Moon, Nicola Jean

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 EY359550 Inspection date 12/01/2009 Inspector Sara Jane Frost

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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 2007. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder lives with her partner and their three children in a bungalow in the Beacon Park area of Plymouth. All areas of her home are used for childminding. Children have access to a level enclosed garden at the rear of the property. The front of the property is accessible by means of four steps and a hand rail. There is a level entrance at the back of the childminder's home. The childminder is registered to care for up to five children under eight years and is currently minding three children under five years. Family pets comprise of three cats and two rabbits that are housed in a hutch in the garden.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are clearly happy, settled within the childminder's care and are making good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Regular discussions with parents and daily diaries enables the childminder to provide an inclusive environment and meet each child's individual needs. The childminder has taken steps to improve her practice since registration such as, attending some training and implementing safety aspects within her home, but has not yet established a system which fully reflects the current regulatory framework.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop observations to help plan what next for individual children and ensure parents have regular opportunities to add to records  continue to build on effective communication between settings to ensure children's needs are met and contunuity in their learning  develop children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe in an emergency situation  continually review and evaluate provision to reflect all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage  ensure all documentation such as parental consents and risk assessments are fully completed and regularly reviewed.

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provision

The childminder provides a secure environment where children are able to play safely. Risk assessments are conducted and although there are limited written records, her home is safe and secure. The childminder is confident in explaining safety measures and what she considers a hazard on outings and within her home and the steps she takes to minimise the risks. However, as no evacuation procedure has been conducted the childminder does not provide children with the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 opportunity to learn how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is clear about her responsibilities such as, not leaving children alone with unvetted persons.

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provision

The childminder has completed all the required elements of training since registration. Any further training has been limited due to addition of a new family member and availability of training courses. However, the childminder has sought information from other childminders. As yet she has not undertaken any self evaluation in written format but, has begun to identify areas for her further development such as, becoming more confident with the Early Years Foundation Stage and developing observations to support the children’s learning.

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provision

Parents are warmly welcomed and their wishes are respected. They are kept informed of their child’s day both verbal and through use of daily diaries. However, this is limited information and currently does not include sufficient information about the progress their child is making to enable them to support the child’s learning at home. Contracts are completed to ensure that parents’ wishes are respected and consents are in place. Most of the required documentation is clearly recorded and in place to support children’s care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children clearly enjoy their time at the childminder’s. They are confident and play well together and alongside each other. They receive lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder ensures children’s routines are closely followed, for example, early lunch to enable a child to eat at their own pace and not rush in time for the afternoon session at another Early Years setting. Children are provided with age appropriate resources that reflect their interests, abilities and develop their progress. For example, children are encouraged to recognise colours as they sort jig-saw pieces into piles. Their language, knowledge and understanding of the world are developed as the childminder praises them for seeking, identifying and naming the animal and their young on the puzzle pieces. Children are helped to complete jigsaws by considering the shape, the picture on the piece and corresponding picture on the box. Children's independence is promoted as they are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

able to self-select playthings, and take themselves off to the bathroom, confident to call for help if they need to.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Through discussion the childminder shows she has begun to observe the children's play and evaluate the progress they are making. However, these observations are not recorded, shared with parents or used to discuss their child's development. Therefore observations are not being used to build a picture of how each child is progressing in each area of learning, nor link the evaluations with activities that demonstrate how children's next stages of development can be achieved. Initial links between the childminder and other Early Year settings has proven to be effective. For example, by these two providers working together children are able to feel a sense of belonging; however, these links have not been sustained to ensure consistency of communication so that children's needs and continuity in their learning are met. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children have regular access to fresh air as they walk to and from school and learn

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

aspects of safety as they cross the roads. In addition they are provided with opportunities to be physically active be it in the childminder's garden, the local play park or by attending sessions at the Sure Start centre. They also visit places of interest such as the nearby aquarium. Children’s behaviour is good as the childminder is consistent in her approach, encourages children to share, take turns and to be thoughtful and kind to each other. Children are provided with healthy snacks of fruit and are regularly reminded of the importance to have plenty of drinks to ensure they remain well hydrated. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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