McGregor, Debra Jane

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 EY371949 Inspection date 02/04/2009 Inspector Heather Morgan

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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 2008. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and their two young children in Plymouth, Devon. The ground and first floors of the house are used for childminding, with a dedicated playroom provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children in the early years age group, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good, with some outstanding aspects. The childminder and her co-childminder work closely together to provide a welcoming environment where children engage in a range of interesting and enjoyable activities that support their progress and development. The childminder knows each of the children well and uses this information effectively to meet their individual needs. The childminder has an excellent commitment to improving the service provided and promoting positive outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop assessment systems in order to match the observations of children to the expectations of the learning goals and to identify learning priorities for each child

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provision

The childminder works effectively with her co-childminder to provide a professional service that focuses on offering quality childcare in a family environment. She takes overall responsibility for maintaining the policies and procedures that underpin their good practice and has a good understanding of required regulatory documentation.

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provision

The childminder regularly reflects on her own practice and, in conjunction with her co-childminder, evaluates how well their service promotes positive outcomes for children. She demonstrates an excellent commitment to improvement and identifies ways to develop her skills, such as accessing training or professional support. She has a clear understanding of how to work in partnership with her co- childminder, in order to maximise their individual strengths.

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provision

The childminder highly values the benefits of developing a strong working This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relationship with parents. She ensures that informative documentation is available and understood; for example, comprehensive policies and procedures are in place, which are signed by parents to acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the care provided. Daily diaries are used to reinforce regular exchange of information. The childminder uses contracts, information records, consent forms and regular update sheets regarding children's interests and achievements to support her in meeting children's individual needs and providing very good continuity of care.

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provision

The childminder gives very high priority to promoting children's welfare and is very aware of her responsibility to safeguard them at all times. She has a clear understanding of child protection issues and is alert to signs and symptoms that indicate cause for concern. She shares her comprehensive procedures with parents so they are clear about her responsibilities and has clear guidance in place to support her in taking appropriate action in the event of any concerns.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have excellent support in developing a good healthy lifestyle. The childminder prepares a variety of regular meals and snacks, using fresh ingredients. For example, children enjoy different fruits at snack time, and those who stay all day join the family for a traditional cooked meal in the evening. Children have a very good understanding of the importance of effective personal hygiene; for example, they wash their hands before meals and dry them carefully on disposable towels. Regular routines include opportunities to play outdoors in the fresh air, to go on walks and develop their physical skills on play equipment in the garden or park.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very safe and secure in the childminder's well maintained home environment. Great care is taken to regularly review procedures for keeping them safe, whether playing in the home, garden or out on visits to places of local interest. Children develop a very good understanding of the importance of keeping themselves safe as they learn to negotiate stairs carefully and to be aware of trip hazards when there are resources in use on the floor. The childminder develops close relationships with the children, who enjoy times when they can be affectionate and also look to her for reassurance.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children participate enthusiastically with a wide range of interesting and challenging activities. They have many opportunities to initiate their own play, which is supported sensitively by the childminder. For example, she builds on children's interest in vehicles to extend their learning as they watch the weekly bin collection. Children are encouraged to look at the colour of the bins, think about what happens to the rubbish and then to develop confidence in their use of language as they say 'good-bye' when the truck moves on. Children have fun with familiar daily routines as they excitedly find their own name cards, or help to sort the resources as they tidy them away before meal times. They are encouraged to develop their awareness of number by, for example, counting while they engage in familiar routines such as removing their boots when they come in from the garden. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows each of the children very well and reflects on their progress during regular discussions with her co-childminder. Together, they evaluate their observations of the children and are beginning to use this information to identify what children need to learn next. This information is also shared with parents, who are encouraged to contribute additional information about the children's learning and achievements at home. Additional activity plans provide a wealth of opportunities for children to explore the natural world, experiment with different craft materials, create music as they sing and play instruments and also develop their awareness and respect for people who are different from themselves. 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? 1

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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? 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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