Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY362452 Inspection date 26/04/2012 Inspector Catherine Curl

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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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her children aged seven months and eight years in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding. The rear garden is used for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range over the age of one. When working with an assistant this can increase to eight children, of whom no more than five can be in the early years age group and no more than one under the age of one. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder takes children to and from the local school. She regularly attends toddlers groups. She holds a level 3 early years qualification.

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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, safe and happy environment for children where they are valued as individuals. A strong relationship and a calm happy atmosphere create a secure environment for children. This means that children make good progress in their learning. A good understanding of the importance of partnerships with parents and carers places children at the centre of the practice. Overall, a detailed knowledge of children's welfare and development provides them with generally good levels of challenge. This ensures that the needs of all children are met. Effective self-evaluation shows a commitment to further improving outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a record of complaints for a minimum period of three years  create further opportunities for moving towards independence, for example, have hand washing facilities safely within reach.

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the early years provision

Comprehensive knowledge of local safeguarding policies along with effective procedures to manage any concerns ensures children are protected in the setting. The childminder has detailed policies and procedures in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of her provision. The childminder deals effectively with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 any complaints about the provision. However, she has not kept a record of all complaints over the last three years. This means that parents are not able to access all information to support their decision about the suitability of the childcare for their child. All adults working directly with the children have undergone vetting procedures. This ensures their suitability to be in the presence of children. The premises are well maintained and secure. Detailed written risk assessments of the premises keep children safe. The emergency escape plan is in place and practised

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the early years provision

regularly. This enhances children's safety while on the premises.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of children's development and uses this to support children in their learning. Good partnerships with parents provide children with care which meets their individual needs. A commitment to improving outcomes for children drives the childminder to develop her skills and knowledge. For example, she has gained a childcare qualification, which demonstrates she is fully committed to developing the quality of her provision for all children. She evaluates her practice, identifying areas for development. She has addressed previous recommendations. For example, there is a full range of accessible resources that help children to develop a positive attitude to difference, which promotes children's understanding of equal opportunities for all.

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the early years provision

The childminder has good partnerships with the local authority and other providers and uses these effectively to enhance all aspects of her provision, improving outcomes for all children. For example, she speaks to teachers about children's time in school and uses this information to provide continuity of care for children. The childminder seeks feedback from parents about the quality of her provision through regular questionnaires. She readily adapts her practice to accommodate the wishes and feelings of children and families. She places a strong emphasis on valuing individual children. For example, she asked children to decide what resources they would like to purchase when she secured an improvement grant. This ensures children are listened to, respected and fully included.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a strong sense of security and are happy in the childminder's care. They show they feel safe when they confidently chat to her during lunchtime. They start conversations and talk about their home life. The childminder provides children with choices throughout their day. This helps children to feel a sense of control over their day. For example, children decide what activities they take part in. They also choose not to do something, such as, be a crocodile in an imaginary game. Children learn to move safely around the home because the childminder teaches them about keeping safe and being careful on the stairs. Children demonstrate they understand by saying 'we might trip and fall'.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about eating healthy food and making healthy choices because the childminder promotes healthy eating. For example, children are offered a choice after lunch of yogurt, fruit or cake. Drinks are available for children to independently access, which ensures they are hydrated and maintains This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 concentration. Overall, children effectively develop their awareness of hygiene issues because the childminder encourages them to wash their own hands after using the toilet and after eating. However, hand washing facilities are not readily accessible to children downstairs. This means that children may not fully develop their awareness of their own hygiene needs. There are lots of opportunities for daily physical exercise and fresh air. They have access to the back garden, where they can climb the slide or pedal a bike. They go on regular walks to and from the

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and outcomes for children

local school. This means they learn the benefits of an active lifestyle well.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children regularly and notes their interests. She supports children's learning in a friendly and positive way and her ability to communicate effectively with children is a key strength. Consequently, children thrive and make good progress in their learning in relation to their starting points. Children are provided with a broad range of activities that enhance all aspects of their learning. The childminder provides a rhyme activity when children pull a wooden shape from a bag this makes the activity interesting and exciting. When children search through cards to match their chosen shape to a picture they develop their mathematical understanding of shapes. Singing the nursery rhymes and seeing the printed helps children to link sounds to letters, which develops their early reading skills. Children's writing skills are effectively promoted because the childminder provides each child with a book and writing materials. They independently access

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and outcomes for children

these, making marks which develops their early writing skills. Children are developing very good skills for the future as they actively explore the environment. They have access to a range of information communication technology. The childminder uses a computer with the children to gain information about current topics. For example, they access websites to learn about spring. Children also use cause and effect toys, lift the flap books and wind up torches in a dark den. Children display high levels of concentration in their play, which is promoting their positive disposition and attitude to learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder listens to the children. They are involved in the creation of house rules. For example, they discuss the reasons for rules and agree to eat at the table, treat furniture and toys with respect. The childminder shares these rules with parents, which provides children with consistent boundaries. They understand what is expected of them. Children make relationships when they have opportunities to play together and care for each other. Books and activities that promote other cultures and religions provide positive images of diverse communities. The childminder has a positive attitude to diversity and skilfully supports children to have a positive attitude to people who are different to themselves. For example, children comment about being scared when they see a lady in a burkha. The childminder sensitively explains to children cultural differences to support them in their understanding. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep a written record, for a period of three years, of complaints made by parents in writing or by email. Including the outcome of the investigation and the action the provider took in response.(Procedures for dealing with complaints)(also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 10/05/2012

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory Childcare Register section of the report.(Procedures for dealing with complaints). 10/05/2012

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