Cooper, Sarah

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 EY315198 Inspection date 21/04/2009 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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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 husband and two children aged nine and four years in a residential area of Northampton in Northamptonshire. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The premises are easily accessible and if needed, a portable ramp is available. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Children are also taken on local outings and regular attend various local carer and toddler groups. The family has a dog and two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years and there are currently three school aged children whom attend term time only. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy, settled and thriving well in a clean, safe and welcoming environment. The childminder is caring and knows their individual needs and personalities extremely well. Her practice is fully inclusive; all children are valued and treated with equal concern. Their safety is protected through a range of policies, procedures and through everyday practices. Children are making excellent progress in their learning and play because they access a wide variety of inspiring resources and activities. A superb partnership is in place with parents and paperwork to support this is well organised. The childminder is committed to continually reflecting on her practice and has identified some areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase knowledge of the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a provider.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She is well aware of the possible signs of abuse and harm and has a clear knowledge of what to do should she be concerned about a child in her care. However, her understanding of the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against her is less secure and children's welfare could potentially be compromised. Comprehensive written risk assessments This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are in place and the childminder carries out daily safety checks on her home and any resources used for minding.

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provision

The childminder has formed superb partnerships with parents and they are kept very well informed about their child's care and activities, as well as their progress. They chat on a daily basis and have provided the childminder with completed questionnaires that confirm how happy they are with the service she provides. Comments include references to the childminder's caring, professional and approachable nature and the safe, homely and happy environment she provides. Parents have very good access to their child's 'learning journey' and are given ideas to continue their learning at home. Some children also attend other settings that deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder, with parents’ permission, has taken positive steps to forge excellent links with these settings so that she can build on and support children's learning and experiences, in order to provide consistency.

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provision

The childminder is well organised and maintains accurate and up-to-date records, which assist her in keeping them safe, such as accident and medication records. She has recently reviewed her paperwork and comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure that they support her practice. The childminder has started to formally evaluate her practice and has a sound understanding of her own her strengths and weaknesses. She recognises the value of reviewing all aspects of her provision and demonstrates a strong desire and commitment towards continually improving her service.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident, well settled and secure in the childminder's home. The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of the learning and development requirements within the Early Years Foundation Stage. As a result children make outstanding progress towards the early learning goals, given their capabilities and starting points. Their progress is very well promoted as the childminder plans purposeful play opportunities and first hand learning experiences which are both adult-led and child-initiated. She is fully aware of each child's individual needs as she accurately records detailed ongoing observations of children's development in their learning journey books. She uses the information gained to identify learning priorities and plan an abundance of relevant learning experiences for each child.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to a wide range of good quality resources that help promote their all-round development. Toys and equipment are stored in various places around the home and a selection is put out for children to choose from on a daily basis. Children know what is available and are at ease to ask for items that they cannot see or reach. Areas of the home are well organised to enable children to play in comfort. The childminder encourages children to become active and inquisitive learners through asking them open-ended questions

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children cuddle up next to the childminder when they listen to stories and have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their favourites. They have great fun pretending to be jungle animals, for example, slithering like a snake and stomping like an elephant, therefore using their imagination well. Children visit the farm where they watch lambs being born and experience milking a cow. They use magnifying glasses and binoculars to look at insects, birds and wildlife and discuss the changes in the seasons and weather. Children enjoy their weekly visits to various groups where they have many opportunities to socialise and meet new friends and to take part in a variety of meaningful activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. The childminder sets clear boundaries and explains to children why house rules are in place, for example, they know that they must not climb or jump on furniture as they might damage it or hurt themselves or others. She ensures that children know about her expectations for their behaviour and manners are actively encouraged. Children treat the family pets with care and respect because they are reminded to be kind and considerate. Whilst out walking children learn about road safety as the childminder talks to them about the Highway Code and reinforces the children's understanding of 'Stranger Danger'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are starting to learn about differences and develop a respect for themselves and others. The childminder raises their awareness of the wider community through everyday discussions, providing activities based around a variety of religious and cultural festivals and ensuring that children have access to a range of resources that portray positive images of diversity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Established daily routines ensure that children develop exemplary hygiene practices, for example, robust hand washing routines. Every child has their individual colour coded cups and flannels to prevent the spread of infection. Suitable hygiene procedures in relation to the family pets help to protect children’s health and all areas of the childminder's home are clean and very well-maintained. Children enjoy an excellent range of healthy meals and snacks which the childminder provides and freshly prepares as needed. 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? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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