Childminder in Rochdale

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY295631 Inspection date 20/02/2012 Inspector Linda Shore

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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 husband and three children aged 12, nine and one years in Littleborough, near Rochdale, Lancashire. The whole of the ground floor and converted basement of the property is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently minding seven children in these age groups.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder travels to the local school to take and collect children and also attends the local playgroups weekly. She receives support from the local authority.

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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 making good progress in their learning and development because the childminder has an effective and comprehensive understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Observations are astute, however, not fully implemented to plan for children's individual learning needs. Children learn well to adopt healthy lifestyles and they are safeguarded very well. Partnerships with parents are well- established and have a positive impact on outcomes for children. Partnerships with other agencies are developing well but not yet fully effective. Meticulous record keeping and an effective self-evaluation process mean that the setting has a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure continuity and coherence by sharing relevant information with each other where children receive education and care in more than one setting  improve the use of observational assessment to inform planning for each child's continuing development.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded well and protected in the setting. The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of the possible signs of abuse and knows the correct reporting procedures to follow if there are any concerns about a child. Comprehensive risk assessments for all areas of the home and external trips This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure risks are effectively minimised and children play and learn in a safe and secure environment. The childminder holds an appropriate level 3 qualification and has been fully vetted.

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the early years provision

Resources are deployed well, providing children with an environment in which they have choice and independence in the activities they select. Babies particularly enjoy cuddling in for a 'chat' and exploring the sounds and textures of a sensory play mat and touchy feely bag. The outdoor environment provides children with a good range of play and physical development opportunities in all weather. Good use of local parks and museums in the community help children learn their place within the world.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established effective partnerships with other agencies, such as the children's centre, other childminders and school. However, information is not fully shared where children attend more than one setting to ensure continuity of care. Comprehensive information is provided for parents through daily diaries, discussions and the sharing of children's learning journeys. Partnerships with them are effective with many opportunities to be involved in their children's learning and development. For example, they contribute to children's learning by completing 'star activity sheets' with information on home activities and achievements.

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the early years provision

The childminder is making good progress with achievable improvements identified through effective methods of self-evaluation. The childminder is committed to develop her skills and knowledge through regular training on a variety of topics, for example, risk assessment and health and hygiene. The childminder is well- organised and record keeping is meticulous. All required policies and procedures are in place and support the safe and efficient running of the setting.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the children's individual needs and provides a stimulating environment where they are excited and motivated to learn. Children learn well through good quality observations and assessment with links to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Due to low numbers the childminder meets their individual needs and interests well, however, children's next steps in learning are not currently linked directly to planning to ensure progression. Young children develop a sense of self and make relationships as they spontaneously cuddle their friends as well as the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Communication is fostered well by the childminder as she talks to children clearly and at their level. Open ended questions stimulate discussion and children are allowed time to respond. Children enjoy books, babies cuddle in for stories and enjoy the sensory experience of textured books. They have lots of opportunities to learn about the wider world through external trips to museums and into the local community. Cultural awareness is fostered through books, toys and posters with positive images of people from many cultures. Children's physical development is well-promoted for all ages, including young babies who are supported as they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learn to sit and enjoy tummy time, strengthening their muscles and increasing coordination.

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and outcomes for children

Children have many good opportunities to learn about being healthy. The childminder encourages parents to provide healthy lunch packs and she provides healthy snack options including fruit. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene as the childminder talks to them as they wash their hands after nappy changes and messy play. They have regular access to fresh air in a stimulating outdoor environment. Children particularly enjoy trips to the local park with its large climbing equipment.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and involved and feel very safe due to well-nurtured relationships with adults and peers. They settle very well and develop extremely secure relationships confidently reaching out to the childminder for comfort and reassurance. They learn boundaries and good behaviour through effective behaviour management strategies. Children are taught respect for themselves and each other through learning about the world and other cultures and as a result are developing their own sense of self-esteem. 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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