Keays-Smith, Frances Sara

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 EY387146 Inspection date 05/05/2009 Inspector Juliet Eileen Hartridge

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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 and lives with her husband and two young children in Exmouth, Devon. All areas of the home, apart from the workshop are used for childminding and there are enclosed outdoor areas including a decked area for children to play outside. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, to care for four children under eight years. She is registered to provide overnight care for two children. She is currently caring for one child in the early years age range.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are happy and very well settled and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder has a strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She uses this to ensure children have excellent opportunities to enjoy purposeful play, which is very carefully planned taking into account their individual needs and stages of development. The childminder most effectively reflects on her practice and thoughtfully identifies areas she would like to develop in the future in order to further enhance her provision for children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 further developing opportunities for children to have greater independance in their learning.

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provision

Children's welfare is particularly well promoted due to the wide range of meticulously maintained documentation in place, as well as the childminder's responsible approach. Children play in a safe and secure environment. Detailed risk assessments are undertaken of the indoor and outdoor environments as well as outings, and are regularly reviewed. Fire drills are recorded and fully evaluated and children are carefully supervised at all times. Comprehensive policies and procedures have been devised and documentation including accident and medication records are in place. Important documentation including the registration and insurance documents are prominently displayed for parents and carers to read. Children are effectively protected from harm as the childminder is well aware of the importance of safeguarding all children in her care. She is confident regarding the steps she should take regarding any child protection

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provision

concerns. The childminder is strongly committed to evaluating her practice and has undertaken a detailed evaluation of her provision, clearly outlining ideas for future development in order to benefit the children in her care. She has a firm This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 commitment to training, having booked courses she feels will further enhance her provision.

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provision

The childminder communicates most effectively with the children's parents and carers, and this ensures that they are always well informed about their children's progress and what they enjoy doing. Families receive a most detailed and professional handbook containing all her policies and procedures, and helpful information about the childminder's routine. Contracts are completed and the friendly and informative daily diaries provide parents and carers with a very helpful record of their children's day. The childminder chats with parents and carers every day, and the longer progress report meetings provide them with a very helpful opportunity to discuss their child's progress and future plans in more detail. This professional approach ensures that parents and carers are fully involved and consulted regarding the provision for their children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The home is warm and welcoming to children, their photos and art work are displayed on a colourful poster, which helps the children feel secure and valued as they arrive. The childminder is extremely well organised, and makes full use of the various rooms downstairs to ensure children have an enjoyable and varied day. Children's toys and resources are varied and of good quality, and are invitingly displayed where children can make choices as they play. A wide range of books are displayed at the children's height where they can easily see the covers and choose their favourite story. The childminder reads to the children and chats to them as they play, encouraging their developing language and ideas. Outdoor play as well as walks are a particular feature of the children's day, they wrap up warmly and the childminder recognises that some children learn and concentrate more effectively when they play outdoors. Children thoroughly enjoy playing with water,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

concentrating hard as they carefully measure and pour water in the jugs and beakers and make the water wheel spin. They enjoy mixing the sand with water and compare it to the beach, and children have regular opportunities to develop their creativity or experiment with textures and messy play as they gradually gain more confidence. Children have excellent opportunities to learn about the world around them; outings to local attractions as well as the beach and town enable children to observe animals and nature, and learn about their local community. Children also enjoy regular visits to local toddler groups, where they benefit from socialising with other children, which effectively supports their personal, social and emotional development. Children learn to play safely when they talk about water making the deck slippery and learn about road safety when they are out and about. They are developing healthy lifestyles, as they eat healthy snacks and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

meals and discuss the importance of washing their hands or covering their mouths when they cough.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy a wide range of activities, which are most carefully planned around their current interests, and the reassuringly familiar daily routines. The childminder is very well aware of the children's interests and stages of development, and this is most effectively promoted by the systems she has devised. Children's parents and carers help the childminder compile a 'Book All This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 About Me', which contains very helpful information about children's starting points and interests. Regular observations are undertaken whilst children play, and these are used to inform her very detailed planning chart. This ensures children are making good progress in their learning and that the activities are interesting, challenging and relevant to them. The activities are regularly evaluated to ensure all areas of learning are covered, and areas of particular interest to the children are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

taken forward for further development. The childminder is warm and enthusiastic, and very involved in the children's play. She is also becoming increasingly aware of the importance of enabling children to develop their independent ideas as they play and learn. The childminder has a very positive attitude to diversity. Children are treated with respect and equal concern and are helped to feel good about themselves, when they see their photographs or the portfolio of their art work. There is a suitable range of resources that promote positive images of diversity and children's awareness. Children play harmoniously together and are gradually learning to share and negotiate as they play. 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? 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? 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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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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