Lucky, Kathryn

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 EY364510 Inspection date 13/05/2009 Inspector Charlotte Jenkin

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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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her two daughters in a three bed-roomed house in Lyneham. The whole property is registered for childminding, although children mainly use the downstairs, with toilet and sleeping facilities upstairs. 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 five children under the age of eight years and currently cares for two children in the early years age range. The family live close to the local primary school, shops and pre-schools. The childminder has an NVQ level 3 qualification and is a member of the local childminding group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for by a childminder who knows the children in her care well and values and respects their individuality. She caters for children's individual needs, thus children develop confidence whilst in her care. Children are included in all activities in the provision and these are tailored to suit individual children's interests, as well as their ages and stages of development. Hence, children make good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. The childminder evaluates her practice and identifies areas for future improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop the programme for creative development by offering children more opportunities to make 3D models using materials of their choosing  continue to develop the outdoor area to offer children sensory and exploratory experiences and activities that support their development in all areas of learning

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provision

Children are cared for by a well qualified childminder. The childminder implements all policies and procedures consistently to promote the welfare of the children attending. She gains detailed information from parents regarding children's routines, as well as their play preferences. This enables her to organise her day in order that these are respected and, hence, children feel at ease in her care. Risk assessments are effective in identifying potential hazards to children and this means they play in a safe environment. Children benefit from the solid partnership with parents as they have their routines respected and are cared for in line with parents' wishes. The childminder shares information with parents daily regarding their routines, activities they have participated in and their general well-being. This good communication means childcare issues are discussed to the benefit of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

children. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child's learning through taking books and toys home to share together. The childminder liaises with other adults working with the children discussing current themes for learning, interests they have noted and areas for future development. This enables her to compliment the care and learning children receive outside of the provision.

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provision

The childminder has attended additional training to support her professional development. This has enabled her to make changes to her practice to improve outcomes for children. Hence, she has improved her ability to observe children, reflect on what this shows her about the development of the child and where to take them next to further their learning and development. The childminder evaluates her practice and identifies areas for future improvements. These include implementing themes for learning based on the children's experiences and making a tree stump in the garden the basis of a learning project for them. She seeks the views of the parents and is committed to making changes to improving her practice. The childminder has the capacity to improve and has made improvements since the last inspection. As a result of updating her trampoline safety policy, children no longer use this and this demonstrates her commitment to keeping

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children appear settled and at ease in the childminder's care. They confidently request activities, which the childminder responds to, including drawing and snack time. Children demonstrate a sense of belonging in the childminder's care, as they know where to hang their coats and put their shoes. They help tidy away the toys when they have finished playing with them, showing respect for their environment. Children enjoy participating in the activities that they choose, including constructing models. They sit together and talk about what they are doing, and discuss their favourite colours. The childminder shows interest in what the children are doing and gets down to their level to play with them. Children demonstrate pride in their achievements, and are keen to show the childminder what they have made. Children talk about what they are doing, explaining that they are making a tower and it is hopping. They then say it is 'Rapunzel's Tower', using their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

imagination well during their play. The childminder praises children for their achievements and this helps children's developing self-confidence. The childminder provides a suitable balance of adult led and child initiated activities that help them make good progress towards the early learning goals. She uses children's interests and favourite play experiences to enhance their learning. For example, one child particularly enjoys dressing up in princess clothes, so the childminder provided activities including making a crown and wand to further her creativity. However, creative activities do not often enable children to choose materials and make 3D models. The childminder observes the children during their play and makes detailed observations regarding what they know, understand and can do. These help her identify children's interests and plan further experiences based on these to further their learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a well organised environment where they have plenty of floor space for play. They have access to a cushioned room to engage in quiet activities This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and suitable arrangements are in place if children wish to rest. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment that help support their development in all areas. These are stored in low level shelves in order that children can help themselves to those they wish to play with. This encourages children's confidence and independence. The environment is bright, welcoming and child friendly, with displays of photographs of the children engaged in activities and information for parents available. The childminder takes account of children's backgrounds and ensures she finds out about these, shares them and celebrates them in the provision. The childminder demonstrates a sound commitment to safeguarding

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children. She has updated her training in this area and is confident in her knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. She encourages children's understanding of safety, both in the home and when out, including teaching them how to cross the road in safety. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating and the effects of certain foods on their bodies. They discuss how foods help them grow and measure one another to see how tall they are growing. The childminder provides balanced meals for the children if requested and any dietary requirements are catered for. Children visit local parks regularly, where they move in various ways, develop physical skills and throwing and catching skills. They walk to the local school and pre-schools daily and are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards fresh air and exercise. The garden is used for a range of physical activities, although it is not developed to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

offer children a range of exploratory and sensory experiences. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of the methods to use for managing children's behaviour, including the use of praise and encouragement. 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: 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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