Ditchfield, Anne

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 322610 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Glynis Margaret Kite

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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 for 18 years. She lives with her husband and two adult children, in Atherton. The lounge, dining room and kitchen on the ground floor are used for childminding purposes and also the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area at the back of the property.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children under eight years old, there are currently six children on roll, four of these are under eight years old. Children may attend on a full and part time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are making excellent progress in their learning and development. Children have wonderful opportunities to engage and explore an extensive range of activities, both indoors and outdoors. Children of all ages are invited to contribute towards the activities provided. There is a good balance of adult led and child initiated play.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder promotes inclusion well. She recognises the unique individual in all of the children and incorporates play plans, which are specific for each child. The childminder has established positive working relationships with parents, ensuring children's needs are met effectively.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is constantly striving to improve the service she offers through self evaluation. As a result, the welfare of children is promoted very well.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop weekly planning records to show the links with the individual play plans already in place

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how she wants her provision to operate. She has put in place a whole range of policies and procedures and the day to day practice reflects these policies well. The childminder is suitably qualified and is keen to access training courses when they are available. She has recently updated her first aid training and attended a course for safeguarding children. The childminder takes the opportunity to review her policies following training and amends them if necessary. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder organises the space and resources effectively, to ensure children get the best out of their time with her. Children have sufficient space to move around freely and safely and they can select toys easily, which are of interest to them. Well documented risk assessments ensure the safety of children and on

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provision

some occasions, children can help the childminder to complete the daily routine check. This raises children's awareness of safety issues, particularly on the premises.

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provision

The childminder offers a warm and welcoming environment to all parents and children. Lots of colourful display boards show parents exactly what their children have been doing. The boards are also a talking point for the children, as they explain what they did and where they went, for example, a visit to a butterfly farm, the child explained that the caterpillar turns into a butterfly. The display boards also show how the childminder has organised activities, which helps to promote children's health and well-being, such as healthy eating and dental hygiene. The childminder has received a certificate for her efforts to introduce healthy eating to children and from this, the children have a clearer understanding of the importance of making healthy choices.

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provision

The childminder has addressed previous recommendations and regularly assesses the provision, through her own style self evaluation. She has also completed a copy of the Ofsted style self evaluation form. The childminder seeks the views of parents through questionnaires, daily discussion and the regular exchange of information, about their children's progress. Parents comments are very positive and acknowledge the progress their children have made, since being in her care and in particular, how children now make healthier choices with meals and snacks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled with the childminder. Effective steps are taken to ensure the overall safety and well-being of all children. Safety equipment is put in place where required, such as safety gates and smoke alarms. Children learn about keeping themselves safe, through well planned and implemented activities. Children have lots of opportunities to engage in physical activities and this is also demonstrated, through the many photographs that the childminder takes. The childminder supports children well, to become independent and to make choices. She ensures that all children can easily access a drink whenever they want to and that they make healthy choices, with regard to meals and snacks. To help children to learn about healthy options, they grow some vegetables, which they later dig up and eat them. Children also enjoy outings, where they can pick strawberries and use them in baking and to make nutritious drinks. All children are provided with

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their own toiletry bags, which promotes good personal hygiene.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are keen and interested learners. They fully engage in the activities and frequently ask questions and chat about what they are doing. For creative play, children are making shakers and then move on to explore jelly. The activity is pitched at the level of the children taking part and as a result, both children are able to participate and gain positive experiences. Children play happily alongside each other and sometimes together. The wide range of quality resources and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities provided, ensures children have fun and enjoy the many experiences offered. Children learn about the wider world through well planned activities, preparations are currently being made for the celebration of Chinese New Year. Positive images are promoted, through the use of good quality books and other resources, which children have access to on a daily basis. Younger children are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

able to explore different textures through creative play and by investigating natural materials, as well as those that are manufactured. All children have opportunities to use information and communication technology, such as computers, games machines, compact disc players and remote controlled toys.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has put in place a system for planning, which takes account of the individual needs of all children and focuses on their stage of development. She plans topics on an annual basis, which she would like to cover throughout the year. She also has monthly and weekly play plans, where she includes the needs of each child. Play plans are based on the six areas of learning for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder is able to make clear judgements about the children's starting points, because she invites parents to complete a booklet for their child, with details of what they can do. This information alongside well recorded observations, ensures children achieve as much as they can.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The positive approach by the childminder to working in partnership with parents, contributes to the children's overall learning and development. Parents are fully informed at all times of what children are doing and the many photographs displayed, provides parents with opportunities to actually see their children having and enjoying new experiences and having lots of fun at the same time. 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? 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints which required an investigation by Ofsted or the provider.

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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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