Childminder in Kirklees

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 10/07/2014 08/04/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 3 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder provides a rich and stimulating environment that enables children to explore and try things out for themselves. As a result, they make good progress in their learning and development.  Children play together happily when with the childminder because she offers them lots of praise for their achievements and effectively manages their behaviour.  Children are encouraged to develop independence skills. Therefore, they are well prepared for their next stage of learning.  The childminder is experienced and has a thorough understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This has provided her with a secure foundation to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to provide children with stimulating and safe experiences.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 The childminder does not always make the very best use of older children's self- directed and imaginative play to extend their skills in critical thinking.  The childminder does not maximise opportunities for parents to share regularly what their children are doing and learning at home, so that this can be taken into account when planning activities.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder engaging in a range of indoor and outdoor play and learning activities, and daily care routines with the children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector held discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records and at their learning journals. The inspector also reviewed planning documentation and at a range of other supporting documentation, including safeguarding procedures.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability and qualifications of the childminder and held discussions with her regarding her evaluation of her setting.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector also took account of the views of parents and children contained within a questionnaire undertaken by the childminder.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2008 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 11 years in the Cowlersley area of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The whole of the ground floor and upstairs bathroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. Access to the premises at the front and rear of the property is via several stone steps. The childminder drives or walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local toddler group, park and play gyms. The family has a small pet dog. The childminder holds an early years qualification level 3. There are currently five children on roll, of whom three are in the early years age group and two are over eight years of age. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder is open all year round from 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to

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Information about the setting

Friday and occasional weekends, except for during family holidays.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 enhance the critical thinking skills of older children by devising even better ways to build on their self-directed and imaginative play

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 maximise the opportunities for parents to share regularly what their children are doing and learning at home and build this information into the planning of activities.

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who attend

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides good quality and interesting play opportunities that children enjoy. She supports children's development fully because she understands the importance of getting to know each child very well. Therefore, she obtains detailed information from parents about what children like and can do through an 'All about me' form. The childminder undertakes regular, indepth observations of children, which she uses to plan activities that support them to make progress in their next steps of learning. For example, she aids children in developing the coordination skills needed for writing that they will need when they move on to school by providing lots of different activities that enable them to grip objects. This includes drawing, painting, chalking and making marks when playing in the sand. The childminder encourages children to develop

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who attend

their physical abilities as they have daily opportunities to play, balance, run and jump outside and have regular trips to the local play park with large climbing and orienteering equipment. The childminder makes careful notes to ensure that each child is reaching their full potential across all seven areas of learning. She completes the progress check for children between the ages of two and three years and she shares this with parents to ensure that they are provided with clear information about their child's development. She maintains an individual learning file for each child that contains lots of interesting photos and art work for parents to view, alongside her evaluations. Parents are provided with opportunities to read these and each month, sign to say they have seen them. The childminder talks to parents, when they collect children, about what they have been doing that day, which enables parents to continue this at home, should they wish. However, the childminder

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who attend

does not gather information from parents about what children like doing at home and the different experiences they have there, for example, visits to places of interest, people coming to stay with them or special events. This prevents her from extending these experiences for children in her setting to consolidate what they already know and by adding new dimension to their existing learning.

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who attend

Children choose where they play, indoors or outdoors and have an extensive range of toys and equipment available. The childminder stores these in containers that they can easily reach, labelled in print, which helps them to learn words. The childminder supports children to lead their own play, offering them a wide ride range of resources and choices. This enables children to engage in activities which interest them. Therefore, older children remain motivated and sustain their interest over extended periods of time, learning as they play. For example, when children play with toy trains and build track, the childminder asks them to identify the colours and numbers of the trains that they are using. She talks to them about what they could build and gently gives them useful suggestions that support them to try out new ideas. However, when children play imaginatively and talk about the journeys they are going on, the childminder does not always ask questions that

