Meldrum Elaine Clare

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 EY292333 Inspection date 08/12/2008 Inspector Hilary Elizabeth Tierney

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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 lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 13 years in a four-bedroom, detached house on the outskirts of Cheltenham. The home is close to local shops, play parks, primary schools and a library. All of the house is available for the children with the main care taking place on the ground floor. Upstairs bedrooms are available for sleeping. Children have access to a rear garden with patio and grassed areas.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2004. She is on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five all day and eight children over five before and after school. The childminder also cares for three children over eight years of age. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local playgroup, takes children to the local library, park, shops. The childminder has partnership arrangements with other local early years settings. The childminder offers support for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is currently in the process of doing an National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is on the Gloucestershire Cluster of Children Come First Quality Assured Childminding Network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder ensures children are safe and secure through the day, she keeps them fully engaged and interested in their play and learning. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and are making good progress in all areas of their development. Good links with parents, other early years settings and professionals help the childminder ensure she is starting to identify and meet the needs of all children. Detailed policies, procedures and self-evaluation help the childminder identify areas for improvement which are effectively acted on to promote better outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the links between sensitive observational assessments and planning, to include children’s interests, so that all children’s individual needs are met  ensure the visitors' book includes all appropriate information, such as purpose of visit and hours of attendance This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder ensures the safety is a priority and all areas of the home both inside and outside are safe. Clear, detailed risk assessments contribute to this process, especially when children are away from the home on outings. The childminder is careful to check all new visitors' identity and records the date of their attendance, however information such as their purpose of visit and hours of attendance are not recorded. Authorised people to collect children are detailed on forms and a successful password system helps keep children are safe when being collected.

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provision

Detailed policies and procedures and good organisation ensures the smooth running of the day. All these are shared with parents on a regular basis, their views and comments are requested in the form of two-way daily diaries for each child. Close links with parents ensure they contribute to their child's progress. Parents are encouraged to share information on their child's cultural background which includes providing food and information on customs which helps all children develop a knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

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provision

Regular reflection on practice and a positive attitude towards change ensures ongoing improvement. The sharing of information with other professionals contributes to ensure children are well supported, The childminder is able to support well children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder is beginning to develop a system to help her meet the needs of all children, however the observational assessments are not yet linked to the general planning of activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is promoted well, they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Separate hand towels prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is a good role model and has good hygiene routines in place. Children enjoy regular fresh air and exercise through garden play and regular outings to the local farm to feed the horses. Individual dietary needs are well catered for and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure home cooked meals provided meet children's requirements. Children's safety is consistently maintained through well considered routines. Children are given a sense of belonging because the childminder takes time to display their work around the rooms, provide them with their own named coat pegs, hand towels and toothbrushes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are active learners and interact well with each other and the childminder as they play. They enjoy a balanced range of activities suitable for their age. The childminder ensures she includes all children in activities, adapting and helping the younger children when required. For example, an older child wanted to use chalks, so the younger child was also sat down at the table with paper and chalks so they could try to draw. The childminder sensitively helped the younger child, whilst also interacting with the older child as they discussed what colours were being used. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy playing with a variety of resources which they may select for themselves. They enjoy playing musical instruments and singing along to songs. Children have easy access to a wide range of books and take great pleasure in being able to choose them and look at them alone and with the childminder. As

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children listen to stories read to them, they enjoy taking part finding items on the page.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows the children and their families well and is beginning to work with other professionals, which will help her meet the needs of all children in her care. She is formally using assessments and planning to help her identify children's interests and use them to plan activities. The childminder includes parents in this process with the use of verbal communication, two-way daily diaries, newsletters and questionnaires. This helps children settle well into their environment. They are well behaved and understand the boundaries and learn from the good example set by the childminder. 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

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

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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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