May, Rachel Elizabeth

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 EY240793 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Georgina Emily Hobson Matthews

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 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.

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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 15 and 13 years, in a village close to Norwich, in Norfolk. Children have access to the ground floor of the childminder's home which provides easy access and contains all facilities. An enclosed garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has cats and rabbits.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and to provide overnight care for three children. There are currently five children on roll, all of whom are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In addition, the childminder is registered on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers exceptional provision for children within the EYFS. A detailed, ongoing process of internal review provides her with a realistic awareness of her own provision and successfully targets priorities for future development. She is skilled in meeting children's individual needs and adapts activities sensitively to ensure all children experience exciting, stimulating and challenging play experiences. Valuable partnerships are developed with parents and other EYFS providers in order that children make significant gains within their learning.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further the existing complaints policy.

p.3

provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are fostered exceedingly well. The childminder is highly committed to continuous improvement and has implemented systems to regularly review her practice that involves parents and children. She has a secure understanding of the EYFS, is extremely successful in supporting children's development and gives top priority to meeting each child's needs. She talks knowledgeably about each child's stage of development and responds sensitively their interests and ideas. Individual plans are developed for each child and 'Special Books' contain regular observations and photographs in order to provide a record of their progress.

p.3

provision

Robust, ongoing risk assessments ensure that potential hazards to children are successfully minimised and that children are cared for in a safe, secure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 environment. Children's health and well-being are fostered well as the childminder has systems in place to maintain a high standard of hygiene. She holds a current paediatric first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of how to protect children from harm or neglect. Procedures are in place to ensure the suitability of all adults having unsupervised access to children.

p.3

provision

The childminder builds close, successful partnerships with parents. Comprehensive information about the childminder's practice informs parents prior to commencement of care. This includes details of how to raise any concerns, although, the childminder's policy does not state that she will respond in writing within 28 days. The childminder operates an 'open door policy' in order to discuss children's ongoing progress. She maintains daily journals and progress records for each child, which are shared with parents. Feedback, questionnaires and comments sheets invite parents to evaluate the childcare provision and their satisfaction is reflected in their exceptionally positive feedback. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has systems in place to share information with another provider delivering the EYFS for a child to ensure progression and continuity of learning.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are highly motivated and flourish in the childminder's care. They are provided with a wide range of stimulating and challenging experiences across the six areas of learning. The childminder organises her home effectively and sensitively to accommodate children's play. As a result, children thrive in a welcoming, comfortable and child-friendly environment and are confident to explore and try new things. Children have access to an enticing range of high quality, age-appropriate play resources and an extensive selection of additional choices are easily accessible and well-organised.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children gain a valuable awareness of how to stay safe as the childminder provides children with gentle reminders and clear explanations. For example, they are encouraged to tidy toys when they have finished playing. The childminder raises children's understanding of road safety on outings, of fire safety through regular practise evacuations and of how to stay safe in the sun with consistent procedures. Children have access to drinking water at all times and develop an awareness of nutritious foods. They are offered healthy options such as a selection of fresh and dried fruits at snack times. Parents provide packed meals for children. The childminder offers parents examples of healthy menus and discusses any concerns about the contents of children's meals in order that each child receives a healthy diet. Children develop good hygiene and are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after toileting. They are provided with individual towels to

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

prevent cross-contamination. Children develop a positive attitude to exercise as they have daily opportunities to develop large physical skills both indoors and outdoors. Children show an awareness of space as they move with confidence in and outside the setting. They learn to move with control and co-ordination. Children learn to manipulate small tools during sand and water play and as they manipulate dough and clay. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's behaviour is excellent. They develop very close relationships with the childminder and each other. Children interact well, share resources, take turns, play cooperatively and show care and respect for each other. The childminder is an excellent role model and provides high levels of support and guidance. She helps children to manage their own behaviour and she offers them lots of praise and encouragement. As a result, children feel valued and develop positive self-esteem

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

and empathy for others. Children have access to a wide selection of books, sit on comfy cushions, turn pages and look at pictures. They snuggle up with the childminder, listen intently to stories, are able to anticipate and to recall events. Children have opportunities to mark-make and to develop their emergent writing. Some children are able to write their names on pieces of work and in their daily journals. They recognise numbers and learn to count during board games such as 'Mr McGregor's Garden'. Children recognise shapes such as circles. They are encouraged to explore and investigate. For example, children find a small table tennis set and display concentration as they carefully attach the legs and consider how to fix the net to the table. They gain an understanding of nature as they observe the growth of plants such as tomatoes and lettuces and gather blackberries in local woods. Children show wonder as they monitor the progress of

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

newly born rabbits. They learn about the local community on outings to local parks and shops, toddler groups and libraries. Children have access to a wide range of creative resources, for example, collage materials, paints, clay, glue and natural materials that they collect on outings. They dance and sing with glee as they join in 'The Dingle Dangle Scarecrow' and immerse themselves in imaginary play. 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? 1 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? 1

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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?

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8