Hall, Emma Lesley Louise

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 EY373749 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Joan, Patricia Flowers

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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 minds in her home located in a suburb of Preston in Lancashire. She shares her home with her partner and daughter aged five years. The areas used in the home for minding include the front ground floor playroom, the hall, the first floor bathroom and the rear garden. No pets are kept and there is level access to the premises.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. There are four children on roll, three of whom are under the age of three years. The childminder is a qualified childcare practitioner with 13 years experience working with children in both home and group settings. Training and support is obtained from the local authority Sure Start development consultancy.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in their learning and development and their safety and welfare needs are promoted well. Partnerships with parents contribute to ensuring the learning and development needs of all children are well met. Children's individuality is recognised and valued and they are cared for in a nurturing and inclusive environment where they feel secure. The childminder's self- evaluation is informal, based on her professional knowledge of good practice, and recognises some strengths and areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop observation, assessment and planning for individual children so the next steps in their learning journey can be identified and acted upon thus enabling effective all round progress  provide babies and young children with opportunities in their free play to explore and learn about other people’s differences and similarities so they can develop positive and caring attitudes towards others.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of relevant matters relating to the change of use of the front living room (Suitable premises, environment and equipment; Documentation). 19/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder maintains good confidentiality of the records and documentation she holds about each child in her care. Risk assessments are completed but no record is kept of these. She uses her written policies and procedures effectively to inform parents about her practice and as a basis to providing a quality childcare service. She has responded appropriately to the action raised before registration was granted and as a result has improved children's safety when using the slide outside in the garden. Although the registered person is in breach of a welfare requirement in that she has not informed Ofsted of a change of use of the playroom, the robust procedures in place for ensuring safety of the different room meant that children's safety was maintained.

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provision

Informal reflective practice is undertaken by the childminder. She acknowledges her methods for recording children's progress requires further development so that each area of learning is covered. The childminder clearly understands the importance of inclusion and recognises each child's individuality. She knows the characteristics of each child and ensures they are given equal attention. Children do not, however, have enough opportunities in the home to explore difference in everyday free play situations.

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provision

The childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibility for safeguarding children. She has the necessary contact telephone numbers and knows to inform Ofsted of any allegations made whilst a child is in her care. Fire safety equipment is in place, including smoke alarms and a fire blanket. The childminder teaches children about fire safety by undertaking emergency evacuation practices on a regular basis. Partnership with parents is relaxed and friendly. Daily written diaries for each child, as well as discussions at the beginning and end of the day, ensure that children's changing needs are consistently met. Parents are kept well informed about activities that children are involved in so that their learning can be continued at home with their parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled within this home childcare environment. They play contentedly with self-initiated activities as well as enjoying group activities, for example, when attending the Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions at the library. The childminder uses her experience and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to base her planned activities on what children are interested in, so children make progress as they learn through purposeful play. This is beginning to assist in planning the experiences the childminder offers children, both within her setting and when at other venues like the toddler group. Children's social skills are fostered well at such times as they learn how to share and take turns. They show interest in themselves and others when taking part in making life-sized, two dimensional picture displays of each other, that they decorate with features and clothes using paints, felt pens and collage materials. Fine motor skills are thus

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

encouraged as children practise holding and using tools like glue-sticks and brushes. Young children demonstrate their ability at using their spoons at This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 mealtimes with a high degree of competence and accuracy as they become independent and self-reliant.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have excellent opportunities to access an extensive range of resources, which capture their interest, especially when playing imaginatively with the play kitchen, dressing up shoes and the car mat, with tractors and other vehicles. Opportunities to go out into the local community to the park helps children's emerging confidence and their physical development and good health as they run in wide open spaces and learn to negotiate large equipment like the slide, roundabout and see-saw. They learn about the world around them by observing nature and the weather and then making connections as they create their 'windy winter' pictures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's vocabulary is increasing due to the good interaction with the childminder. They frequently look at books and sing nursery rhymes. Babies start to develop their problem solving skills and are persistent at putting all the shapes into the wooden shape sorter. They are learning that words have meaning as they see their names displayed next to their artwork all around the playroom. They are developing their sense of uniqueness as they look at their family tree pictures with photographs of themselves and other significant family members. This helps children to make connections and provides a degree of emotional reassurance and support whilst separated from their parents during the day. Early number and letter recognition is fostered during everyday activities and seeing pictures of number and letter symbols displayed. The childminder counts aloud with the children to reinforce their early learning. In these ways, children's future economic

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare needs are well met because the childminder ensures they learn about keeping safe, such as when out walking on footpaths they hold onto the pram or the childminder's hand. They are encouraged to develop their self-care skills and have drinks to keep them well hydrated. Homemade meals are provided by the childminder, which are prepared in advance to maximise levels of supervision. Children's behaviour is managed so they understand expectations and the childminder takes time to explain, especially relating to sharing. This means that children are being encouraged to consider others and behave appropriately so they can make positive contributions and friendships. 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? 3 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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