Couper, Ms Alison Helen

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 EY293687 Inspection date 26/08/2009 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and four children aged 10, six, three and one year in the Stalybridge area of Tameside close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor, first floor rear bedroom and bathroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is a rear garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children on the Early Years Register. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends the local adult and toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder is developing her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the learning and development requirements. Children enjoy a range of interesting activities which promote their learning and enable them to make suitable progress. Policies and procedures are in place which generally ensure that children's welfare is promoted, although not all the necessary consents have been obtained. Information is regularly shared with parents and others to ensure the individual needs of children are met and to promote consistency and continuity. The childminder has begun to assess her provision in order to identify areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the early learning goals and use observation, planning and assessment to identify learning priorities matched to these.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that parental permission is requested at the time of the child's admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 26/08/2009  obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 26/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is aware of the different types of abuse and her responsibility to report any concerns promptly to the relevant agencies. However, she does not request written permission from parents prior to administering each and every medication. Furthermore, she does not have written permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical treatment for all children. These are requirements in regulations. All adults in the household have been vetted to ensure their suitability to be in close proximity to children.

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provision

Risk assessments for the premises, toys, equipment and outings have been carried out to help monitor children's ongoing safety. These are reviewed and updated to reflect any changes, such as building work on the premises. The childminder attends ongoing training in order to improve her knowledge and keep up-to-date with current good practice. Acceptable procedures are in place for evaluating the provision in order to ensure areas for development are identified.

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provision

The childminder endeavours to build trusting and effective partnerships with parents so that the needs of all children are met. Daily verbal exchanges and the completion of diaries provide parents with an overview of their child's day. Parents are given questionnaires in order to seek their opinions and any suggestions for improvements to enhance the care and learning their child receives. They say their children enjoy going to the childminder's as she is 'fun', 'kind & caring'. Links are established with other settings providing for children in the EYFS to ensure continuity of care, learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder shows a sound understanding of the early learning goals and the need to provide activities and experiences to support and extend children’s learning and development. However, she does not plan in order to monitor the breadth and balance of the curriculum being delivered to the children. Observations which are linked to the six areas of learning are undertaken but the childminder is not clear how to use these to plan for children's next steps in learning and thus support them effectively as they develop. Consequently, the links between planning, observation and assessment are incomplete.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children form warm, caring relationships with the childminder. She shows a clear understanding of their individual needs and routines and interacts with them at their level, offering praise, encouragement and hugs as they play. As a result, they develop confidence as they move around the home freely exploring the space, toys and resources available. The childminder encourages children to follow their own interests so that they can develop their imagination, creativity and curiosity. This means they are interested and engrossed in their play. Good use is made of both the indoor and outdoor environment to stimulate children's development. The children have opportunities to go out to the farm to see the animals. This encourages an understanding of the needs of other living things. They learn about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their locality and enjoy travelling on the train when they visit the museum in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Manchester and see the old trains and planes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Early communication skills are supported with the ready availability of paper and a variety of mark making materials. Children enjoy singing songs, such as 'twinkle, twinkle' and regular trips to the library further develops their interest in language. They learn about problem solving as they observe the properties of sinking and floating with a raft made from lollipop sticks. They count how many beads they are threading when making jewellery. The children play well together and are beginning to share and take turns. Cooperative play is encouraged as the children are sensitively supported to understand the ‘rules’ of waiting for their turn to play with a particular tool for the play dough. Children develop their creativity as they paint with their hands and feet, make a collage with leaves, tissue paper and feathers and enjoy making buns.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Hand washing is incorporated into the daily routine. Posters and ongoing discussions about germs help children understand the underlying concepts of good hygiene practices. Children enjoy a range of healthy meals and snacks, such as tuna pasta bake and fruit. Drinks are available throughout the day for children to quench their thirst. Children learn about healthy living as they have regular access to fresh air and exercise. Outings to the park and playing in the garden enable children to balance, climb, swing and learn to manoeuvre the wheeled toys. Children learn about safety through discussion and everyday routines. They wear high visibility vests and tee shirts with the childminder's contact number to help keep them safe and discuss potential dangers from strangers on their outings. 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? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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