Done, Karen

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

p.1

Unique reference number 304594 Inspection date 29/04/2009 Inspector Jane Shaw

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 10 years in Winsford, Cheshire, close to shops, parks, schools, pre-schools, other childcare care groups and public transport links. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding, with the exception of the master bedroom. There is also access to an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups and other childcare settings on a regular basis. She is a member of the local childminding network.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Each child is valued as an individual and included in all activities and opportunities on offer as a result of clear and agreed individual learning plans. Effective communication between parents and carers supports children's placements extremely well. The childminder has not yet had the need to liaise with other professionals. Children's welfare and safety are safeguarded through very clear policies and procedures. Self-evaluation systems are in place and are regularly reviewed and updated by the childminder.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 consider devising sytems to track children's progress across the six areas of learning  ensure children's times of arrival and departure are recorded as it happens.

p.3

provision

The childminder is experienced and well organised and demonstrates a strong commitment to her childminding service and her own continued professional development. This is demonstrated through her accessing additional training opportunities, for example, undertaking a formal qualification and short courses, such as ‘Sounds and Letters’. She has successfully addressed the recommendation raised following the last inspection.

p.3

provision

All checks on the childminder and household members were successfully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 completed by the local authority, and the childminder confirms ongoing suitability, therefore ensuring children’s safety. All required records and documents are in place ensuring the safety and welfare of all children, however, children’s times of arrival and departure are not always completed as they arrive or depart. Records are reviewed regularly and updated accordingly. Children are well protected as a result of the childminder’s clear understanding of child protection procedures, signs and symptoms to be aware of, and her understanding of her crucial role in safeguarding their welfare. A detailed written safeguarding policy is in place, all parents and carers receive a copy of this, ensuring that they are clear about the childminder’s role in protecting their children from harm.

p.3

provision

Excellent safety precautions and equipment are in place within the house and garden, ensuring children’s safety at all times. There is a written fire evacuation procedure in place and fire drills are conducted with children on a regular basis. Detailed risk assessments of the childminding premises, equipment, individual children's abilities and safety, and for all outings away from the childminding setting are in place and regularly reviewed. Visitors to the setting are asked to sign a visitor’s sheet to further ensure the safety of children. The childminder's training in food hygiene helps to ensure that food is appropriately prepared and therefore children's health and safety is protected at these times.

p.4

provision

The childminder has a portfolio of policies and procedures, and each set of parents and carers receive an individual copy, which they are asked to sign to say that they have read; this has positive impact on the protection of children's safety and well- being.

p.4

provision

The childminder uses a local authority self-evaluation system and reviews her practice on a regular basis, devising action plans to address areas of improvement highlighted. She is a member of a local childminding network, and is supported by an early years development professional from the local authority.

p.4

provision

Excellent partnerships with parents and carers support their child’s placement extremely well. Information is shared during informal chats at handover times and through a daily diary. Parents and carers are involved in the formulation of their child’s individual learning plan and subsequent activities. They are encouraged to share and contribute to their child’s plan and developmental record, by sharing information about their child’s activities and achievements at home. Annual questionnaires seek their views on the childminding service they and their child receive. The childminder has not yet had the need to liaise with other carers, but is fully aware of this aspect of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the EYFS framework learning and development requirements, and as a result children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. She has implemented systems for noting observations and assessments of children's learning and development, and uses these to plan further activities and to complete their individual developmental record. Observations are done both spontaneously and at focussed activities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Systems for checking where children are up to across the six areas of leaning is an area for development. Individual folders are kept for each child; these include their individual learning plan, observations, and photographs of children which support written observations. Parents and carers have access to their child’s folder at all times and are encouraged to contribute to their child’s individual learning plan and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder devises plans in line with children’s particular interests, for example, books and singing, dolls and boxes. Daily planning of activities include opportunities for children to access resources that support their particular interests. Activities within the childminding setting are supplemented by opportunities on offer at various local children’s centre groups. For example, children have the opportunity to access large play materials to build on a large scale or enhance physical skills development.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled. They play cooperatively together and show care and concern for each other, for example, one child cuddles another child when they have a bump. They are confident and able to speak in front of each other. They are encouraged to develop self help skills by independently selecting resources of their choice from storage boxes set out for them, or by requesting additional ones from the childminder. They have an understanding of their own needs including personal hygiene; older children independently use the bathroom. Children’s spoken language is developing well, and they are able to speak confidently in front of each other, making suggestions and giving opinions. Children have access to a wide range of books, and clearly have their favourite stories. They understand how books work and read stories to the inspector.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing an understanding of numbers through spontaneous and planned activities, for example as they count the number of strawberries at snack time. They are developing an understanding of other mathematical concepts, such as matching and sorting as they tidy away resources and are beginning to develop an understanding of size and shape. A range of activities and opportunities support children’s knowledge and understanding of the world, for example, photographs show them enjoying a trip to a Chinese restaurant and playing in the snow. They enjoy baking and watching what happens when ingredients are mixed and later cooked and as they blow bubbles in the garden. Children have access to a mini laptop and other technological toys to support their learning, all children including older babies are able to use a tape recorder.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have opportunities to develop large physical skills, for example, using the slide in the rear garden, and larger equipment at a local childcare group. They are developing manipulative skills through access to a variety of toys and resources, such as jigsaws, blowing bubbles, stacking and building resources for younger children. Older children successfully manage glue spatulas and are able to open and close cassette boxes. Children enjoy a variety of opportunities to be creative through dressing up and craft activities. Children enjoy creating individual pieces of work using feathers and other materials. They enjoy listening to music, singing and access various musical instruments.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a healthy lifestyle as they enjoy outdoor play, walks and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 explore the natural environment and local community as they attend various groups and visit farms and other places of interest. Children enjoy healthy foods, for example, snacks consist of various fruits, such as strawberries and bananas. They are encouraged to drink fresh water on a regular basis throughout the day. Children's preferences and individual dietary needs are met. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.7

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

p.7

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 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?

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8