Cooper, Julie Denise

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 314281 Inspection date 11/06/2009 Inspector Rosemary Beyer

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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 has been registered since 1987. She lives with her family in a detached bungalow close to the centre of Howden, near Goole. She is registered to care for six children and there are currently 14 children on roll, of whom six are in the early years age group. All children are cared for on a part time basis. The childminder is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives close to local schools, parks, nurseries, the playgroup and other childminders.

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Description of the childminding

The sitting room and breakfast kitchen are used for childminding purposes and toilet facilities are also on the ground floor level. There is a large secure rear garden available for outside play. She also takes children on regular outings to nearby parks, playgroups and nature walks. The family owns two dogs. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder promotes all aspects of the individual children's welfare successfully, ensuring they are safe and secure. They participate in a wide range of activities designed to promote their learning, and the childminder has started to monitor their development to ensure they are making good progress. She works closely with parents and other carers to support children's individual needs and give continuity of care. She has started to use a formal self-evaluation process to assess her practice in addition to the previous parent questionnaires and discussions.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities in the garden for children to learn about the natural world.

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provision

Children are able to develop independence while in the childminder's home as the resources and premises are well organised. The flexible daily routine allows them to experience a varied range of activities both on the premises and in the wider community. Well written policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare of the children, and are made readily available to parents. As a consequence of good communication with parents, children's individual welfare needs are met well. Parents also feel involved in their learning and development as they have daily feedback about activities and access to their learning journey records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Parents spoken to during the inspection express great satisfaction with the care their children receive. They value the support provided by the childminder and are confident their children are safe and happy with her. Some older children still visit

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provision

each week after school to maintain their contact with the childminder as she has been a much valued part of their lives.

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provision

Each child has an individual file to record their development and progress, including photographs, samples of work and observations. Activities are provided across all areas of learning and through regular observation the childminder monitors children's development to ensure they are making good progress. Through good contact with the local school she is able to provide activities to support children's individual needs and promote their learning prior to them starting school. The children are keen to learn and the childminder helps them develop their writing and reading skills.

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provision

The childminder has started to use a formal self-evaluation process to monitor her practice, and still includes comments from parents and children in the questionnaires she distributes. She has enhanced children's care since the last inspection by improving her policies and procedures, and developing their understanding of the emergency evacuation procedure by regular practises. Their personal hygiene has also been enhanced by the use of paper towels to prevent cross infection. The childminder has included safeguarding training in her own personal development since the last inspection and is clear about her role and responsibility in protecting children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident and comfortable in the childminder's care. They select resources and toys they wish to use from the wide variety available. The childminder is on hand to assist when needed, for example to read books to the younger children and provide drinks if they are thirsty. They all enjoy books, using them carefully as they become more independent. The childminder encourages the children to develop their communication skills through conversation, as well as songs and stories. Older children use the musical instruments to play tunes and they perform song and dance routines, holding their own talent shows. All children are able to participate in the activities provided whatever their individual abilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans activities to promote children's physical development and well-being, providing play opportunities in the large garden and the local parks or with walks in the countryside. They are keen to learn about the insects, birds and animals they see, and like to play with the childminder's dogs. They do not however have much opportunity to learn about how flowers and vegetables grow.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children of all ages have a very positive attitude to healthy eating and thoroughly enjoy mealtimes, with their favourite meals including lots of fruit and vegetables on the varied home-cooked menu. They visit the local butcher and greengrocer to select the raw materials for their meals, and eat very well. The childminder is very successful in promoting children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle and they learn to employ good hygiene practice, wipe their noses and have fresh air and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 exercise each day.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children's safety needs are met well. The childminder is very safety conscious and has equipment and practices in place to avoid dangerous situations and minimise risk. Children learn to protect themselves in an emergency by practising the fire evacuation procedure. They also adopt good hygiene practice after personal care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Clear house rules are in place, which are regularly discussed with the children, and ensure they develop consideration for each other and the equipment they use. They also learn respect for animals by their interaction with the dogs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children develop a very positive attitude to other cultures, traditions and the wider world through an exciting range of resources including activities to celebrate festivals, musical instruments, books and photographs. All children are welcome in the setting, and although no children with English as an additional language or of a different nationality are cared for, the childminder has plans in place to meet their needs. She has also undertaken training to enable her to meet the needs of children with learning difficulties or disabilities, including those who do not speak. 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? 3 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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