Nuciforo, Jennifer

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 EY306267 Inspection date 03/03/2009 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 2005. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and two children aged three years and 10 months in Longdowns, near Penryn, in Cornwall. Another childminder is also registered to care for children on the premises. The designated play rooms on the ground floor and a first floor bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children, two of whom may be in the early years age group, at any one time when working alone. When working with other childminders a maximum of 11 children may be cared for at any one time, six of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently 22 Children on roll, eight of whom are in the early years age group. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides an enabling environment in which children make good progress. She is effective in her organisation of resources, activities and routines, ensuring that children are safe, secure and enjoying their learning experiences. The childminder works well with other childminders and parents to meet children’s individual care needs. The childminder has completed relevant training and meets the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The childminder demonstrates a clear capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop secure systems for the observation, assessment and planning for children's individual progress  develop procedures to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the provision.

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provision

The childminder provides a safe and stimulating environment for children. The designated play space is attractive to children, with well organised and accessible resources. The childminder has a good understanding of children’s development and their individual needs. She works closely with parents and other childminders to promote consistent care. Childcare health policies and safeguarding procedures This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are shared with parents and successfully implemented in practice. Positive working relationships develop and parents value the care given.

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provision

Since the last inspection the childminder has addressed a previous recommendation to enhance the care of the younger children. The premises have been altered to provide designated care areas for children and the childminder is further developing the outdoor play facilities. In discussion the childminder identifies some aspects of the provision to develop and ensure continued improvements. However, there is not a systematic procedure to fully monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the provision. The childminder has efficient procedures in place to accurately maintain mandatory records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and her husband. They form secure relationships and benefit from the stimulating activities. The childminder provides a wide range of play opportunities, which promote all areas of development. Play is spontaneous, with consideration given to the number of children present, their abilities and the weather conditions. The childminder has a good understanding of children’s development and how they learn through play. She has completed a course on the EYFS and has begun to record observations on some of the children. However, the systems to assess and plan for individual progress are not rigorous. The childminder is making links with other providers of the EYFS for children who attend more than one setting. This helps to promote continuity in children’s welfare and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children experience a good variety of interesting activities. Creative and sensory play experiences include playing with ‘gloop’, in which children swirl patterns or draw letter shapes, depending on their age. They mix soap flakes with water and compare this to the recent snowfall, then consider the smell and texture. In creative activities children have access to a good range of media and materials. They use tools and equipment which promote hand to eye coordination and control. For example, children learn to cut carefully and accurately with the scissors. They develop early literacy skills as they draw and write. Children enjoy looking at books and listening to stories, which promotes their concentration. The childminder prepares well resourced activities and provides time for children to explore and discover by themselves. For instance, to complement the ‘Insect’ topic the childminder hides pretend small world creatures in the sand pit. In the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

imaginative play area children use information, communication and technology resources. These include replica household appliances, phones and tills. Children learn how things work as they play imaginatively together.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Outdoor play provides interesting and exciting learning opportunities for children. For instance, they regularly feed the chickens, then count and collect the eggs. They see the horses, ponies and ducks owned by the childminder. Children plant seeds and learn how things grow in the vegetable patch. They develop a good knowledge and understanding of the world around them. The activities are also used effectively to promote children’s awareness of being healthy and staying safe. For example, they understand why they must wash their hands after touching the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 animals. Children make ‘traffic lights’, talk about what the colours mean and then recall this when using pedestrian crossings. They begin to understand about ‘emergencies’, such as when they practise the fire drill. Children follow instructions and understand the expectations of behaviour. They show respect as they politely

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

ask to leave the table when they have finished eating. The childminder promotes learning and extends and challenges children in their play. For example, as children make three dimensional models they choose a type of transport. They consider the shapes, size and colours which form their design. Children learn about number, sorting and matching in games, puzzles and everyday activities. 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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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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