Reaney, Karen

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 300437 Inspection date 08/09/2008 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 1989. She lives with her partner in Westfield, a large residential area in the borough of Sheffield. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities on the first floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The family have cats as pets. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Mosborough Townships Childminders Cooperative. She has a level 3 childcare qualification.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently 10 children on roll of which, four children are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's sense of belonging is expertly fostered though the warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere. They are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met extremely well through personalised planning, rigorous assessments and the childminder successfully engaging with parents. Children develop a high degree of self-confidence and a very healthy self esteem. An exceptional range of activities ensures every child is a competent learner who is confident, feels included, safe and valued.

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further?

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

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further?

 building upon the links established with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

A key strength of the setting is the childminder's commitment to the development and improvement of her practice. She has superior knowledge of the need to reflect on good practice and to continuously improve. For example, the use of the self evaluation form, records of children's assessments and other media, such as photographs and DVD's, evidence her systematic approach to enhancing all aspects of children's care. The childminder has excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and makes highly comprehensive assessments of children's achievements, which inform her innovative planning. For example, children describe their feelings through the making of self portraits as they explore different facial expressions, they draw and build houses using an excellent variety of mediums. This is further extended to look at houses around the world and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

children make houses out of sand saying 'this is like a mud hut in Africa'. There are rigorous systems in place to monitor and evaluate children's progress relative to their starting points. The combination of the childminder's knowledge and skill, and expertise of parents, children are progressing at a rapid rate. The childminder has superb relationships with the children's parents, other professionals and has established very good links with the local settings to secure continuity of experience and care for each child between settings. Parents are extremely active partners and regularly contribute to their child's progress records. Parents' comments in daily diaries are used to update targets for children's development, questionnaires issued to parents for their comments on the quality of care and learning are based around the five outcomes for children and support collaborative working. However, this is in its infancy and the childminder is not yet able to fully

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provision

demonstrate that the care and education she provides compliments the education and care received at other settings. Children are extremely well protected as the childminder has excellent awareness of her role and responsibilities with regards to safeguarding children. A wealth of policies and procedures, which are shared with parents and implemented exceedingly well, provide a very clear sense of direction and significantly enhance the care and learning of children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare, learning and development is promoted extremely successfully by the exceptionally well organised and flexible approach of the childminder. She plans the day carefully, ensuring the arrangements are personalised to meet each child's needs. Children are very settled, feel extremely secure and confident in the childminder's care. The environment is used in a highly effective manner and all resources are of excellent quality. A wealth of experiences and activities, such as small world play with animals, foliage, stones and sand make the activity extremely interesting and encourages children to be active learners. This enlivens children's curiosity and maintains enthusiasm so that they participate eagerly in activities on offer. Displays make the environment extremely welcoming and the presentation of equipment allows for free choice and promotes creativity. The signs, symbols, notices and children's art work predominately displayed promotes value of children's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

work and sustains a successful learning environment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has meticulous risk assessments in place, which are effectively implemented to ensure children are safe and secure at all times. Children learn about their own safety through following the excellent practice of the childminder who is an exceptional role model. Children play board games or listen to stories that highlight the dangers on the road, near electricity, poisonous plants and when climbing stairs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

First class daily opportunities are provided for children to access a rich, vibrant and innovative range of activities. Children develop extremely well because the childminder knows how to engage children's interest encouraging them to explore, investigate and be curious. The childminder communicates constantly with young children, she sings rhymes, and reads books, imitating the sounds of animals to capture babies imagination. Children can be seen modelling story telling as they sit on the settee under a cover re-telling a story, swaying to the words swishy swashy, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 moving their arms in wide movements to indicate going over, under, through and hide under the cover shouting 'were not going on bear hunt again'. Very young children are extremely confident as they explore the movement of a large lid across the floor, moving it faster and faster as they like the sound on the wooden floor.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Babies respond to music played in the background shaking musical bells and swaying their bodies back and forth giggling and expressing wonder as they realise the faster they shake it the more noise it makes. To encourage mark making skills the childminder innovatively uses water, sand and play dough to encourage children who are not yet interested or able to hold pens to make marks and to manipulate an inspiring variety of media. All children develop an excellent sense of worth through the first class interaction, care and attention they receive from the childminder. For example, children respond eagerly to constant praise and encouragement and enjoy the warm caring reassurance from the childminder. They feel good about themselves and show respect for each other and are beginning to manage their own behaviour successfully. The childminder has high expectations and her highly effective use of praise ensures children feel self assured and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

supported. 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? Outstanding The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Outstanding

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the Welfare requirements.

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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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