Stordy, Carol 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 304311 Inspection date 14/05/2009 Inspector Janice Linsdell

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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 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 1993. She lives with her adult son in Northwich, Cheshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play, which children use under close supervision due to its design. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll and of these, three are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of the local childminder's support group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder makes sure children are well cared for in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment. Her knowledge of the EYFS is secure, which enables her to promote children's learning and development effectively. Children make good progress in their learning and their welfare needs are successfully met. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement, making good use of the self-evaluation form (SEF) to identify her strengths and areas for further development. A minor area for improvement relates to children's learning needs on entry.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance children's progress towards the early learning goals by further developing systems to gather information about children's starting points in their learning.

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provision

The childminder has been minding children for many years, and children enjoy the benefits of her knowledge and experience. She attends many training courses to enhance her skills and keeps up-to-date with new initiatives. The childminder promotes equality and diversity by making sure everyone feels included and valued. She provides activities and resources to promote children's awareness of the wider world, and successfully supports children who are learning to speak English as a second language. The childminder has completed safeguarding training and she is very clear about her role in keeping children safe from harm. Children are well supervised and effective measures are taken to eliminate hazards to their safety. For example, detailed risk assessments are conducted on the premises and on outings, so that potential risks are identified and removed.

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provision

None of the children are currently attending other settings, but the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understands the purpose of establishing links with others to promote continuity in children's learning. Effective policies and records for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and very well organised. Parents receive copies of the policies to ensure they are well informed, and children's development files are also shared with parents to promote discussions about their learning and progress. The childminder welcomes and acts on feedback from parents, and uses parent questionnaires to seek their views. Parents are very satisfied with the service being provided, and this is highlighted by the many cards and letters from parents and children, expressing their thanks and appreciation.

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provision

The childminder highlights some improvements she has made since the last inspection, such as implementing a new fire drill procedure so that children learn what to do in the event of an emergency. A minor recommendation has been appropriately addressed to ensure contact numbers for relevant authorities are readily accessible. The childminder says she constantly evaluates her practice and recognises there is 'always room for improvement'. She regularly attends the local childminder's group to share ideas about good practice, and has used self evaluation well to prioritise some goals for the future. This shows the childminder's drive to continue to develop her practice and improve outcomes for the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder organises activities around children's interests and preferences, offering a broad range of experiences to help children make good progress towards the early learning goals. She makes appropriate use of space to organise different play opportunities for the children, such as building towers on the floor or sitting at the dining table to make marks with the chalks. She provides a good range of resources to support children's learning, which are rotated regularly to offer variety and choice. The daily routine incorporates frequent outings as well as home based play, such as reading, crafts and baking. Children have their own development file which includes personal details, photographs and examples of their work. It also includes detailed observations that identify children's next steps in their learning. This helps the childminder to effectively monitor their progress. However, there is little information gathered on entry about what children know

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and can do for themselves, to establish a starting point in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop secure relationships with the childminder and play happily alongside each other. They learn to be independent as they try things for themselves and enjoy daily opportunities to socialise with others. The childminder encourages children to talk and listen to others, which promotes their communication skills. Children have fun using small tools to manipulate the play dough; talking about different patterns and shapes, and using their senses to describe how it smells. They develop hand-eye coordination as they concentrate on completing jigsaws, and learn about the natural world as they plant sunflowers in the garden. Children's creativity is encouraged through various craft activities, and they use their imagination as they play with the dolls and tents. All these experiences help to support children's future skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder follows hygienic practices and helps children to understand why This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good health is important. Children eat a healthy and nutritious diet, and many meals are prepared using fresh ingredients. Fresh fruit and chopped vegetables are plentiful during snack time, and children express their enjoyment of eating healthy foods by making comments such as 'yummy'. The childminder understands the benefits of active play and provides opportunities for children to run, climb and ride bikes when they visit different groups. Children are cared for in an environment where they can feel safe and secure. They develop awareness of safety issues for example, by talking about hazards, taking part in fire drills and helping to tidy away toys. The childminder is a good role model in encouraging positive behaviour and consistently shows appreciation of children's efforts. She

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

helps children to learn boundaries and to treat others with respect. This means children behave well and learn to share, take turns and develop responsibility. 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

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