Hardy, Paula Teresa

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 EY369903 Inspection date 22/01/2009 Inspector Debra Elizabeth Jean Dahlstrom

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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 lives with her partner and school age child. The family lives close to Stockport town centre, within walking distance of shops, parks and the library. Children have access to the lounge and kitchen. The small bathroom and small front bedroom are also included in the registration. The rear garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to provide care for five children. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently five children on roll, of whom four are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and gains support from the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children in the childminder's care are valued for their individuality and treated with equal concern, which enables them to feel fully included. Her caring approach ensures children are happy and settled. The childminder promotes most aspects of children's welfare successfully to help ensure that children are safe and secure. Her knowledge of children's development and the early years framework ensures children progress well, helping each child to reach their potential.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Relationships with parents are warm and friendly and effective links are established with other providers involved in the children's care. The childminder ensures she seeks the views of parents and the children through questionnaires to inform her practice. Through self-evaluation, the childminder is aware of her own development needs and looks to improve her knowledge and skills by accessing training, to secure further improvement to her setting. For example, she is undertaking a level 3 qualification in childcare, and ensures the knowledge she gains from this informs her childcare practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop systems for assessing children linked to the six areas of learning

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure arrangements for lost and uncollected children are shared effectively with parents (Safeguarding and Welfare) 08/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children's safety is promoted as all the required checks are undertaken to ensure members of the childminder's household are suitable. The childminder also takes a range of positive steps to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors, are kept to a minimum.

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provision

Record keeping is very well organised and most of the required documentation is in place, which ensures the welfare of all children. Detailed policies and procedures shared with parents include behaviour management, sickness and child protection. However, the arrangements in the event of children not being collected or being lost are not shared effectively. Such arrangements are requirements of registration.

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provision

Children make good use of the good quality resources, encouraging their independence and promoting their learning well. Through critical analysis of her strengths and weaknesses, the childminder identifies areas for further development. She is proactive in organising attendance on training courses to keep abreast of current issues in childcare. Relevant, up-to-date literature is available for reference and the childminder uses this to ensure she has the required knowledge to implement good quality care and education.

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provision

Information about the Early Years Foundation Stage is on display and children's individual files are fully accessible so parents are kept well informed about their children's achievements. Working in partnership with parents and the local school the childminder ensures everyone is working together to support children's individual developmental needs, thus promoting progression and continuity of care and learning for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plays very closely with children and organises stimulating activities across the six areas of learning. Since her registration the childminder has made regular observations of the children's progress, although she is still in the early stages of linking these to the areas of learning. Activities appeal to children's interests and so motivate them to learn. Children make good progress in their overall development as the childminder is skilled in questioning them. Children are therefore helped to develop their understanding and to become critical thinkers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Strong emphasis is placed by the childminder upon children's personal, social and emotional development. She ensures children feel special in her care, and so form trusting relationships and develop their confidence. The childminder spends considerable time with children talking to them about their day; she shows skill in using careful questioning as well as a lively tone of voice to promote children's interests and learning. She uses everyday experiences to extend children's thinking, for example, walking home from school children choose a colour of car and count all those that they see. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder encourages children to be creative and use their imaginations, they enjoy dressing up and pretending to be fire fighters. As fire fighters, the children wear hats and readily join in the evacuation procedure the childminder

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

practises with them to help them stay safe. Children from a young age are helped to appreciate story; babies love their favourite books, they give big smiles and make squeals of delight as they help to turn the pages and anticipate the next picture.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is promoted very well as the childminder ensures they have plenty of exercise daily, such as walking or playing in the garden. She provides a nutritious and varied diet for children which includes fresh fish, roast meats and plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. Her positive approach to providing a colourful range of foods encourages children to try foods that are either new to them or previously refused, for example, broccoli or 'trees' as they are referred to in the childminder's home being a recent favourite. Parents are particularly pleased with their children's improved diet and are happy to award this the highest standard in a recent questionnaire. 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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