Downing Joanna

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 EY240395 Inspection date 14/07/2009 Inspector Janet Skippins

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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 2002. She is registered on the Early years register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her partner and children aged 16 and eight in Skelmanthorpe. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a pet rabbit, two guinea pigs, a hamster and three fish as pets. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding three children in the early years foundation stage age range and one child who is over the age of eight and is in the age range for the voluntary Childcare Register. The setting is open from 07.00 to 18.00 on week days all year round. Children are able to attend on a full or part-time basis. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child’s individual needs, and she promotes their welfare and learning with success. Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder works in very close partnership with parents and the local school, which contributes to ensuring that the needs of children are well met. Policies and procedures are in line with the EYFS. The childminder demonstrates her positive commitment to continual improvement, by attending a large number of relevant training courses.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop resources and activities to support children’s learning about diversity.

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provision

The childminder regularly evaluates her service, resulting in a service that is responsive to the needs of children and their families. She has attended all the training offered to find out about the EYFS. She has put this into practice well by making written plans and observation and assessment records of the children's activity. These clearly show their next steps for learning, and identify that children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points. The childminder has given attention to the recommendations made at the last inspection. She now collects more information regarding children’s individual health needs when they start to attend and has developed the complaints procedure to include contact details for Ofsted. These actions have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enhanced the partnership with parents. She also complies with the conditions of

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provision

registration by caring for the number of children she is registered for which enhances the safety of the children. She evaluates her service well and has started to use the self evaluation form. This has helped her to identify her strengths and weaknesses and she is taking action to improve. For example, she has applied for a place on an National Vocational Qualification level 3 course to increase her qualifications.

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provision

Records, policies and procedures are easily accessible, used appropriately and made available to parents. Information regarding children's welfare achievements and progress is shared through regular discussion and written information. Parents have completed questionnaires and written testimonials which show that they are highly satisfied with the service the childminder provides. The childminder works closely with the school which some of the children attend by liaising with them on activity plans, providing continuity for the children. This results in a good partnership with parents and others, which enables the childminder to ensure the needs of the children are well met.

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provision

Through attending training to keep updated, the childminder has an excellent knowledge of safeguarding children. She has a clear policy in place and works well with parents, ensuring that the welfare and protection of children is her priority. She takes care not to allow people whose suitability has not been checked to have unsupervised contact with the children while being cared for. The childminder’s home and outdoor area are very safe, and comprehensive records of risk assessments are maintained. Highly detailed records show that emergency evacuations are practised regularly. During the evacuation practices the childminder supports the children to develop their understanding of the danger of fire very well. She uses a box which is painted with flames to simulate a fire. She places this in different parts of the home and asks the children to think about which exit they will use to escape from the fire. They also learn about road safety

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provision

when out walking; the childminder takes care to help them understand that they must not talk to each other when she asks them to be quiet and listen to her when they are about to cross the road.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed at the setting. They receive support and affection which results in them feeling confident, motivated, healthy, happy and secure. Their independence is promoted well through easy access to a wide range of resources. The childminder uses her knowledge and understanding of child development to plan interesting activities. She treats children with equal concern, respecting their individuality and meeting their needs. The childminder effectively promotes inclusive practice through encouraging the children to take part in activities, which are appropriate to their different needs and abilities. Children learn about diversity through celebrating festivals and using resources such as dolls, books, and laminated cards which the childminder has made. These are duplicated and used for snap games, or the children are given a card and have to find a matching one. The childminder then encourages the children to talk about the picture. However,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the childminder plans to increase resources and planned activities to develop the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children’s understanding of diversity further.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about their local area by going on walks in the neighbouring countryside, to parks and play gyms. They are developing a very high level of knowledge of the importance of physical activity and fresh air when they go on these regular walks. They develop physical skills through visiting the play gym, running in the park and regular use of swings and slides. They also use the childminder’s vehicle and public transport to visit places of interest which are outside walking distance. Children learn about the natural world by making very good use of the garden. This is very easy for them to access through the conservatory where they play. They enjoy games of football and croquet. They also enjoy caring for and handling the pet guinea pigs, hamster and rabbit. Planned activities such as growing courgettes and tomatoes and moving seeds they have grown to bigger planters take place in the garden. They take part in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

food preparation by making bread and soup from fresh vegetables. This helps them to make a positive contribution to the running of the setting and develop skills for the future. Two year olds proudly say they have written their name on their work when they have started to make marks on their pictures. They show they can count by spontaneously counting the number of coins they need when playing at shops. They receive support from the childminder to extend their play and develop their language. As a result, the children are making good progress towards the Early Learning Goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a large conservatory which is furnished with a dining table which the children use for craft work, and comfortable settee where they relax and look at books with the childminder. They also use the adjoining lounge for play, this gives them ample space to set out equipment such as mats with cars and play with them. Toys, books and equipment are easy for them to access themselves from large boxes on the floor. Their environment is very clean, safe and secure. They learn how to keep themselves safe, and to identify potential hazards. For example, they understand simple rules like not running inside. Routines, like regular hand washing before eating and after handling pets are in place to help the children learn about health and hygiene. The childminder has attended first aid training; therefore, she is aware of how to care for children in the event of an accident. The children develop an excellent level of understanding about healthy eating through

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

topic work, planting and growing vegetables, food preparation and discussion while making and eating their meals and snacks with the childminder. The minded children behave well, are learning to share, and show very good manners. The childminder follows her policy on managing behaviour using positive strategies such as praising the children when they behave well. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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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