in the setting This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and outside are safe for the children to access. Risk assessments are also in place for the local trips and outings that children regularly attend. This means that children can move around the setting safely and freely and that they are consistently safe while off the childminder's premises.

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the early years provision

The childminder is knowledgeable about the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this to support children's learning and she has attended courses to further her understanding. This has enabled her to promote children's development in all six areas of learning. The environment is well organised and accessible to all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her strengths and most of her weaknesses. She is able to prioritise aspects of the provision to ensure that there is continuous improvement. For example, she has rearranged the furniture in the playroom to enable resources to be more accessible to younger children. However, an effective self-evaluation process needs to be put into place. The childminder has addressed previous recommendations promptly and effectively. For, instance, she provides all children with nutritionally balanced meals at all times.

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the early years provision

The childminder has formed positive relationships with all parents and carers. She shares information regarding children's welfare and learning and development on a daily basis. This is demonstrated through verbal communication and children's development records. She also shares information with other providers, for example children's development files are shared with other providers. Close relationships with parents ensure that children's needs are met and parental wishes are followed.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures activities and learning opportunities are adapted to meet the needs of all children. For example, seating arrangements are changed when younger children are present. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child's background and needs and discusses these with parents. For example, children's behavioural issues are discussed and parents kept informed of any negative behaviour that has been displayed. An effective equal opportunities policy is in place and reviewed regularly. This means that the needs of all children are met and that they are fully included in the life of the provision.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled and eager to explore learning opportunities and their surroundings. They do this independently by self-selecting resources and asking to take part in activities. For example, children choose their own coloured paper and stamps before settling down to paint and print. This shows that children are developing their confidence and self-esteem. Children have access to indoor and outdoor environments throughout the day including the local park. Children navigate steps cautiously, showing that they are starting to understand how to keep themselves safe. Children have individual routines, which the childminder follows, and this ensures children feel safe and secure.

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and outcomes for children

Children follow good hygiene procedures; this is evident as children independently This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 wash their hands before meals. Children enjoy meals provided by the childminder who has recently completed her food hygiene certificate. She ensures that children's preferences are incorporated into the meals and that they are balanced and nutritious. Children exercise regularly using large apparatus to develop their large muscles and they also enjoy playing in the pirate den that they have created in the garden. This allows children to engage in physical activities and develop skills in using their bodies.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children regularly and uses observations to create a rich and stimulating environment for all children. Activities and learning opportunities are based on children's interests, age and stage of development and new experiences. For example, activities are set up to support children learning to walk, following observations and planning their next steps using the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children access a range of technology. For instance, they use interactive books and computers and ask the childminder to read their favourite books to them. A variety of jigsaws and peg-boards are available for children. This allows children to develop their mathematical knowledge. The childminder plans children's next steps, ensuring that children develop new skills and are motivated to learn. This means children progress well in all six areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder uses resources from the local community to promote children's development. For example, children visit the woods to find creepy crawlies and work together to complete a chart detailing what they have found and where the creepy crawlies were hiding. This means that children access a wide range of learning opportunities and activities that promote their individual learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children display a strong sense of belonging in the setting and behave really well. This is because the childminder gives regular praise to children and gives clear explanations of boundaries. For example, the childminder asks children not to swing toys around as they may hurt someone. Children are beginning to gain an understanding about diversity, cultures and beliefs as the childminder provides resources including books and dolls. The childminder is aware that providing more positive images of cultural diversity will enable children to gain a greater awareness of equality and 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 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 2 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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