Liddell, Sheila Denise

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 EY316209 Inspection date 10/03/2009 Inspector Jim Bostock

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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 2006. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may provide overnight care for a maximum of two children under eight years of age. She lives in a rural area north of Alnwick with her husband and son. There is a first school in the nearby village and a bus service. Minded children have access to the kitchen/dining area, cloakroom, hallway and shower room with toilet on the ground floor, and two bedrooms and the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for their use. At the time of inspection the childminder had eight children on the registers, five of whom were in the early years age range. All children are minded on a part-time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are offered a wide range of exciting opportunities in the childminder's safe and secure home, which stimulate their curiosity and promote their learning and development. The childminder helps each child make good progress, promoting choice, independence and positive relationships with others extremely well. She is very committed to constantly improving the quality of the care she provides for children and works very well with parent and other local childcare services to ensure that all are working in partnership for the children's benefit. Children are cared for in a fully inclusive environment where their individual needs are effectively met.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the existing wrtitten risk assessments further, specifically to include overnight care arrangements  develop the self-evaluation process further to ensure that there is a sound understanding of the EYFS requirements and guidance.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 request written parental permission for any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 27/03/2009

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provision

The childminder is a very experienced childminder and keeps her knowledge up to date effectively by attending regular, relevant training. For instance, she is close to completing the Diploma in Homebased Childcare, a National Vocational This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Qualification at level three. The knowledge gained is used to significantly enhance the care given to children. The space available within the home is very well organised presenting a lovely environment for a wide variety of activities to be very successfully provided. Children feel very at ease and confident to move around the premises freely and safely. The childminder effectively balances her time to allow a lively and stimulating programme of activities to be provided, and allowing those who wish to spend their time quietly the opportunity to do so. Children's choice is a very important part of the service the childminder provides.

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provision

The policies and procedures that are in place are used to promote the care and welfare of the children and shared with parents to keep them informed. All information, both written and verbal, is maintained and retained in an organised and confidential manner. However, not all children have written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment as required and risk assessments are general and do not include overnight care arrangements. The childminder confirmed that she discusses such issues with parents and obtains verbal agreement. The childminder makes sure children are carefully supervised at all times and takes good safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. She encourages them to develop an understanding of personal safety through practical measures, such as following a road safety programme while out on walks, regularly practising fire drills and reminding children to play carefully when they

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provision

become excited. All required records and procedures are in place to protect children's welfare. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues, as well as the correct steps to take, should she ever have a concern about a child.

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provision

The childminder is committed to evaluating her service and is constantly looking for ways to make the provision even better for children. However, this process is not yet thorough and robust enough to effectively identify gaps in her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children's development is very well supported by the excellent links the childminder makes with parents. She provides them with very good information about their children from verbal and written feedback, to keep them fully up to date. The childminder works very well in partnership with other services, such as the local first school, to ensure that children who attend the setting have a smooth transition, where all services are working together to complement each other for children's benefit.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are motivated and enthusiastic through the childminder providing a very high standard of care and stimulation. They are enthusiastic in their responses, enjoying the attention they receive. Children are respected and valued as individuals and their individual needs and preferences thoughtfully incorporated into the planning and organisation of the daily routine. Children's self-confidence and developing independence is superbly supported and developed through the ongoing warm and affectionate interaction that takes place between the childminder and the minded children. Children's feeling of self-worth is promoted by the childminder through the skilful use of specific and meaningful praise, ensuring that each child feels good about themselves and their abilities. She has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 high expectations of children and sets consistent boundaries. They begin to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

develop an understanding of right and wrong as she encourages them to follow simple rules, such as everyone helping to tidy up, in order to build their cooperative skills. Relationships with children are excellent. They respond very positively to the childminder's requests, and are eager to help and please.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The extensive range of stimulating and appropriate activities, that are effectively organised for the children, provides very good opportunities to develop and have fun. These include construction, group games, role play, craft and creative play. The programme of activities reflects each child's interests and stage of development. For example, the children choose and are absorbed in a lovely role play activity during the visit, where they hand out portions of play food excitedly, making sure everyone has some. The childminder has a very good understanding of children's educational development and has formulated a plan of activities which incorporates all the areas of learning, ensuring that the children cared for receive a significant level of stimulation and challenge. Children's communication skills are supported through the childminder's use of stimulating language, prompting children to think about what they are seeing and experiencing. Each child is given

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

time and encouragement to respond and express themselves and their knowledge and understanding is continually supported and extended by the skill and expertise of the childminder. Children are happy and confident in the care of the childminder. They independently use the toilet and wash their hands, a routine they are clearly very familiar with. Children learn about healthy eating as they enjoy healthy snacks and meals, and are encouraged to have a regular drink to support their good health. They develop positive attitudes towards others as the childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and is committed to full inclusion for all families. Children have regular opportunities to get to know other children as they attend the toddler group and become familiar with their own community on outings in the locality. These real life experiences encourage them to gain skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being.

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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 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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