Childminder in Tameside

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY279564 Inspection date 25/01/2012 Inspector Julie Firth

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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 2004. She lives with her partner and one child aged 15 years in the Stalybridge district of Tameside, close to parks, shops, schools and transport links. She works alongside a registered assistant. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding, with access to a bathroom on the first floor. The children also have access to a rear garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range and of these, not more than one maybe under one year. She is currently caring for five children, of whom three are in the early years age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of The National Childminding Association. She is a registered foster carer. She is supported by Tameside Sure Start development officers.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a happy, safe, welcoming environment in which children's welfare is promoted. She has worked hard alongside Sure Start since the last inspection to gain a better understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Planning, observation and assessment systems are developing to indicate children make some progress towards the early learning goals. There is a successful partnership with parents; they are consulted, involved and kept well informed of their children's daily routines, care and learning. However, the link with the local school is not effective to enhance continuity and readiness for school. The childminder is beginning to use self-evaluation to monitor the service provided. She has the capacity to maintain further improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the planning and observation systems and link them to the six areas of learning, to enable children to make progress towards their early learning goals  devise an effective system which helps to monitor how children develop and tracks any gaps in their learning  establish links with the local nursery and school to enhance continuity of care and education. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child's welfare. She has undertaken recent training and reflects on her previous training in child protection as a foster carer. Official identification documents are thoroughly checked before any person not known at the setting is allowed to enter. The premises are safe and rigorous risk assessments have been conducted for all areas of the premises used for childminding. Furthermore, trips are well planned to enable children to have fun in a safe environment.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a stimulating environment for children. The conservatory area displays some children's work. Toys are suitability accessible to allow children to acquire new knowledge and skills and freely choose what they want to play with.

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the early years provision

The childminder has worked closely with Sure Start to ensure that all actions are met. Home visits are recorded and the childminder adheres to the advice given. This support results in her increased knowledge of the Early Years Foundation stage and the implementation of the legal requirements since the last inspection. She understands the areas for development and demonstates through discussion how further organisation of her policies and procedures and planning will enhance better outcomes for children. Self-evaluation is developing to enable her to reflect on her practice but it is still in the early stages. Plans for the future are thought of. For example, she wishes to uses her garden more in all weathers and to enable the children to grow their own vegetables in an identified area.

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the early years provision

The childminder strives to provide a service that is inclusive to both families and children. She recognises the importance of welcoming children with special educational needs and/or disabilities into a sharing and inclusive environment. New children are settled in gradually and she obtains all relevant information from parents to ensure welfare needs are met well in practice. The childminder also works with parents to identify and agree children's starting points and skilfully builds on their likes and interests. Parents are encouraged to contribute to the planning of activities and can share a daily diary and add comments to their children's learning journeys. Furthermore, a very informative news letter enjoyed by all parents really descibes the activities their children participate in and enhances participation of what the children take part in during their weekends at home. Parents are very happy with the care their children receive and how she

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the early years provision

offers a flexible service. She is aware of the links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. However, as children are making progress and preparing for school these links are not effective to ensure the continuity and care of education and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a suitable understanding of the underlying principles of early years practice and children take part in fun activities. She is beginning to link to the six areas of learning and plan for children's next steps. She has an understanding of the children's likes and dislikes and photographs in the their learning journey indicate some progress in their learning. However, systems for observation and planning are in the early stages and still developing to challenge the more abled children. Tracking and assessment is also not fully effective and could be better to identify any gaps in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

The day is well organised to provide children with a good balance of rest, learning and play. Children play happily together and clearly enjoy the time that they spend with the childminder. Their personal skills are promoted as they feed and dress themselves, make friends and learn to follow instructions as they tidy away their toys. This also helps to foster their confidence and independence.

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and outcomes for children

Children access some mark making materials and have opportunities to write. They learn new letters and sounds to recognise their name. The childminder sits with them to read a story and they feel confident to speak to her making their needs known. Children have some good first hand experiences to learn about the natural and wider world as they mix with others at groups and when taking a walk to the park and museums during the school holidays. They collect leaves and create collages and roll out play dough. Opportunities are planned to celebrate festivals and they enjoy activities around Diwali and Chinese new year. Furthermore, children point out pictures of family members in their learning journeys, giving them a sense of belonging. The childminder gives a few opportunities to count and calculate as opportunities naturally arise, such as when counting in everyday situations. They recognise shapes and numbers through games and puzzles.

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and outcomes for children

Outdoor toys in the childminders garden give them adequate opportunities to play in the fresh air. Furthermore, she occasonally takes them swimming.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from being cared for in a home which is clean, warm and well maintained. Hygiene routines are followed to ensure children's good health. For example, children are fully aware of hand washing and the childminder uses hand gel after activities. Displayed menus indicate that there is a choice of nutritious home made meals. From an early age children learn the importance of sharing and taking turns. Good behaviour is displayed and the use of praise and reward helps children feel good about themselves. They celebrate each other birthday's promoting their self- esteem. Furthermore, the childminder acts as a good role model for the children and they receive clear messages about expected behaviour.

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and outcomes for children

Children are involved in regular fire drills and participate in topics to enhance their awareness of safety procedures, for example, when the children are out walking they talk about dangers on the roads and walk safely in pairs. Another good aspect of the setting is that the children who attend after school really help the younger ones to engage in activities. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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