Cordwell, Kathryn Louise

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 EY386974 Inspection date 11/06/2009 Inspector Anne Felicity Taylor

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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 with her husband and children aged two and 14 years in the Charity Crescent area of Evesham, Worcestershire. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor and a first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time, two within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She currently cares for five children aged between 10 months and five years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is completing a Level 3 qualification in early years practice.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder is beginning to develop systems to observe and assess individual needs, and she provides a wide choice and variety of play enabling the children she cares for to make sound progress. On the whole children are developing an awareness of others and the need for respect, which effectively promotes the inclusive service she offers. The childminder is a good role model, and children are always polite. Safety is generally addressed well. Some self-evaluation systems are in place, including discussions with parents, enabling the childminder to respond quickly to any changes and adaptations needed in her childminding service.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a better understanding of the early learning goals in order to recognise each child's achievements  introduce the children to a range of cultures and beliefs through activities, visits and resources  develop additional risk assessments to include all areas used and activities.

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provision

The childminder has completed all the required training following her registration, including first aid. She has developed written policies which are available to parents. The childminder is beginning an early years qualification, and she has some understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, the childminder does not always recognise all the children's achievements as they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 complete activities, limiting the recorded information. Children are protected because the childminder has confidence in her understanding of child protection issues, and the procedures and policies that she has in place. She has completed additional training, and has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities. Therefore, children are safeguarded.

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provision

The childminder generally completes all the required documentation for the safe management of her provision, including registers and parental consent forms. However, risk assessments are not yet completed in full, which may compromise safety. The childminder has discussions with parents when a child first attends, developing an sound understanding of the children's stage of development, daily routines and interests, for example, sleeping and eating patterns. Therefore, she is able to offer appropriate care and learning. The on-going exchange of information means that the service can be modified as children develop and progress. Parents appreciate the daily sheet and the access they have to all the information held on their child by the childminder, including individual folders and wall displays.

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provision

The childminder has begun to evaluate the service she offers and understands the importance of looking at her practice regularly. She always tries to respond quickly and positively to requests made by parents and children. Therefore, areas for improvement are addressed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder creates a child-friendly environment in her home and children have easy access to free play space. A wide variety of resources and toys are in place for the care of the children. However, activities and resources to develop children's awareness of the wider world are limited, restricting their learning in this area. Procedures are in place to clean and maintain all equipment to a good standard. Older children develop good hygiene routines as they are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet. Young children are kept clean and comfortable because procedures are in place to change nappies regularly and to dispose of them appropriately. All the required paperwork is in place for the safe administration of medication, and consent for emergency medical treatment. This ensures that children's health and well-being is always considered.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is developing observation and assessments procedures, which means that she can plan for individual children. The childminder provides a good variety of play and lots of choice, including adult and child-led activities. Children enjoy activities during 'Space Week', making an army of aliens and some planets, using a variety of materials and techniques including papier mache. They investigate and comment on the texture saying, "I've got sticky hands, it feels like spaghetti.". The childminder chats to the children all the time, discussing what they are doing, and asking open questions to encourage the children to think and solve problems. This has a good impact on children developing their vocabulary and language skills, and it makes children feel valued and confident. Older children use their imaginations and creative abilities as they play with small world toys, sharing the trains on the track, with encouragement and praise from the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder. Children enjoy books and use them carefully, either alone, or sitting This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with the childminder for a story, for example, 'Upsey Daisy'. The childminder is developing skills to adapt play to suit different levels of ability and therefore everyone is included. Many of the activities prepare the children for their future, more independent, lives.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health benefits from opportunities for regular outdoor play and walks and healthy eating. The childminder provides all meals and snacks and the children enthusiastically choose which fruit they will have for snack. They count out strawberries and sit with their friends to eat and drink. Usually, children are offered a homemade freshly prepared hot lunch. They are sometimes involved in helping to prepare their meal, going to the shop to choose and buy ingredients to make pizza. Children play imaginatively outdoors in the playhouse, and running and chasing each other. They are fascinated as the childminder makes them aware of the sun coming out and going in and the shadows on the grass. Safety procedures and equipment are in place, including well-maintained fire safety equipment like smoke alarms and a fire blanket. Therefore, children are generally kept safe. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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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