Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY100245 Inspection date 07/03/2012 Inspector Liz Nicholson

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 2003. She lives with her partner and two adult children and two children aged 11 and nine years. The family live in a residential area of Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and the home is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and can care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in the early years age range. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed relevant training in childminding practice.

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 are cared for in a homely environment where each child is welcomed and valued as an individual. A detailed knowledge of each child's needs and interests enables the childminder to meet the children's welfare and learning requirements effectively. Children are safe and secure and are eager to participate in a broad range of activities both indoors and out. High priority is placed on partnerships with parents and other providers. This ensures children progress well, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder is developing her approach towards self-evaluation and she is committed to continuously improving the outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop the self-evaluation system further be seeking the views of parents and children.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded and well protected as the childminder has undertaken relevant training and has a very good awareness of child protection issues. All adults within the home are suitably vetted, and children are further protected as a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 result of the childminder's thorough risk assessments of the premises and of outings undertaken. Detailed documentation and record keeping promotes the safety and welfare of the children and ensures the efficient management of the setting. As a result, children play in a safe and secure environment. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. The play spaces indoors and out are arranged purposefully to meet the children's needs. There is a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities and the childminder engages actively with the children to take their learning forward. All children are warmly welcomed into the

p.4

the early years provision

childminder's home and learn about and respect and value differences through her positive attitude and the environment she provides.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is committed to working in partnership with others and has positive relationships with parents. She understands that parents are central to the children's well-being and works in partnership to promote their children'sdevelopment. Detailed information is shared about her setting and the children's needs and a welcome pack is given to all new families. Daily feedback ensures parents know about their child's day and photographs show parents what activities the children have enjoyed. Parents and children express their positive views of the care provided through letters and cards.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder recognises the importance of liaising closely with other providers of the Early Years Foundations Stage to ensure progression and continuity of learning is maintained. The childminder takes professional responsibility for constantly improving the quality of her practice. She has attended a wide range of training that has helped to promote children's learning and development outcomes. She is positive about self-evaluation and this helps her to identify her key strengths and areas for improvement. Positive steps have been taken to develop the service and through the use of training and reflective practice, the childminder continues to promote on-going improvement. However, children and parents are not given the opportunity to contribute to the self-evaluation process and therefore their views are not consistently been considered.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and content with the childminder and good relationships are evident. New children settle quickly in the friendly and welcoming environment and enjoy the activities on offer. Children benefit from a broad range of resources which encourages them to be inquisitive learners and explore their surroundings with curiosity. Children enjoy making models with clay and being creative, using a selection of mark making tools. They use a variety of small world toys to develop their imagination and extend their knowledge about the wider world. They effectively develop their skills for the future as they access a range of interactive resources. A range of shape sorters, stacking games and puzzles provide opportunities for children to extend their problem solving and reasoning skills. Young children have well established routines and, as a result, children's behaviour is good and they interact well and play independently. Effective strategies give

p.5

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children clear and consistent guidelines, which encourages a good understanding of what behaviour is and is not acceptable. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and implements it well to ensure children progress well towards the early learning goals. Good systems for observation, assessment and planning are in place and this further ensures children's next steps in development are effectively highlighted. Artwork is collated in individual children's files and is highly valued as it is displayed within the childminder's home. Through daily discussions, parents contribute to these records and share information about their child's progress. This ensures that all children have good opportunities to further develop their learning and development with the childminder and at home.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder's positive attitude to equality and diversity ensures children have a good awareness of the wider community. They have a growing understanding of the natural world through a variety of planned and spontaneous activities. For example, they enjoy watching and feeding the birds in the garden and developing a pond area. Children's emotional well-being is supported well. They have a close and warm relationship with the childminder and have opportunities to talk about their feelings, families and friendships. Children are learning about keeping safe through their daily routine, activities and discussions. They learn about road safety whilst on outings and have the opportunity to be included in regular fire drill practices, which further supports their understanding of keeping safe.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Good health and well-being is promoted through effective procedures implemented to prevent cross infection. For example, children wash their hands before meals and snacks and use individual paper towels. They understand the importance of dental hygiene as they clean their teeth regularly and learn about healthy foods as they sample healthy snacks and meals. Children understand the benefits of fresh air and exercise as they walk or go in the pushchair to school. They enjoy playing in the garden and have access to a wide variety of large physical equipment. They regularly visit local parks and enjoy trips to the coast and areas of interest. This ensures they have a wide range of opportunities to engage in a range of physical activities as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 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