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who attend

maximise these opportunities for children to develop their own ideas. The childminder supports babies to learn as they build brick towers together and she gives them lots of time to use their own talents in building, intervening quickly when she senses that they are getting bored. The childminder places a high priority in supporting young children to develop their communication and language skills and ensures that she gets down to their level and speaks clearly and directly to them using simple words that they can repeat. She sings favourite songs to children over and again, each time enthusing children to join in through her tone and facial expressions.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder provides a homely and welcoming environment for children and their parents. Children settle rapidly within her care because she sensitively lets them take things at their own pace. Older children enjoy the responsibility of helping new children get to know their way around and show them where to find the toys. This is of benefit to both the newly arrived children, who soon feel as though they belong, and to the more established children, who learn to care for others. The childminder caters very well for the emotional needs of young children and babies because she is quick to notice when they are tired and grizzly. She picks up babies and cuddles them, checking to see if they are ready for a nap. Parents are provided with reassurance as to how their child is settling-in, as the childminder uses a mobile phone application to securely send photos and text messages to them.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder promotes children's good health and well-being. They accompany her on trips to the dentist which supports them to learn about the importance of good dental care and not to be afraid of dentists. Children are encouraged to be involved in the menu choices and the childminder uses these discussions to reinforce healthy eating habits. Children happily finish off their meals because the childminder provides nutritious home cooked food, such as vegetable bolognese and fresh fruit, which the children really enjoy. Children's independence skills are furthered as they help themselves to fresh water from a dispenser on the draining board. They pour the water into their own coloured beakers that they take from a low-level drawer in the kitchen. This also helps prevent cross-infection, as each child uses their own cup. Children learn about animals and caring for them as the childminder has a small, pet dog, who calmly watches them as they play. Hygiene is

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

promoted positively to children, which enables them to learn the importance of washing their hands and when to do this. Young children's privacy is respected because the childminder encourages them to use the potty hidden from immediate view.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children have access to fresh air daily as they generally walk to local schools and pre- schools, although, on occasions, the childminder takes them in her car when this is more appropriate to the ages and needs of children within her care. She uses the opportunity of being outside to help children learn about road safety and ensures that walking children stay close to her. Children's safety in the home is well-assured as the childminder asks them to keep their shoes on, so that they don't slip on the floor. She teaches young children to safely manage the stone steps to the outdoor area, remaining close to hand to avoid accidents in case they suddenly stumble. Children of all ages play very well alongside each other because the childminder adopts successful ways of managing behaviour. For example, she explains to children why they should not grab toys from another. She praises children when they give the toy back and finds a suitable substitute

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

so that their generosity is rewarded. The childminder celebrates children's achievements by sticking a leaf on a large 'Wow!' paper tree. In this way, children learn to be proud of their talents and successes, while also learning how to play cooperatively together. This prepares them well emotionally and socially for their future transitions to other settings and eventually to school when the time comes.

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provision

The childminder has an effective understanding of her responsibilities in meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. All relevant policies and procedures are in place and are updated on an annual basis. These policies include having a pet in her home. Parents are made fully aware of all her policies before children start attending. Her knowledge of child protection issues is secure because she has refreshed her understanding through safeguarding training. The childminder is therefore fully aware of the potential signs of abuse and neglect and keeps up-to-date with the procedures for reporting concerns. She is careful to ensure that visitors to her home do not use a mobile phone when children are present. In addition, she has effective procedures and risk assessments in place to ensure she keeps children safe on outings or at home. When she identifies a potential hazard, such as a broken window pane in the

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provision

outdoor play house, she is quick to rectify this before children are present by securely covering it up on both sides.

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provision

The childminder has a childcare qualification at level 3 and uses her knowledge well to teach children through play-based learning. She demonstrates a secure understanding of the areas of learning and makes sure that the educational programmes she provides are specifically geared to children's individual interests and needs. There is a broad range of activities offered which take place inside and outside of her home. She undertakes thorough assessments of children, which means that she can precisely identify their stage of development and when they may require additional support. The childminder develops her own skills by attending various training courses that enhance the learning she provides to children. For example, she has completed a language and communication course and behaviour management course. She has also booked to update her first-aid course to ensure children's continued well-being and safety.

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provision

The childminder is fully committed to providing children with high quality care and education. Since the last inspection she has improved her use of observation as recommended and this has improved the learning experiences that children have. She has yet to undertake a written self-evaluation as was suggested, however, she reflects on the service she provides and through discussion, the childminder accurately identifies her own strengths and seeks the views of parents and children to improve her provision. For example, she asks parents to complete a questionnaire on a six-monthly basis and uses this information to inform her choices when buying new resources. The childminder has established purposeful relationships with the local schools and pre-schools. She ensures that she shares information regarding children interests and progress to ensure a successful transition when children move on from her care.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY385053 Local authority Kirklees Inspection number 878934 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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