Hardwick, Tracey Beverley

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 EY374423 Inspection date 24/11/2008 Inspector Sarah Measures

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 6 years, 11 years and 13 years, in a house in a residential area of the village of Brixworth, Northamptonshire. The whole of the childminder's house is available for minding and all children share access to a secure garden for outdoor play. Minding mainly takes place on the ground floor and toilet facilities are available on this floor. The childminder is registered to care for five children on the Early Years Childcare Registers, she is also registered to care for older children on the Childcare and the Voluntary Childcare registers . The family has a pet dog and two gerbils. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has links with local schools, toddler groups and pre-schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She places a high priority upon meeting children's individual needs in order for them to feel a valued part of the setting. Clear policies are in place to promote an inclusive provision for children who are encouraged to value and respect others. The childminder is able to identify her own strengths and weaknesses which means she is able to effectively monitor the quality of the provision for children. She is committed to offering children and parents a quality service

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the provision for young children to explore with colour and texture  make sure that information regarding how to make a complaint is readily available to parents.

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provision

The childminder uses the Early Years Foundation Stage as a working document in order to effectively promote children's welfare and their learning and development. The childminder capably and comprehensively reflects upon her practice in order to plan for continual improvement. She works well with parents in order to understand children's individual routines and needs. This helps children to settle and feel secure. Good, close relationship are in place between the childminder and minded children. The childminder has well organised routines that put the needs of the children first. She uses information gained from parents and observes the children in order to assess their developmental needs. She then plans activities that stimulate and interest children who have fun as they learn and play.

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provision

Children are well safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how to refer any concerns in line with Local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Secure procedures are in place that ensure children are safely collected by appropriate persons. The childminder has a policy for dealing with complaints, however this is not readily available for parents in order to offer a transparent service that fully protects children. Overall, good and well presented policies and procedures are used successfully promote children's welfare and their learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy and benefit from a good range of fun learning opportunities in and out of the home. They choose freely from a range of good quality toys and learning resources that are creatively organised in order to offer them a stimulating and welcoming environment. Toys and activities that are carefully chosen to ensure they challenge and interest children are easily accessible in order to promote children's independence and to encourage them to explore and investigate. A good range of sensory and physical equipment is available to support the developmental needs of very young children. However, painting activities are not offered to the younger children in order to help them to explore creatively and to develop confidence because such activities are mainly provided for the older pre-school aged children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder interacts with the children in a warm and caring manner. Ongoing and carefully constructed discussions and conversations encourage children's learning and ensure they feel valued and involved. Children are well behaved because they feel secure and are well occupied. They learn responsible behaviours because the childminder acts as a good role model and actively encourages them to respect and consider others. For example, the older children are encouraged to help and consider the needs of the younger children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is well promoted because they enjoy regular opportunities for outdoor play as they go on walks and use large play equipment when they visit local parks and use the childminder's garden. Parents provide all meals in order to ensure all dietary needs are met. Clear hygiene and sickness policies are in place to ensure children are well protected from infection and suitably cared for if they become ill.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Comprehensive risk assessments that demonstrate the childminder's good understanding of safety issues are conducted across the provision in order to maintain children's safety. The childminder supervises children closely and organises her home so children can access areas used safely and freely. Children are encouraged to keep themselves safe as the childminder teaches them about road safety when they are out and about. Well maintained systems are in place to keep records that are effectively used to promote children's health and safety. 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? 2 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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 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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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 registration.

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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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