Ball Joanne Marie

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 225147 Inspection date 25/03/2009 Inspector Claire Jenner

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and children aged 14 years and nine years in a village in Leicestershire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is level access to the property. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park. The family have pet hamsters and goldfish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She also currently offers care to children aged over five years to six years. All of whom attend on a part-time basis. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and they enjoy their time with her. She provides a warm and welcoming environment for the children and their parents and has developed close partnerships with them. As a result, consistency in the children's care and education is maintained and their individual needs are met. The childminder is committed to her work and strives to continually improve the provision of her service for children through self-evaluation and attendance at relevant training events.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop systems to make observations and assessments and use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child across all areas of learning.

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provision

All children's care and welfare is well-promoted as the childminder has taken positive steps to ensure children are kept safe and any potential safety risks are minimised. For example, comprehensive risk assessments on the premises, resources and outings are clearly maintained and daily visual checks are undertaken and well-documented. The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding children procedures and how to implement these to protect children and she shares her written policy with all parents.

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provision

All records, policies and procedures are very well-maintained and the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensures that all parents have sight of them at the beginning of their child's placement. These are then made readily accessible to all parents meaning that they can refer back to them at any time they wish. Excellent systems are in place for obtaining individual information about children, providing the childminder with in-depth details on children's specific needs such as dietary issues, likes, dislikes and interests. As a result, she is able to help children feel settled and confident in her care. Ongoing effective written communications, such as diaries and newsletters and a daily verbal exchange of information with parents means that they are kept well-informed of their child's daily routine and progress.

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provision

The childminder capably reflects upon her practice and makes ongoing plans for improvement. She has recently undertaken a written self-evaluation of her setting and actively encourages parents to comment through the use of questionnaires and a suggestion box. These comments show that parents value the standard of care and range of activities offered to their children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides good support to enhance children's welfare, learning and development and she has a sound knowledge of their individual interests and abilities. She organises the available space and her time effectively to ensure children enjoy a balance of learning experiences both in and out of the home. For example, children have easy access to a broad range of toys and resources, such as, art and craft materials, jigsaws and small world toys indoors or they enjoy regular trips out to the local community. The childminder has made a sound start in observing the children and has begun to use these to identify what they can do. However, these do not yet clearly identify children's next steps in learning and do not consistently provide clear information for future planning across all the six areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Warm and friendly relationships exist between the minded children and the childminder. As a result, children are happy and confident and have a sense of belonging. The childminder engages herself in the children's play and is attentive to their needs. For example, she sits and completes a jigsaw with the children and offers cuddles and reassurance to another whose parent has just left. Children's language is extended as the childminder talks to the children and they share age appropriate books together, looking at and naming familiar pictures. Children enjoy listening to music and 'dance' and sing along to familiar songs. They begin to learn about everyday technology as they play with programmable toys within the home and enjoy trips to the library where they use the computers. They develop social skills as they play together and the childminder encourages them to take turns and share the toys. Regular praise and encouragement is offered and children's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

achievements recognised, so helping, to develop children's self-esteem and confidence. Children also have frequent opportunities to be physically active and enjoy the fresh air with easy access to the rear garden and frequent trips to the local park and soft play areas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A wide range of healthy meals and snacks are offered to the children which helps to ensure that their good health is promoted. The childminder works closely with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 parents to ascertain children's individual dietary requirements and routines and ensures they are met. Children learn about personal hygiene as they are supported and encouraged by the childminder through daily routines, such as washing their hands before eating. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them of safety rules within the home, such as not throwing toys and practising fire safety evacuations. 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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