Marks Santy

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 EY301698 Inspection date 21/04/2009 Inspector Hayley Lapworth

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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 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 2005. She lives with her husband and their three children in Hinckley, Leicestershire. The downstairs of the premises is used for childminding, along with the bathroom and four bedrooms upstairs. The premises is accessible and there are stairs leading to the first floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time, two of these can be within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are currently two children on roll, both of whom are in the early years age group and attend on a part-time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder is very friendly and she provides a very clean and welcoming environment. She has some understanding of the Early Years foundation Stage (EYFS) and she sufficiently promotes children's welfare and learning. As a result children make satisfactory progress. She is beginning to develop systems for planning, observation and assessment to support their learning. The childminder suitably promotes inclusion and is presently considering the setting's strengths and weaknesses in order to improve practise. Children's safety is being considered in some areas, although risk assessments are not fully developed. Most required documentation is suitably maintained.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop futher understanding of the six areas of learning, with particular referance to problem solving, number and reasoning and develop assessments in order to clearly identify children's next steps in thier learning  make sure the registers of children's attendance are effectively maintained at all times.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 make sure risk assessments are in place for anything a child may come into contact with, including outings.(Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 15/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminding provision is suitably organised; the childminder has most documentation in place to promote the welfare of children. However, the record of attendance is not always effectively maintained. Consequently this potentially impacts upon the children's safety. Policies and procedures to safeguard children are in place and daily checks of the premises are carried out. However, formal risk assessments are not in place to identify and ensure action is taken in order to protect children from hazards both inside, outside or whilst on outings. The childminder understands her role in safeguarding children and is aware of the appropriate procedures to put into practice when necessary. This means children are kept safe from harm.

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provision

The childminder has good relationships with parents and carers; she has a very pleasant, caring nature and makes all parents and visitors very welcome. She talks with parents and shares written information with parents so that they feel reassured. For example, at the onset of placement she finds out about their likes, dislikes and general routines. Some Information is gathered from parents about their child before they start so that the childminder knows children's individual interests and needs. The childminder gives verbal feedback each day so that parents are informed of their child’s day. There is also a wealth of information displayed for parents. For example reminders of dates to register children into school and local services such as the 'play bus'.

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provision

The childminder is beginning to reflect on her practice and has begun to identify some of her own areas of strength and areas which require improvement. She involves the children in this process as she asks them to write about the service she provides for prospective parents to read. The childminder has a positive attitude to liaising with other providers delivering the (EYFS) and is aware of developing links with these settings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has some understanding of how young children learn, their individual abilities and interests; children are happy in her care and enjoy time in her home. They are encouraged to participate in suitable play opportunities that help them to learn and develop. However, the childminder lacks in confidence in some areas and her understanding of the six areas and assessments of children's learning are not yet fully secure. As a result not all areas are fully promoted or are children's next stages in their learning always identified. Potentially this may restrict some areas of their development. That said, children experience many fun activities which are lead by their spontaneous interests.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude towards treating the children as individuals and sufficiently promotes inclusion. Children's behaviour is generally good and they are suitably learning about the world around them as they access resources depicting positive images. They are encouraged to talk about their observations when they are out in the local community. For example on a recent trip they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 watched soldiers and a band in a welcoming home parade, they talked about what soldiers do and about the sounds the instruments made.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Communication, language and literacy is promoted well in this setting. This is because the children are surrounded by books and the childminder talks to the children during their play and asks them questions that make them think. For example during a story with props about 'The Three Little Pigs' she asked them which house was safe and why. Children regularly access books for themselves and imitate the telling of a story that the childminder has previously read to them using expression and changing the tone of their voice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures children have opportunities to play outdoors and access fresh air. They enjoy healthy foods at meal times and the childminder gathers clear information about children’s dietary needs to ensure that they can eat safely. The childminder maintains a clean hygienic environment where children are actively involved in their own personal care. The childminder ensures potential cross- contamination is kept to a minimum as she provides the children with individual hand towels and wears gloves when changing young children's nappies. She ensures she can respond appropriately if a child becomes ill or has an accident and she holds a current first aid certificate. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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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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