Oldfield, Alison Victoria

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 EY103342 Inspection date 13/10/2008 Inspector Sheila Iwaskow

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, six and two years in Flixton. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes; this comprises of the computer room, kitchen, lounge and conservatory. Toilet facilities are on the first floor. Access is gained to the property at the front of the house on the ground floor level. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a tortoise.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time on the Early Years Register and the Compulsory part of the Child care Register. To allow her to care for older children the childminder is also registered on the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are currently four children on roll who attend on a variety of placements; of these two children are on the Early Years Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to take and collect children from a local primary school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an appropriate early years qualification. Links have been established with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS)

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

A welcoming and inclusive service is provided for all children. The childminder's knowledge of the children enables her to provided a service where individual needs are met. Children are happy and settled. Activities provided are age related, exciting and capture the imagination and interest of the children. Children make good progress in their learning. Positive working relationships have been established with parents. Areas for further improvement centre around the planning of activities, procedures for self evaluation and parental involvement in their children's learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further planning systems to show that a broad and balanced curriculum is being delivered and improve partnership with parents to establish clear starting points for their childen's learning  continue to develop procedures to monitor and evaluate the provision. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment for each individual outing and keep a record stating when it was carried out. 28/10/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Close attention is paid to safeguarding children. The childminder clearly understands the signs of abuse and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child. Comprehensive risk assessments have been carried out with regard to the premises, toys and equipment. However, formalised risk assessments for outings are not yet in place. This weakness in documentation has no significant impact on children as the childminder is able to demonstrate through her policies on health and safety how she keeps children safe when out on trips. All other aspects of documentation are in place and organised to respect confidentiality.

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provision

The childminder is committed to meeting individual needs and has accessed a wealth of training to support her on-going professional development. In addition, since her last inspection she has completed a nationally recognised child care qualification. Steps are being taken by the childminder to critically analyse her practice, however, these systems are not yet fully developed. All the recommendations made at the last inspection have been met in full.

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provision

The childminder works well with parents and other support agencies. A wide range of well written policies has been devised which gives parents an in-depth understanding of the childminder's working practices. She takes time at the end of the day to discuss children's progress and development. The childminder works with other providers of the EYFS to ensure continuity in the care and education of children. Letters from parents indicate that they have a high regard for the care afforded to their children. However, parents are not fully involved in children's initial assessments which identify their starting points in relation to the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Young children thrive on the high levels of interaction from the childminder. All her time is spent constructively playing with the children and following their lead. The childminder has a good understanding of the EYFS curriculum and of what children like and can do. This allows her to provide activities which build on and extend children's learning. All six areas of learning are well promoted as children play. Weekly play plans are in place. However, they do not effectively monitor the breadth and balance of the curriculum being delivered to the children. The childminder has started to make written observations of children's progress and identify the next stages of children's learning in consultation with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children speak confidently, are keen to learn and try out new ideas, such as learning to use scissors independently. The frequent use of praise by the childminder helps to develop children's self-esteem. Communication skills are well supported through good quality interactions which helps children to develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being. The childminder consistently talks to the children, introducing new and interesting words, such as 'glittery' and 'sparkly' to help enrich children's conversations. Children enjoy listening to stories This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and alongside regular visits to the library helps to foster their love of books. Mathematical skills are well promoted as children play. For example, they eagerly count in sequence, identify the colour of the felt tip pen and count the number of legs on the spider. A varied range of opportunities are available for children to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

explore the world around them. For example, they observe growth as they plant tomatoes in the back garden, feed the ducks at the park and help care for the childminder's pet tortoise. Other cultures are respected through planned activities and the availability of good quality resources. Children develop life skills as they engage in meaningful role play and display their creative talents through a varied range of art activities, song and dance.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good use is made of space to promote the needs of all children and to encourage them to become independent and inquisitive learners. Resources are easily accessible and children move freely from the house to the back garden through the patio doors. Children play out in all weathers and develop their physical skills as they ride on wheeled toys and throw and catch balls in the back garden.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being is well promoted. Hand washing is incorporated into the daily routine and regular discussions about germs help children understand the underlying concepts of good hygiene practices. Good procedures are in place to raise children's awareness of personal safety. They take part in regular recorded fire drills and are made aware of road 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

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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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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