Whitmee Wendy Jane

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 EY225755 Inspection date 17/06/2009 Inspector Carly Mooney

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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 2003. She operates from the rural home of another childminder and also cares for children alongside her husband, who is also a registered childminder, in the village of Hemington on the Northamptonshire/Cambridgeshire border. The majority of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding with two bedrooms and bathrooms available upstairs. There are three dogs, guinea pigs and a fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight at any one time. When working with the other childminders they may care for a maximum of 12 children under eight years at any one time. There are currently 42 children on roll in the early years age range. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder cares for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children play and learn in a homely environment where they are happy and settled. They are offered a varied range of activities, challenging experiences and opportunities which help them to make good progress in their learning and development. Children's individuality is fully respected and their needs met to a very good standard. The childminder has effective systems in place to self-evaluate her practice and is committed to continually improving outcomes for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the children's attendance register, with regard to recording of arrival times for those children who attend the setting from school or pre-school  ensure a procedure is in place in the event of a parent failing to collect a child at the appointed time.

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provision

The childminder works closely with two other childminders to form an effective team who provide good support to children of all ages and abilities. They benefit from a warm, welcoming environment, where they are able to freely access the toys and equipment which encourages them to make independent decisions about their play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Generally documentation and record keeping is well organised, although the daily record of children's attendance is not accurate for those children attending the setting from school or pre-school and a procedure for uncollected children has not been implemented. However, there is a clear portfolio of policies and procedures in place which underpins the good quality of care provided for all children and is made available to parents. Written risk assessments and daily visual checks of the premises ensure children play in a safe environment, where hazards have been

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provision

identified and minimised. Older children are able to play independently in the small garden as convex mirrors allow them to be well supervised from the house. The childminder has a secure awareness of safeguarding procedures which help keep children safe from harm and neglect. Policies are available to parents and complaints and safeguarding information are displayed on a notice board.

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provision

The effective partnership between parents and childminder benefits the children's welfare. She spends time talking to parents and gathering secure information before a child starts which enables her to find out about children's interests and starting points. There is a two-way flow of information and regular communication about children's welfare. Photographs and observations are shared with parents to keep them up-to-date with their children's learning and development. The childminder has a clear and realistic awareness of the provision and identifies areas for improvement where necessary. This is achieved through effective self- evaluation systems such as parent and child questionnaires, which help monitor and evaluate the care provided for all children and their families.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn and is supporting their learning and development very effectively. The provision is very child-centred and each child is highly valued and respected. The childminder is calm and caring and demonstrates good interaction with all children to help them feel safe and secure. She is experienced in supporting and caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has built positive relationships with outside agencies, who all work together to meet children's needs effectively. Children are regularly observed during their play and clear next steps in their learning identified. Photographs of children playing help to evidence the progress children are making and show parents the activities they enjoy participating in at the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The promotion of children's personal, social and emotional development is a key strength of the setting. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care and confidently seek her support and reassurance when they require help. Older children are developing good independent skills as they arrive in from outside, hang their coats on their pegs and automatically wash their hands for snack. The childminder is consistent in her calm approach to behaviour management. Under her and the other childminders' guidance children learn the importance of working together as a group to share resources and maintaining important basic social skills such as good manners.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking questions and engaging This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them in conversation, repeating and modelling key words to support and promote their language and communication skills. They access a vast variety of books and enjoy listening to familiar stories in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Children begin to develop an awareness of number through singing songs such as 'Peter Hammers' and counting the number of spots on a jigsaw puzzle. Lots of outdoor activities encourage children to become actively involved in their learning and enjoy their environment. For example, they grow vegetables and help to look after guinea pigs. Children access a fabulous range of challenging outdoor equipment such as slides and log swings, which promotes their climbing, balancing and co- ordination skills extremely well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder actively encourages children to keep themselves well and safe from harm, by practising fire safety evacuations and encouraging them to follow good hygiene routines. She ensures she is a good role model and helps to prevent the spread of infection through procedures such as wearing an apron to change nappies. Quality fresh produce is used to prepare healthy and nutritious meals such as shepherds pie. Children have constant access to fresh water to ensure they remain hydrated at all times. The childminder ensures she can respond appropriately if children are ill or have an accident as she holds a valid first aid qualification and keeps all documentation relating to medication and accidents up- to-date, which safeguards children's welfare. 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? 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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