Younger, Alexandra

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 EY301796 Inspection date 10/02/2009 Inspector Anthea Errington

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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 2003. She lives with her partner and two young children. They live in the residential area of Ashington, Northumberland. The childminder’s home is accessed by a ramp. The whole of the ground floor excluding the dining area is used for childminding. This includes a spacious lounge, kitchen and bathroom. On the first floor a further bathroom is available and the two children's bedrooms. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. There are currently five children on roll. The childminder cares for children weekdays throughout the year. The childminder has completed a relevant training course and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She takes children to and collects them from local schools and attends

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Description of the childminding

local toddler groups. The family has a pet rabbit.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a considerably calm, caring and inclusive environment where they are highly valued. The childminder has a thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and plans activities in line with the six areas of learning. She places significant importance on children's individual learning and development, therefore children make very good progress. The childminder skilfully attends to children's personal needs, however, procedures with regard to children's health and well- being are not always fully implemented. The childminder is aware of the importance in maintaining continuous improvement and effectively uses self evaluation documents to enable her to achieve this.

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further?

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

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further?

 taking all necessary steps to ensure that hazards to children are minimised by ensuring they are given the opportunity to clean and wash their hands before meals and snacks.

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provision

The childminder is extremely skilled in her supervision of all minded children and attends to their individual needs in a calm, reassuring and professional manner. However, children are not always given the opportunity to wash their hands before meals and snacks, which does not fully support their health and well-being. Children move around confidently in the very well organised provision making choices from the considerable range of toys and resources. Relevant training This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 courses have been attended in relation to early years to develop the childminder's understanding of good quality childcare and she is currently working towards a level 3 National Vocational Qualification in childcare and development and a recognised Quality First qualification. The childminder uses her observation and assessment skills well to identify children's stages of development to enable her to

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provision

plan effectively for their next steps of learning.

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provision

Children's learning and development are recorded in their individual files, which the childminder shares with parents to keep them fully informed of their children's learning and progress. The childminder is fully committed to developing good positive working relationships with parents. They benefit from the very well organised, informative policies and procedures which are personal to the setting and of the friendly and welcoming approach they receive. This is further enhanced by the provision of written information the childminder provides with regard to the EYFS and general information of the care she provides. Parents are extremely positive with regard to the care their children receive and the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards working closely with other providers to ensure continuity of care and learning for children.

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provision

Comprehensive and well organised documents required for the safe management of the provision are in place and are very well maintained. The childminder understands her role in safeguarding children as fundamental and is confident and knowledgeable in the procedures she is required to take should she be concerned about a child in her care. Comprehensive written risk assessments including checks for indoors, outdoors and outings are in place, which ensures that children are cared for in a very safe environment. Safety gates, socket covers and a record of visitors further protect children's safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making extremely good progress in their learning and development as they are relaxed and confident in the childminder's care. They thoroughly enjoy their time at the setting and are eager to participate in the variety of age appropriate activities. They are confident and inquisitive learners as they make independent choices from the toys and resources available to them. They relate very well to the childminder as she skilfully interacts with them and provides them with purposeful support and encouragement. Children have clearly formed secure relationships with her and she understands their individual needs extremely well. The childminder has a clear understanding of children's development and plans activities well to support the individual learning needs of each child within the Early Years Foundation Stage age group. As a result, children are given very good opportunities to learn and develop.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The environment is very well organised to support children to make confident choices. They select from an extensive range of well maintained toys and resources. They handle books extremely carefully and are beginning to understand that the pictures provide meaning to the story. They lift the flaps and display great delight in the pictures they see beneath. The childminder provides older children with activities to develop their recognition of letter and number shapes. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 practise their writing skills and are beginning to form letter and number shapes. During school holidays the childminder uses the local library's 'Team Read' scheme to extend children's interests in books and develop their reading skills further. Children's skills in problem solving are further developed as they complete puzzles and jigsaws. The childminder provides activities to develop children's colour

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

recognition, such as coloured play dough and colouring in activities. Children's creativity is encouraged by the childminder who provides a range of further exciting activities and they have great opportunities to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they skilfully handle crayons and pencils to create their pictures. Their artwork is clearly displayed on the kitchen wall, which promotes a sense of belonging and helps to develop self-esteem. Children's understanding and knowledge of the world are promoted through access to a range of very good resources. They play with an excellent range of multi-cultural musical instruments tapping out rhythms to their favourite songs. They are well aware that the musical and computerised toys they use require them to press buttons to make them work, which helps to develop their understanding of information technology. Children learn of the environment and the natural world as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

they visit local resources, such as local parks, the beach and the zoo.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very well behaved, well mannered and respond to the childminder's instructions. The childminder provides them with lots of purposeful meaningful praise. They show genuine concern for one another and kindly reach out to younger children stroking them gently. Children are developing well in their social skills and have regular opportunities to interact with their peers at toddler groups and soft play centres. Good opportunities for physical activity and outdoor play along with healthy food options at snack time are used by the childminder to promote children's good health. Practising road safety and regular fire drills further helps to support children to learn how to keep themselves safe. Children are extremely comfortable in the childminder's care and flourish in the very well organised, stimulating and caring environment. 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? 2 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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