Battershell, Claire Elizabeth

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 EY387018 Inspection date 27/05/2009 Inspector Maureen Croxford

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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 and works with her husband and three children of school and pre-school age in a quiet residential area close to Woking, Old Woking and Westfield in Surrey. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is the area mainly used for childminding and there are sleep and toilet facilities on this floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is parking available at the front of the house and easy access to the premises. The childminder walks, rides or drives to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 five children currently on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group. The registration is for a maximum of three children under eight years of whom three may be in the early years age group. When working with her husband they may care for a total of six children under eight years; of these, not more than four may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than two may be under one year at any one time. The family have one cat and two guinea pigs as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from a mentor from the local authority. There are procedures in place to support children for whom English is an additional language.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder meets individual children's needs well as she works extremely closely with parents and other professionals and to promote an inclusive service. She organises her home effectively which enables children to play, eat and rest in a comfortable and very secure environment. Children are supported as the childminder is very secure in her knowledge of child development. She is developing the systems she uses to ensure that they make good progress in their learning and development. Children are kept safe as the childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding children and supervises them very effectively.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the systems used to record children's progress, in relation to their starting points, and to identify and plan for the next steps in their learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has made a very positive start to her childminding business. All required documents are in place and she has developed a wide range of policies and procedures to support her practice. The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding children and has procedures in place if she should have any concerns about a child. These are shared with parents to ensure that they are aware of the childminder's responsibilities. The comprehensive risk assessment includes the outings made with children to ensure that any risks are well managed.

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provision

The childminder has developed excellent relationships with parents, including social events, to ensure that children are cared for according to their wishes. Verbal and well written information is shared with parents, which ensures that they are fully aware of the care and activities offered to children, including daily diary sheets. She makes time to discuss any issues with parents which ensures that the children's needs are met.

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provision

The childminder has completed a comprehensive self-evaluation of her practice. She has used this information to identify any strengths and weaknesses in the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage and ensure continuous improvement. She has a strong commitment to development through her training and her self-evaluation of the provision.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are actively involved in the activities as they enjoy their play with the childminder, for example, when making cakes. All children, including the babies, are encouraged to use their senses as they explore the different smells, tastes and texture, such as the flour, sugar and paper cases. The childminder explains why they sift the flour and then asked what the flour felt like. The child says 'softie' and the childminder praises her and tells her that is an exciting new word to use. They use a written recipe and show excitement as they measure and weigh the ingredients and stir the mixture. The childminder plans many suitable play opportunities that help them to learn and develop, including well organised outings. When at home, the childminder provides many stimulating activities that the children enjoy and that are suitable for their stage of development, including books and music. She knows the children she cares for very well, she supports

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their play and is always talking to them, answering their questions and offering explanations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is confident in how to plan and promote all areas of the learning outcomes in the daily play activities. She has begun to observe and record the children's progress and is beginning to use these observations to plan for the children's next steps in their learning. There are robust policies and procedures in place which are implemented to ensure a high level of consistency throughout the provision. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are beginning to learn good hygiene routines, such as washing their hands when appropriate. The childminder prepares well balanced snacks for the children, as agreed with parents and carers. All children are able to access their own drinks throughout the day as they wish. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual requirements. The childminder provides suitable

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

equipment to allow children to rest comfortably, for example, a cot for babies and comfortable furniture in the playroom.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder helps children to learn to consider the needs of others. She expects them to share, take turns and say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when necessary. Their good behaviour is valued and praised, for example, when they help tidy the Brio away. The childminder has planned the environment so that children can be independent, they can choose what they play with from a large range of suitable toys that are well stored in the playroom. The home is made welcoming and comfortable with posters, photos and children's work displayed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children use a range of resources that help them to learn about different cultures and backgrounds. They explore their local environment and they meet with other adults and children which help to develop their social skills. The play areas are spacious enough for the registered numbers and are kept safe and secure. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 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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