Stevenson, Nicola Diane

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 252840 Inspection date 16/03/2009 Inspector Ros Church

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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 1993. She lives with her husband and daughters in an area close to Newark, Nottinghamshire. The home is within walking distance of all local amenities. Minded children have access to all areas of the home, although minding usually takes place on the ground floor. Toilet facilities are available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two dogs as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time; she is currently registered on the Early Years Register and is minding four children under five years who attend on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children over five years and is registered on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder provides a stimulating environment where a good range of activities which meet children's individual needs and interests are offered. The childminder works closely with the parents to obtain information on each child's individual needs so she can provide a fully inclusive practice for all. The childminder has a positive attitude towards maintaining continuous improvement and has systems in place to monitor and evaluate her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observational assessments to clearly identify what children have learnt from the activity and use to plan their next steps in learning  develop the opportunities for parents to contribute to the assessment records.

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provision

Children's welfare, care and safety are promoted well. For example, the childminder has a good range of policies and procedures in place to protect children; thorough risk assessments and daily checks are carried out by the childminder where hazards are identified and areas are made safe. Children are supervised well, taking into account their individual stage of development; this enables them to explore their environment whilst learning to be independent. All the required checks have been carried out on household members over 16 years of age. Children's records and documentation is in place and well organised, each This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child or family where more than one child attends has their own folder which helps to maintain confidentiality.

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provision

The childminder works well with the parents, prior to caring for children she obtains information on their individual needs and routines. Daily discussions with parents ensures that information on children is shared enabling there to be continuity of care. Parents are informed about daily activities and their child's learning, however, opportunities are not provided for parents to contribute to their assessment records. Parents are provided with clear written information about her service, this is displayed on a notice board within the play area and provided through policies and procedures. The childminder has a positive approach to improving the service she provides to benefit both children and their families and has started to use the self-evaluation form to help her identify strengths and areas for improvement. She values feedback from parents and encourages them to give this verbally or in writing, such as through questionnaires which she gives out

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provision

periodically. As well as keeping up to date with the required training, such as first aid, she attends additional courses and workshops such as Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) courses; this enables her to develop her knowledge and the care and learning offered to the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are happy and settled. The childminder supports children well by planning for their developmental needs and interests and providing a broad range of opportunities for purposeful play and exploration both inside and outside of the home environment. Activities are a balanced range of both adult-led and child-initiated opportunities where children can be active learners, creative and learn to think critically. For example, children enjoy using different textures and materials to be creative; they explore the colours and textures of the paints and use different tools, such as brushes and sponges, or their fingers during finger painting to create their own pictures. The childminder sets out and rotates each day a wide range of play resources which help to meet children's learning needs and enable them to make independent choices. She knows the children well and is caring and sensitive in her interaction

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

with them. Young children's language is promoted well as the childminder talks to children at a level which is appropriate to their development. They enjoy looking at books, listening to stories, lifting the flaps of pictures and discovering what is hidden underneath. Children learn to problem solve during practical activities, such as matching pictures and shapes when doing jigsaws. They learn about the world around them and the local community as they go on outings to local shops, libraries and toddler groups; this also provides opportunities for children to socialise with others. The childminder has made a good start in formally observing the children and using observations to identify what they know and can do. However, these do not always identify what children have learnt to enable this information to be used effectively to plan children's next steps in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about keeping themselves healthy through regular exercise, such as walking to and from school and pre-school. The fully enclosed garden enables children to have direct access to outdoor activities where they develop their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 physical skills and explore the environment. They have good opportunities to visit local parks and activity centres where they use a wide range of equipment which further promotes their climbing and balancing skills. Nutritious snacks and meals are provided which help children to learn about eating healthily, and activities, such as baking further promotes their understanding. Children learn to keep themselves safe through daily discussions and routines, for example, as they safely cross roads and use play equipment safely, such as children's scissors. Children's achievements and good behaviour are praised and encouraged so helping to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

develop their self-esteem and confidence. They show respect for their environment and learn the rules of the home, such as taking off shoes when they enter or tidying toys away. Older children learn to show consideration for those younger than themselves as they include them in their play. Overall children progress well in their learning in a happy and secure 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? 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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