Harris, Catherine Susan

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY297412 Inspection date 01/10/2008 Inspector Susan Tuffnell

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her three children aged 15, 11 and five in a village near Bedford, Bedfordshire. The ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The premises are accessible by a low step at the front entrance.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to provide care on a weekday during term time and school holidays. She is registered to provide three places for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and there are four children currently attending on part-time and flexible arrangements in this age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Compulsory and Voluntary Childcare Register. Children occupying these places share the same facilities as the children in the Early Years age range. These are currently no children on roll in this age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an NNEB certificate and Cache Level 3 Certificate in Childminding.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides very well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She offers a safe and welcoming environment and supports them effectively as they benefit from the well-planned and imaginative activities. The close partnership with parents contributes significantly to ensuring that the individual needs of all the children are met. Children are valued at the setting because the childminder has a clear understanding of diversity and equal opportunities. She uses this knowledge to ensure that planning includes activities and equipment that promote positive awareness of the wider world. The childminder uses effective procedures for evaluating her practice and has a very clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses. Priorities for improvement in her self-evaluation show that she continuously strives to provide the very best care and education for the children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 ensure that children's identified learning needs are carried forward, implemented into future planning and evaluated to give a clear picture of progress.

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder's clear procedures for monitoring and evaluating her practice mean that she is aware of all areas for improvement. Regular questionnaires are used to gain information from parents. The childminder's positive attitude to this feedback ensures that she is proactive in implementing changes where needed. Information collected from observations are used to evaluate the impact of the educational programme on each individual child. Parents and carers and other agencies are involved as partners in promoting children’s learning and development. For example, parents are encouraged to help with observations of their children as they comment in the pink assessment books. Parents greatly appreciate the close links encouraged by the childminder and feel they are kept well informed of their children's progress. The childminder's excellent safeguarding

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provision

policies include comprehensive risk assessments to ensure that children are protected at all times.

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provision

The childminder has an outstanding attitude to her own training and development which has led to a rich and varied educational experience for the children. Her exceptional work in forging excellent partnerships with parents and schools also ensures that children's care is consistent and they are able to make very good progress. For example, the childminder informs the children's pre-school setting in writing about the minding arrangements and gives an excellent description of their educational progress and their individual needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are consistently offered an extensive range of opportunities that supports them in making excellent progress in all areas of learning and development. The highly individual and flexible approach to planning ensures that children's uniqueness is valued and their interests and needs are always included. For example, children lead and follow their own interests as they investigate mini-beasts through a variety of activities instigated by them. Comprehensive observations and assessments enable the childminder to provide appropriate activities. However, although evaluations are clearly defined they are not shown in the future planning for the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The imaginative planning ensures that children enjoy stimulating activities and are encouraged to explore the natural environment such as collecting leaves and cones for art and craft work. They show fascination as they look closely at mini-beasts and study the movements of small creatures. Children help grow tomatoes and lettuce to eat as part of their understanding about healthy eating and they learn about growth and structure as the sunflower plants end their growth cycle. Children's understanding of the natural world is greatly enhanced by interesting topics. For example, the children watch the birds in the garden and identify and name them on a chart near the door. A visit to a butterfly park inspires the children to create butterfly paintings and a feather found in the garden becomes a source of fascination and a treasured find.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes sure that her house and resources are interesting, attractive and accessible to every child. Low storage units ensure that even the youngest children are able to see the toys and make choices. The bright and stimulating play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 room is decorated with lots of interesting posters and attractive displays of children's art and craft work. Children are positively encouraged to be active in their learning, to reason and to work together. For example, children are fully involved in the 'footprint' activity. They draw around each other's feet and compare sizes using good examples of mathematical language. Children recognise the first letter of their name and are able to sound out all the letters with the childminder's help. The consistent support gives children the confidence to express their ideas, explore

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The inspirational environment and sensitive support enable children to develop their independence and ideas. For example, young children recreate the experience of a bus ride by building a bus from wooden blocks and organising their own role play to further develop their thoughts and ideas. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's outstanding attitude to free-flow opportunities which enable them to move independently from the playroom to the garden. The children learn about the importance of the correct clothing for all weathers and move equipment around the setting while learning first hand about weather, seasons, and the natural world. Children's learning is further extended by regular visits to the library, local parks, bus and train journeys, gym clubs, airports and children's farms. Their enthusiasm and natural curiosity is nurtured by introducing them to sensory experiences. For example, children enjoy making music at the discovery centre using large outdoor

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment because the childminder has an excellent knowledge of this area. She has completed a thorough risk assessment which covers all areas of the home, garden and outings. Young children are beginning to understand about taking care of themselves and others as they practise regular fire drills and help tidy the playroom. The childminder has a clear understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and has ensured that she has relevant information and contact details. She has recently completed training in this area to further enhance her knowledge and 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Outstanding How well are children helped to be healthy? Outstanding How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Outstanding How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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