Childminder in Wakefield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY356771 Inspection date 29/03/2012 Inspector Karen Molloy

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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 2007. She lives with her adult children on the outskirts of Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding purposes, which includes bathroom facilities and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. She is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently caring for two children in the early years age group and two children in the older age group, most of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive home environment for all children, where they feel safe and secure. She has established good working relationships with parents and works closely with them to ensure children's individual needs are recognised and met. Children make good progress in their learning and development and the childminder continues to develop her planning and observation systems. Children's learning is well supported by the wide range of toys and resources available to them. The required policies and procedures are in place to safeguard children's welfare. The childminder evaluates her practice and is committed to improving her provision for children and families.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observation and assessment further so that parents can become involved in their child's learning.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded and well protected in the setting because the childminder is clear of her role and responsibilities. She has recently completed safeguarding training, has all the relevant literature for reporting any concerns and has appropriate policies in place to support her practice. All household members are suitably vetted. The childminder makes effective use of up-to-date risk assessments to support her in ensuring the areas used by the children are safe. For example, she checks all the equipment before use and checks gates and boundaries daily. A visitors book records anyone coming into her home and children are well-supervised. Appropriate safety precautions such as, stair gates are in place. This means that children move around the childminder's home safely and freely. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is knowledgeable about the Early Year's Foundation Stage and

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the early years provision

uses this well to support children in their learning. The environment is well organised and accessible to the children, both inside and outdoors. The conservatory is used as a playroom and toys and books are stored at low level to encourage children to make independent choices. There is a wide selection of resources available in the garden, which encourages them to play imaginatively and creatively. This means children thrive and make good progress in their development. The childminder is very aware of her strengths and areas for development. She looks for ways to improve her provision for the children and has set herself appropriate and relevant targets, for example, she is keen to complete a relevent level 3 childcare course this year and would like to establish a wild flower meadow in the garden with the children. She has addressed previous recommendations and as a result, children have access to more resources that

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the early years provision

reflect diversity. The childminder sets plans and intentions to identify the areas for development. Thereby, demonstrating a good capacity to improve.

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the early years provision

The childminder forms close working relationships with parents and carers. She discusses all aspects of the care and facilities at the initial meeting. This means that parent's wishes and children's individual needs are effectively met. An informative parents folder details information about all aspects of the setting and parents receive a copy of all the policies. On-going communication is effective through daily conversations, newsletters and children's progress records. The childmidner has also had some documentation translated into parents' first language. Children take the story boards they make to share at home. Feedback is encouraged from parents verbally and through compliments/suggestion forms. Their feedback is very positive and they comment on how well children settle, the childminder provides life experiences, children's needs are put first and the 'professional and personalised care for children, consistently and always with a

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the early years provision

smile!' The childminder has a positive attitude about working in partnership with other provisions and professionals involved with the children, which contributes well to supporting their welfare and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder offers sensitive support to children who have special educational needs and or disabilities. She readily adapts activities to ensure that all children can access them. This means that the individual needs of all children are met and all children are included fully in the life of the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder carries out observations on the children's learning and development, highlights their achievements and identifies their next steps. Learning journeys includes examples of work and details of children's progress; these are linked to the six areas of learning, to ensure they are all covered. She takes into consideration their individual needs and interests, ensuring they can be spontaneous and flexible in their activities and routine. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's progress is appropriately shared with parents; however, parents are not yet involved in contributing to their child's progress records to fully support their learning and development. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They enjoy one to one time with the childminder and their social skills are

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and outcomes for children

developing well. Children chat comfortably to each other as they enjoy sponge painting outdoors. Children are well supported by the childminder, who is on hand to guide them when necessary. She has developed close relationships with the children and their interaction is very positive. She listens effectively to them, asks them challenging questions and in turn they respond and approach her with confidence and enthusiasm.

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and outcomes for children

Children participate in a wide variety of interesting activities and experiences. They visit the library, the castle, museum, country park, and other outdoor areas which gives them a good knowledge of the wider community. Children develop an understanding of diversity through a good range resources and activities. They share books depicting different cultures and copy letters from those with dual text. They make dragons during Chinese New Year and visit a local museum to see a Chinese display. Children's imagination is very well promoted. A curtain and 'stage' area on the covered decking provides children with the opportunity to put on shows. They create role play situations with dressing up clothes, puppets and small world play equipment. Children use a spade as a guitar and sing and laugh happily. Creative skills are fostered well through painting, making Easter cards and collages. Communication language and literacy is well promoted as the childminder

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and outcomes for children

talks and listens to them. They look for the sponge letters in the their name and are helped to spell it out.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure in the childminder's home. They discuss road safety and shout out when they see 'the green man!' They know not to answer the front door and discuss keeping themselves safe. Children's good health is promoted well. They are encouraged to make healthy food choices and fill in a healthy choices star chart, completing the five food groups after meals. Self-serve lunch days provide a buffet style lunch where children are encouraged to try different things. Any specific dietary need are recorded and adhered to. Children's general well-being is fostered as they spend a good deal of time outdoors, benefiting from regular fresh air and exercise. They use the garden and a wide range of equipment, including buckets and spades for digging; they visit the park and go for walks, thereby also promoting their physical skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave very well because the childminder gives lots of one to one attention and children are busy and engaged. They are familiar with the sensible house rules such as, respecting the house and things in it. They learn to share and play turn taking games. Children receive lots of praise which encourages their good behaviour and promotes their self-esteem very well. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 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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