Innes, Linda Diane

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 303026 Inspection date 24/03/2009 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her husband and two adult sons in Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a secure garden in which children can play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are six children on roll who attend on a variable basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is extremely motivated and dedicated in her role and provides excellent standards for children's welfare, learning and development within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Outcomes for children are fully promoted within a highly inclusive and welcoming setting in which the uniqueness of every individual is recognised and valued. Partnerships with parents and carers are highly effective in ensuring care is tailored to each child's needs. Rigorous systems for evaluating and monitoring the quality of the provision are accurately used to continuously improve the high quality care offered to each child, and the childminder has fully addressed the recommendation from the last inspection.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to seek out training and development opportunities to further enhance the quality of care for the children.

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provision

The childminder clearly enjoys her work with the children and excellent organisation ensures the service is delivered well, with clear monitoring and self evaluation systems in place. All documentation is meticulously maintained to support the childminder's practice. Policies and procedures comprehensively show how children's health, safety and welfare needs are met and the childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder plans for individual children's learning and assesses their progress, recording observations and photographs in their personal files to share with parents. All resources are of very high quality and robust safety procedures ensure children play safely at all times. Risk assessments identify and minimise hazards and the childminder is extremely vigilant about children's safety and security. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The views of children, parents and extended families are positively included and welcomed and the childminder strives to continuously improve the excellent standards of care. Children and parents express their opinions and compliments in a comments book and the childminder takes these views into account. Self evaluation systems accurately identify strengths of the provision and the childminder is very committed to her own professional development to further enhance the quality of the experiences she offers. The childminder is very flexible and supportive to the families she cares for, recognising that parents know their children best. For example, she adapts the hours of care to suit the parents' needs and she offers a drop-off service within the routine of the day. Excellent communication systems between the childminder and parents fully support children's individual needs and there are effective links between home and the

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provision

setting. Parents are very happy with the service they receive and they nominated the childminder for a 'childcare champions' award which she received in 2008.

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provision

Children are extremely well safeguarded because the childminder has a very secure knowledge of the signs of possible abuse and a thorough understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern or allegation. All safeguarding procedures are robust and readily available to parents, with relevant contact numbers easily accessible if required.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and content in the childminder's care, with close and caring relationships offered as a firm basis for children's welfare, learning and development. The childminder considers every child fully with a clear focus upon their unique needs, enabling her to effectively support their learning and development. Very young children receive high levels of personal attention and their individual needs are managed according to their preferences. For example, the childminder follows their cues sensitively for sleep and feeding, giving plenty of reassurance, cuddles and smiles. The childminder states that 'every child can' and uses this as a basis for providing suitable challenges to meet individual needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Well planned play opportunities enable children to discover and learn. For example, babies enjoy exploring a range of items in a treasure basket and they excitedly bang pans together, enjoying the sound they make. Children of all ages are curious and inquisitive and the childminder supports their ideas for play. For example, older children enjoy doing simple science experiments and they make things such as 'lava lamps'. Children enjoy the outdoors and they learn how to keep themselves healthy through daily routines, such as cleaning their teeth. They grow their own vegetables and compare these with those bought in the shops, discussing the benefits of healthy eating and learning where foods come from. The childminder supports children's individual dietary needs very well, working closely with parents to ensure they have a nutritious, balanced range of foods.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a strong sense of belonging, promoted through the childminder valuing each child. For example, artwork and children's individual photographs are attractively displayed, with posters and mirrors at children's eye level. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 keep their personal belongings in a named drawer and their coat pegs are at their height with their name on. Children's safety and security are given the highest priority and they learn how to keep themselves safe. Visitors to the setting are closely monitored and have to sign in and out. On outings, children wear high visibility jackets or flashing armbands and the childminder uses pram lights where appropriate. Fire and emergency evacuation is practised thoroughly and children understand why this takes place. Secure and rigorous procedures ensure only authorised adults may collect their children. The childminder is very calm and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

patient and children's behaviour is managed effectively through the use of positive strategies, working closely with parents at all times. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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 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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