McHugh, Suzanne Lesley

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 EY366288 Inspection date 07/01/2009 Inspector Denise Sixsmith

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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 2008. She lives in her family home with her husband and two children aged six and four years. They live in Penwortham, Lancashire, close to local shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and two bedrooms and a bathroom are used on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time under the age of eight years. There are currently a total of 10 children on roll aged from 10 months to 10 years. Five of the children are in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that the children’s individual needs are met well and that all children are valued. She uses effective information sharing systems with parents to promote children's welfare. The childminder's detailed knowledge of the children and her individual interactions with them ensures that they make good progress in their learning and development. Effective policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents. However, the systems for self-evaluation and the seeking of information from significant others for those children that receive shared care with other settings are less well developed. Overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop system to ensure that sufficient information is gained from other settings who provide the main part of the child's education and care to ensure that any activities provided are appropriate and compliment the individual child’s needs at that time of the day  develop a self assesment system to enable clear identification of targets for further improvement in the service offered.  develop the indoor and outdoor risk assesment records to ensure they meet the same high level as the outings assesments.

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provision

The childminder is well organised and has taken time to research information about childminding to assist her to provide a good quality service. She has taken time to attend training to enhance her knowledge and understanding of the EYFS. All documentation is clear, well-organised and covers all aspects of the care provided. However, the system of self-evaluation is not as well developed. Well This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 written policies and procedures are in place and followed to safeguard the children and protect their welfare. They effectively inform parents about the childminder's approach to childcare and development. She has good systems in place to ensure that all required information about the children’s needs are in place prior to them starting with her to ensure continuity of care is promoted effectively. Daily liaison with parents is generally verbal, although the childminder does have a prepared

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provision

information form in place. She values all the children and talks warmly about the ones not present at the time of the inspection. The childminder gets to know children and their families very well so that all children feel confident and secure in her care. She ensures that she has up to date training in first aid and a fully stocked first aid box is in place to enable the childminder to confidently deal with first aid emergencies. Important information about accidents and medication is always in writing and signed by parents. The childminder uses various check lists to monitor children's health and safety, such as risk assessment and fire drills, however, the indoor and outdoor risk assessments are not as well developed as the ones in place for outings.

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provision

The childminder organises her home very well to ensure children have space to play and move around freely. She provides a range of activities and outings that children enjoy and that also promote their learning and understanding. She has begun to develop good flexible planning for the children's activities based on observations, identified next steps, children's interests and information shared with parents. All six areas of learning are covered in the planning and resources provided for the children. However, systems are not yet sufficiently developed to include a shared approach with others who provide the EYFS for the children. There is clear information for parents about her approach to all aspects of childcare, such as behaviour management and all safeguarding guidance is in place in a clear written policy that is signed individually by parents. This confirms the childminder's clear intention and ability to protect children and safeguard their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very confident and happy in the company of the childminder, showing their affection with hugs and cuddles. The childminder ensures that children spend time in the fresh air with a choice of outdoor garden play, visits to the park and local outside organised events. For example, open days at farms, library sessions and parent and toddler groups. Ample opportunity is provided to enable the children to develop their social skills and understanding of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses lots of praise and positive dialogue with the children, consequently, children behave well. They are reminded to be kind to each other, careful with toys and gentle in their approach to the large fish tank so that they do not frighten the fish. Written positive behaviour rules are shared with parents and the childminder reminds the children of these to reinforce positive behaviour. Children are encouraged to share resources and work together, for example, on return from school they play a variety of table top games together and the childminder's own children share their new Christmas games. The warm caring relationships that children develop with the childminder and her family create a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stable emotional environment where children are settled and develop their confidence. For example, the childminder chats pleasantly and naturally as she

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

changes children's nappies and the young children respond verbally with babble and giggles. They point to the pictures during storey time while sitting on the childminder's knee while she assists them to develop their vocabulary and counting. Children enjoy mixing icing and decorating small cakes as well as 'squidging' them between their fingers. The children are provided with challenging and interesting experiences that form the early building blocks for future life skills and their economic well-being.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is maintained well as they play in a very clean and homely environment. The risk of infection is minimised as the childminder encourages the children to wash their hands at appropriate times and ensures that disposable towels are in place for their use. Children's individual routine care needs, such as rest, sleep and meal times are acknowledged and met in conjunction with working in partnership with parents. Snack times are relaxed occasions where children are given time to enjoy their healthy food at a leisurely pace. Drinks are readily available for the children and a quiet area is available for sleep and rest periods ensuring that the children are appropriately hydrated, rested and comfortable. Children learn to stay safe because the childminder has developed an emergency escape plan which she practises with them and she also talks about being safe on the roads and 'stranger danger' when they are on outings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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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