Morgan Deborah 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 EY310480 Inspection date 24/04/2009 Inspector Anna Davies

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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 2005. She lives with her two children aged four and five years in St.Ives, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access into and out of the childminder's home is at ground level. Toilet facilities are upstairs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. There are currently six children on roll, three of whom are within the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years . The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the childcare register. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, the library, shops and parks. The family have no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is about to begin working towards the Early Years and Childcare Quality Framework.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder creates a safe and welcoming environment for children. She provides a good range of activities that meet children's learning and development needs as well as promoting their interests which ensures that they enjoy their time spent with her and gain the most from their play and learning experiences. The childminder has a good awareness about promoting inclusive practice; she recognises and values the uniqueness of each child and ensures their individual needs are met through effective communication with parents.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving and continuously developing the provision for all children and has generally effective systems in place to monitor and evaluate her practice, although some of the required documentation has not been put into place since the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems of self-evaluation, this relates to identifying specific priorities for improvement and further development, stating how these will be achieved and how the impact on children will be assessed.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  keep a record of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action following a review or incident (Documentation). 15/05/2009

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provision

Children's welfare, care and safety are well promoted as the childminder is committed to improving her knowledge and awareness of relevant issues and has attended many training initiatives since the last inspection for example regarding inclusion and promoting positive behaviour. The childminder has a well-organised portfolio of policies and procedures in place which underpins the good quality of care she provides. Most required records and documentation are in place. However, although the childminder visually assesses and minimises all potential risks to children's safety within the home and outside area to ensure that children are cared for in a safe environment, she does not keep a record of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, the date of review and any action following a review or incident.

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provision

Children benefit from the layout of the childminder's home. They are able to free- flow between indoor and outdoor play and a good range of labelled boxes of toys and resources are independently accessible to children around the lounge or in a low-level storage unit which enables them to make choices in their play. Good relationships have formed between parents and the childminder. Parents receive clear information about their children's care through general feedback at the end of the day and through daily diaries. They are encouraged to become involved in their child's learning through making their own observations in the child's EYFS Tracker book and through giving information to the childminder about their starting points when they are first cared for. The childminder has developed good partnerships with the local pre-school to ensure she is able to provide continuity of care and learning for children who attend the pre-school as well as her setting. For

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provision

example, she has gained information from them about children's next steps of learning so that she can support these and she is fully aware of the themes that they follow and so is able to compliment them at her home.

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provision

Arrangements for safeguarding children are fully in place. The childminder has attended training and has good procedures in place for identifying any child at risk of harm, recording concerns and making a referral if necessary. The childminder demonstrates a firm and enthusiastic commitment to further developing her provision. For example she has responded positively to recommendations raised at the last inspection, consequently improving hygiene practices and ensuring the maintenance of appropriate documentation to support their good health. She has suitable systems of self evaluation in place taking into account parents and children's views. For example, children write down the toys and resources they would like the childminder to purchase in the future. However, whilst the childminder is clearly able to identify the strengths of her provision she is less clear in identifying specific priorities for improvement and further development.

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provision

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

Children are offered a good range of activities both indoors and outdoors, covering all areas of learning. They enjoy freely accessing the outdoor area, exploring sand and learning about the world around them as they hear birds and aeroplanes in the sky. Planning is flexible, taking into account themes being followed at the local pre-school, children's choices and planned activities relating to different festivals and celebrations. Assessment procedures are established and the childminder has a good understanding of how these underpin the activities that she provides. For example, she uses information from observations to identify children's next steps of learning and adapts activities for different ages and abilities of children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a secure environment for children where they feel confident to express their own needs and wishes. They move freely between different activities and play areas and make their own choices from the good range of resources available. The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking questions and engaging them in conversation to support and promote their language and communication skills. Early numeracy skills are promoted through play and everyday routines for example counting cars and lamp posts on walks and through number rhymes. They have good opportunities to develop their physical skills in the garden, at the park or in the home dancing to music. Young children are able to negotiate obstacles in the garden as they 'toddle' and use the small trampoline to bounce. Creativity is encouraged through role play, a good range of art and craft activities and investigatory play such as cornflour and water mix.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children begin to appreciate diversity in relation to different cultures and traditions through a good range of activities and resources.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning how they can keep themselves safe at the setting. For example they learn about 'stranger danger' and road safety when out, are reminded of house rules displayed in the lounge and encouraged to consider the safety of younger children when they are using toys with small parts. Their good health is effectively promoted. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained environment where procedures to minimise the risk of cross contamination are effective. For example, children use individual coloured and named hand towels to dry their hands and posters are displayed reminding them of good hygiene routines and the reasons why these are important to their health. Meals and snacks provided are healthy and nutritious with fresh fruit offered regularly. Children are encouraged to monitor their intake of 'five a day' by counting their portions on their 'five fingers'. Drinks are freely accessible at all times which

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

ensures they remain well-hydrated. Positive behaviour is promoted through the stimulating but relaxed environment and the calm manner and approach of the childminder. 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? 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 15/05/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 15/05/2009

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