Marnock, Nicola

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 EY380356 Inspection date 13/08/2009 Inspector Anthea Errington

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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 2008. She lives with her partner and her children in the town of Ashington, Northumberland. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom and children's bedrooms on the first floor of the childminder’s home are used for childminding. An enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor activities. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years. She also cares for children aged over eight years. There are currently six children on roll cared for on a part- time basis, of whom three are in the early years age group. The childminder cares for children on weekdays and weekends throughout the year. The childminder has completed relevant training and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She takes and collects children from the local schools. The family has three rabbits and

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Description of the childminding

a guinea pig. The childminder is also registered to jointly childmind with another childminder in different premises.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is very supportive in helping children make good progress in their learning and development and is extremely committed to providing a very inclusive environment where all children have their individual needs met. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge of good quality childcare through attendance of relevant training and has sufficient knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Strong, purposeful links have been developed with parents and carers, which ensures that they are kept well informed about their child's progress. Documents are well organised including a comprehensive range of policies and procedures. The childminder evaluates the service she provides to promote continuous and future improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop systems for recording children's progress, including matching observations to the areas of learning to identify learning priorities.

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provision

Children are extremely well motivated, happy and confident in the childminder's care. All documentation including detailed policies and procedures is very well organised and confidentially maintained. The focus of activities is always on the child as an individual which enables them to achieve as much as possible. The childminder records detailed observations of children's activities, however, these are not fully linked to the areas of learning to support and identify learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 priorities.

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provision

The childminder places utmost priority in ensuring relationships with parents and carers remain strong. She fully values their contributions and keeps them well informed about all aspects of their children's development and achievements through regular discussion and the use of children's development files. This enables them to continue their learning at home through highlighted experiences. The childminder has provided parents and carers with questionnaires with regard to the service she provides and has received extremely positive comments from them. They state, 'The childminder provides lots of activities to keep children happy and she provides an excellent service which they would happily recommend to others'. The childminder recognises the importance of establishing purposeful links with other providers delivering the EYFS to ensure successful delivery for those children attending both settings.

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provision

The childminder is fully committed to developing her knowledge and practice and has attended a number of relevant training courses. These include a level 3 diploma in Home-Based Childcare, level 1 and 2 in Positively Kids and safeguarding training. She welcomes future training with regard to the care and education she offers to further enhance the good care she already provides. The childminder understands her role in safeguarding children is fundamental and is confident and knowledgeable in the procedures she is required to take should she be concerned about a child in her care. Relevant documentation required for the safe management of the provision is in place, which includes effective written risk assessments and records of fire evacuation practices.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of child development and plans activities well to support the individual needs of children within the EYFS. She is highly skilled in providing an inclusive service for all who attend her setting to ensure they feel valued and secure. Children are confident and inquisitive learners and make independent choices form the very good range of toys and resources available to them. These are clearly labelled using words, pictures and Braille print to ensure that each child can make their own choice. Flexible plans are in place to allow the childminder to respond to children's interests and to ensure children are happy and engaged in their learning and play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children display extremely warm, close relationships with the childminder which results in them fully enjoying their time spent with her and in becoming confident learners. Their communication and language skills are developing very effectively as they confidently communicate with one another and adults present. The childminder skilfully questions them, encouraging them to use language for thinking as they describe recent outings with their parents. They practise their mark-making skills as they run their fingers through the paint making a variety of patterns. Children's problem-solving and numeracy skills are developing extremely well as they confidently count up to nine of their painted hand prints. They understand and display a good understanding with regard to weight as they explain they must find something heavy to prevent the wind blowing the paper This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

around. Children are given good opportunities to learn of their local and wider community as they visit local parks and places of interest such as 'The Alnwick Garden'. Here they have great opportunities to develop their physical abilities as they climb in the tree house and run in and out of the water fountains. Children use age-appropriate information and communication technology resources and have access to a wide range of books and resources that show positive images of diversity and difference, as well as celebrating cultural festivals and events.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has realistic expectations in accordance with each child's age and stage of development and responds to their individual needs and requests well. Children are well behaved and respond positively towards the childminder. They are happy to help with tidying up and respond well to the praise and encouragement given to them. Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene and are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, they know they must put their hands over their mouths when they cough and are encouraged to use paper tissues. The childminder's flexible routine incorporates time for active play, quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being and meeting their individual needs. Children do not attend if they are sick, which enables the childminder to protect others from illness and infection. The childminder provides a range of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals which

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

further contributes towards children's overall good health. 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? 1 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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