Childminder in Trafford

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY391485 Inspection date 16/01/2012 Inspector Jo Warburton

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2009. She lives with her husband, and child aged three years in the Timperley area of Altrincham, Cheshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, of whom, no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children within the early years age range and three children over five years before and after school on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family have three cats and seven rabbits.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children feel safe in the inclusive environment, they are respected and valued as individuals so that they make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder promotes children's welfare effectively, and is secure in her safeguarding knowledge as she implements strict policies and procedures to keep children safe. She values the importance of promoting high quality education and care through working in partnership with parents and others. The childminder shows high levels of commitment as she aspires to continually update her knowledge through professional development. Self-evaluation is in its early stages. However, the childminder has identified resources depicting disabilities as an area for development, showing commitment to continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure resources provide images that challenge children's thinking and help them to embrace differences in people with disabilities  continue to develop systems of self-evaluation and quality improvement processes as the basis of on-going internal review.

p.4

the early years provision

Children's safety and well-being are protected through the childminder's high level of awareness and effective safeguarding policies and procedures. The childminder ensures that parents have access to a copy of the safeguarding policy and she regularly attends training in this area. Accurate documentation protects the welfare This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of the children, meets all requirements and is stored to respect confidentiality. Comprehensive risk assessments record the whole childminding environment and outings, these are all reviewed on a regular basis. Good use is made of space to provide children with easy access to a wide variety of resources. Children make choices and self-select activities independently from low-level storage units. This helps nurture their decision making skills and independence very well.

p.4

the early years provision

Effective partnerships with parents are established. Comprehensive details about children's initial needs and abilities are obtained. This means the childminder acquires a very strong understanding of children's starting points and abilities. Feedback from parents is very complimentary. This is highlighted in their feedback forms, expressing positive comments about the childminder and about the children's progress. They comment on how happy they are with the care and education provided and that their children have 'flourished' since being in her care. Parents receive comprehensive information about the childminder's practice. They are kept well informed of children's progress via learning journeys, daily feedback and a parent notice board. The childminder enjoys caring for children and provides a supportive environment where they can have fun as they play and learn.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder develops positive relationships with the staff at the local pre- school and school where children attend. She uses information gained about topics and planning to compliment her Early Years Foundation Stage delivery.

p.5

the early years provision

All children are welcomed and valued as individuals, and the childminder encourages positive attitudes to diversity through open and honest discussions. However, resources are limited for depicting disabilities and at present children's learning is not fully extended to fully promote their awareness of this. The procedure for self-evaluation is in its early stages. However, the childminder explains areas that she wants to develop further. For example, by enhancing resources to depict disabilities and to provide new outdoor climbing equipment. The childminder demonstrates a very strong commitment to improvement through training and has attended many courses to improve her practice and outcomes for children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are very happy, settled and content in the warm, welcoming family environment. The childminder acknowledges and celebrates children's efforts and achievements through lots of verbal praise, smiles and cuddles. This positive reinforcement builds their self-esteem and confidence. As a result, children's behaviour and manners are good. Children happily demonstrate their affection towards the childminder, which shows positive and secure relationships are developing.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates good use of her observations to acquire a strong understanding of individual children's abilities. Next steps in their learning are noted. The childminder uses this information to provide a good balance of activities to extend learning and to track children's overall progress in each of the six areas This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of learning. Planning is flexible and responsive, for example the childminder maximises children's interests about fairy tales experienced at pre-school. She incorporates a gingerbread man activity afternoon involving baking, painting and creativity. Consequently, children receive a positive balance of adult-led and child- initiated experiences.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children visit places of interest, such the local library, butchers and bakers, and make daily visits to the local park. Through these outings, children have good opportunities to access a variety of additional activities. These support their learning and development, and enhance their social skills and their awareness of the local community. Children learn to express themselves creatively through the many activities offered using a variety of different media. Paint and colourful collage materials are used to make Diwali flowers and dragons at Chinese New Year. These experiences help children develop a positive understanding of the wider world.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children practise early writing skills as they use chalks to make marks and have access to a wide variety of books. They confidently solve problems, developing their fine motor skills whilst constructing, and are encouraged to count the numbers of bricks. Children's imaginative skills are fostered as they interact with dolls and prams to play families. They have access to battery operated toys, a computer and a camera, which helps them develop skills for the future. The childminder effectively interacts during play, by engaging children's interests, which challenges and extends their learning well, and allows them to have fun.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn about keeping saf,e and detailed documentation shows how they take part in regular fire drills. Hygiene standards are well maintained. The childminder is a positive role model and children are encouraged to adopt appropriate personal hygiene practices through regular routines. For example, they wash their hands before eating snacks and after visiting the bathroom. Healthy eating is well promoted and fresh drinking water and other suitable drinks are provided. Dietary needs are discussed in detail with parents and relevant information is recorded. Children develop a good understanding of the benefits of a healthy active lifestyle as they play races, run, balance and practise ball skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8