Halliday, Barbara Suzanne

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY303252 Inspection date 11/02/2009 Inspector Anthea Errington

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and school- aged children. They live in the town of Cramlington in Northumberland. The whole of the ground floor, excluding the kitchen area, is available for minded children. On the first floor a further bathroom and the two children's bedrooms and office are also available for minding purposes. A rear garden is available for outdoor play. 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 five children aged under eight years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. There are currently 12 children on roll, of whom seven are in the early years group, cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder provides cares for children from Monday through to Thursday, term times only. The childminder has completed relevant training and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She

p.3

Description of the childminding

takes and collects children from the local schools and nurseries. The family has a pet cat.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are cared for in a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. They are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided and the childminder has sufficient knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure children are provided with a range of activities to help them make good progress. Systems to observe and assess children's progress are in place and linked to the six areas of learning. Relevant documentation is in place to ensure children's safety including risk assessments. Self-assessment is not yet fully in place to identify areas for future improvement.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 continue to develop the procedure to monitor and evaluate the provision to promote continuous improvement and ensure individual needs of all children are met.

p.3

provision

Children are well motivated, happy and confident in the childminder's care and independently select from the various good quality resources available to them. The childminder is committed to developing her knowledge and practice further and welcomes future training with regard to the care and education she provides. She is currently studying for her 'Diploma in Home-Based Childcare' and a level 3 'National Vocational Qualification in Childcare and Development'. She uses her observation and assessment skills well to evaluate children's stages of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development and records these in their individual files linking them to the six areas of learning. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been addressed. For example, the childminder has improved her procedure in recording children's attendance and written consent has been sought from parents to seek emergency

p.3

provision

medical treatment or advice. Self-evaluation of the provision is not fully implemented to identify areas for continuous and future improvements.

p.4

provision

Partnerships with parents is very good and the childminder ensures they are kept fully informed of their children's progress through daily discussions, diaries and the implementation of children's individual learning and development files. Parents provide positive feedback stating 'that it is apparent that the childminder genuinely cares for children and it's not just a job'. The childminder is aware that links with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage further enhances the care and education children receive and maintains close links with the local school and nursery.

p.4

provision

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. Relevant documentation is in place required for the safe management of the provision. This includes effective written risk assessments for indoors, outdoors and outings, which ensures that children are cared for in a safe environment. Safety gates, socket covers and regular fire evacuation drills further protect children's safety.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with good opportunities to help them make progress across all areas of learning and development. The childminder provides an effectively balanced level of adult-led and child-initiated activities to ensure children are interested and motivated to learn. The home is organised to help children learn independence. For example, toys and resources are stored safely in low level storage units or displayed on the floor. Young children make their own confident choices from the very good range of resources available to them.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enthusiastically complete jigsaw puzzles which develops their understanding of problem solving. The childminder uses appropriate language to develop their understanding of numbers, as she asks the children to count how many trains are on the track. Young children are very skilled in their colour recognition and confidently name all the colours on the toy piano keys. Children develop well in their communication and language skills as they use talk to express their feelings. They talk about events at school and explain of the fire evacuation practice they have just had and younger children listen with interest. Children listen carefully to instructions from the childminder as she encourages them to wash their hands before their snacks. Children have developed good relationships with each other and are kind and supportive towards one another. For example, they help younger children to complete puzzles and ensure craft resources are

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

readily available to all. Children's interest in the environment and living things is developed as they collect fallen leaves to create a hedgehog collage. Children have great opportunities to develop their fine motor skills and hand and eye This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 coordination as they construct models using bricks and wooden train tracks. They use scissors well to cut out the paper shapes. Children clearly love expressing themselves through their creativity and artwork. They display great enthusiasm in the 'valentine baskets' they are making, and state 'they are making it for their mummy because they love her'. The childminder provides the children with lots of meaningful praise as the children display pride in their achievements. Children's artwork is displayed in the childminders home which develops their sense of belonging and self-esteem.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health and well-being are fully promoted as they have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They enjoy visits to the park on most days and regularly walk to and from school and nursery. The childminder takes full account of children's dietary needs and provides them with a nutritious snack. They thoroughly enjoy the crackers and variety of fruit provided for them, stating 'it is lovely'. The childminder encourages good personal hygiene routines through her explanations and takes appropriate steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, children are sensitively reminded to wash their hands, and are provided with paper towels to prevent any spread of infection. Children are very well behaved, well mannered and respond to the childminder's instructions. Their achievements are responded to positively with praise. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7