Hardcastle, Debra

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 317816 Inspection date 22/06/2009 Inspector Maralyn Chiverton

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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 1998. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years. She currently cares for two children on the Early Years Register on a part time basis. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently caring for two children over the age of five years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her family in Wheatley on the outskirts of Doncaster town centre. All ground floor rooms are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The house is within walking distance of local amenities, such as schools, the library, shops and parks. She takes children to and from school as well as to places of interest and 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 provides a warm, caring and welcoming environment for children. Her sound knowledge and understanding of the children in her care ensures that children's individual needs are met and their welfare promoted. Children are kept safe and secure and enjoy learning through a range of well planned activities which are interesting, challenging and allow children to make good progress in their learning and development. A formal self-evaluation system is effective in identifying strengths and areas for improvement. However, not all written policies and procedures reflect the changes to new legislation. A suitable link with other provides ensures the continuity of care and progression.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the child protection policy to ensure it is in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board local guidance and procedures  review the complaints procedure to clearly show the procedures to be followed should there be a complaint, the timescale for resolving complaints as well as a procedure for recording any complaints received.

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provision

Children benefit from a well organised provision. All required policies and procedures for the safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage are shared with parents and ensure children's individual needs are well met. However, the policies for child protection and complaints do not fully meet the requirements of new legislation. Risks to children are effectively managed and eliminated through the use of well written, detailed risk assessments. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has introduced further policies and procedures, such as uncollected and missing children, to further enhance children's safety and welfare, and she has a suitable understanding of her role in ensuring children are kept safeguarded.

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provision

The childminder provides a child-friendly environment where space, resources, and equipment are effectively deployed to promote learning and accessibility for all children. She is committed to improving her provision through training and self- evaluates her provision in a formal and detailed procedure which ensures strengths and future targets for improvement are clearly identified. The childminder has taken positive action to address recommendations made at the last inspection which has helped to further promote children's health and safety. For example, records of medication include all relevant detail and the behaviour management policy now includes the strategies used to manage challenging behaviour in young children.

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provision

Inclusive practice is promoted well through the childminder's clear understanding of working in partnership with parents and other providers. She works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. For example, diet needs are discussed to ensure children are provided with a healthy diet. Parents receive good information about the childminder's provision and their child's care, learning and development. They have access to children's progress files and share information on a daily basis. Suitable links with the local school through shared information help to promote the integration of care and education.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well supported in their learning through the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage. The childminder provides an excellent range of resources as well as exciting activities and innovative 'hands on' experiences to further develop children's awareness of the wider world. For example, children visit a photographic museum and are able to interact with portrayed images of dinosaurs. An equal balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities allow children to independently further their learning and development. The childminder interacts effectively with children, promoting their language as a means to share experiences as well as extending their thinking through appropriate challenge. For example, children are encouraged to recall the activities they enjoyed playing with as well as identifying how many biscuits are required to ensure every child receives one.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Older children enjoy using their creative skills as they ice biscuits and make collage pictures using a good range of materials. Sewing is another favourite activity which helps to promote good coordination skills. Younger children enjoy playing at make- believe as they push dolls in pushchairs and place them in highchairs for feeding. Children enjoy growing vegetables and strawberries and take personal responsibility for their care. They have access to a discovery and mystery box which includes a variety of things such as magnifying glass, tape measures and tweezers which allow children to experiment and be inquisitive learners and thinkers. A well resourced outdoor area, which includes wheeled toys, sand and water play, bats and balls as well as a child sized cement mixer, promotes This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's physical development and imaginative skills well as they mix 'cement'

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

using sand and water. The childminder has introduced effective formal procedures for assessing and monitoring children's progress. They include written observations as well as next steps which help to ensure children make good progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and they have developed warm and positive relationships. The childminder provides an environment that is safe and secure, where children feel confident to express their own needs. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them of safety rules within the home; they are kept safe on outings through the use of high visibility jackets which have the childminder's mobile telephone number printed inside. Children enjoy a healthy well-balanced diet which includes fresh vegetables fruit and salad. Older children independently manage their own personal hygiene and understand the importance of good hygiene practice. The childminder uses lots of praise to raise children's self-esteem which encourages children to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. 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? 3

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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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