Blezard, Liz

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 310759 Inspection date 30/01/2012 Inspector Anne Mackay

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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 registered in 1988. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Netherton, Huddersfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. There are currently 10 children on roll, all attending on a part- time basis. Of these, seven children are under eight years old. The provision includes before and after school care. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group and playgroup. Transport can be also arranged. The family has one dog, which lives in the house. The childminder has provision for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 happy, settled and are making good progress towards the early learning goals. They enjoy participating in creative activities in the provision and in the outdoor environment. The childminder knows each child very well and ensures that their individual needs are met. The childminder is very committed to working in partnerships with parents. Rigorous safeguarding procedures and comprehensive risk assessments ensure that children are well supported and cared for.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the use of information obtained from observations and assessments to plan the next steps in furthering each child's developmental progress.

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the early years provision

Children are protected by the comprehensive accident, medical and attendance records kept by the childminder. She shows a clear understanding of how to keep children safe and ensures that their welfare is paramount. Detailed written policies, procedures and documentation are in place. For example, the childminder rigorously ensures that children can only be collected by parents or other adults that have been agreed in advance with the parents. She has good systems in place for maintaining confidentiality. Children's safety is further assured, as a result of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder having completed safeguarding children training and therefore, knowing how to record concerns.

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the early years provision

The children are supervised at all times, unauthorised persons are unable to gain entry to the premises and there is a record of visitors. Written risk assessments of activities inside and outside the provision have been undertaken to ensure that the areas and equipment used by the children are safe. The childminder confirmed in discussion that regular checks are undertaken of everything that the children come into contact with.

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the early years provision

The childminder is well informed about the needs of young children. She has developed her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this at times intuitively to support children in their learning. The environment is consistently well organised with a wide range of interesting resources both inside and outdoors. The childminder ensures that there is a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated play. Children are able to choose what they would like to play with and can access resources for themselves, such as construction toys or dressing-up clothes. This means that they are able to thrive and make significant gains in their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very aware of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision and continually looks for ways to improve. For example, through more training in child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage. She meets with other childminders in the area and appreciates the support that she receives from her local authority.

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the early years provision

Each child is well supported in making progress towards their early learning goals. Parents are involved in their child's learning as childminder forms close working relationships with them. She obtains useful information about each child, such as what they can do themselves, as well as their dietary and personal care needs. The childminder shares important information about each child's starting points and progress. This means that parents' wishes and children's individual needs are effectively met.

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the early years provision

Effective relationships with other provisions and professionals involved with the children are firmly established and contribute well to supporting children's welfare and learning. The childminder ensures that she takes time when collecting and picking up children to talk to the staff to ensure continuity of care. The childminder offers sensitive and caring support to children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children are learning to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others because the childminder seizes opportunities for them to learn together about other cultures and beliefs, such as celebrating Eid and Chinese New Year. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe with the childminder and display high levels of confidence in her. This is because they know that she meets their needs patiently, responding to their questions cheerfully and with interest. Children are each given individual attention. They enjoy being in the childminder's home and have good relationships with the other children. They play together particularly well, laughing and jumping around as they have fun with toy animals. The children use paints and other equipment safely and are given gentle reminders about safety rules, such as not putting play dough in mouths and not clambering over furniture.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is actively promoted through reinforcement of good hygiene habits and healthy food options offered at snack and meal times. The childminder makes all of the children's meals herself, such as homemade chicken dinner with Yorkshire pudding. Water and sugar-free juice is freely available to the children throughout the day and there is a plentiful supply of fresh fruit at snack times. The children are developing a positive attitude to exercise because the childminder places a high priority on fresh air and being outdoors. There are daily outings to the local woods and nearby parks, which provide lots of opportunities for vigorous activity.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's method of assessing and recording children's development accurately identifies their achievements. Observations are linked to the six areas of learning and are supported by a wide range of photographs and work undertaken by children. However, a systematic approach to using assessments and observations to inform planning is not in place and therefore, there are gaps in identifying each child's next steps towards the early learning goals. Children make choices about what they wish to do and they are very eager to participate in creative activities, such as making creatures with play dough and finger painting. The children are making good progress in their learning and development. For example, older children can write their own name, count confidently from one to 10 and correctly name shapes and colours.

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and outcomes for children

Children are forming good friendships, are kind towards each other and use manners without being prompted to do so. The childminder is a very friendly and positive person, who consistently gives the children lots of praise and encouragement. As a result, children are responsive and fully cooperate with routines. Children also show an interest in living creatures and the world around them. They like doing everyday tasks for themselves, such as putting on their own outdoor shoes and eating with a knife and fork. 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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