Heath Julie Ann

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 252835 Inspection date 04/08/2009 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 1988. She lives with her husband in Edwinstowe, near Mansfield. The whole of the ground floor, plus toilet facilities on the first floor of the home is used for childminding. The premises are accessible for people with limited mobility. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five years. She also offers care to two children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. A top priority for the childminder is the welfare of children. She ensures she knows each child very well and works very closely with parents to ensure children develop a strong sense of belonging and that an inclusive service is provided. Children delight in their time at the setting and are making good progress in their learning. They access a very varied and exciting range of experiences, which enrich their overall development. Highly effective steps are taken by the childminder to evaluate her practice and this gives an accurate reflection of the identified areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 review and extend the ways in which both children and parents are involved in reflecting on practice and identifying areas for improvement.

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provision

Children's safety is a high priority in the setting. The childminder is very careful in assessing potential risks and takes effective steps to prevent accidents. Clear detailed records, which are regularly reviewed and updated help to monitor this. For example, rigorous risk assessments effectively monitor any action required. This allows children the freedom to discover and learn safely. The childminder's knowledge in relation to child protection is good. She has robust systems in place and has ensured that her practice is underpinned with up-to-date knowledge of the correct procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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provision

The childminder is highly motivated and keen to improve outcomes for children. She welcomes advice from the local authority development workers and other childminders. The childminder has a good understanding of the strengths of the setting and areas for improvement showing a clear sense of purpose and direction. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She is committed to continuous improvement, by developing her knowledge, reflecting on her practice, attending training and applying what she learns to enhance outcomes for children. She has completed child protection, health and safety, learning to sign, exploring the Early Years Foundation stage, using observation and assessments effectively and welfare requirements training since her last inspection.

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provision

Partnerships with parents and carers are very effective in supporting children's care and learning. Daily discussions with parents provide the opportunity to share in their child's success or any concerns about their children's progress, which they feel may need additional support. Parents receive very good quality daily verbal and regular written information about how their children are progressing and achieving. For example, through photographs and observation records, keep in touch diaries, children's activity folders and individual planning sheets. They are encouraged to express their views and share in updating their child's development plan. Parents are invited to share their views both informally and formally, for example, through questionnaires or the keep in touch book. This is actively encouraging parents to contribute towards the self-evaluation of the setting. However, there are no clear plans for how this information will be used to improve

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provision

the process of ongoing internal review to ensure collaborative working that further promotes outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The environment is planned very well so that children can choose what they want to do from a wide range of interesting resources, natural materials and exciting activities. Babies access a very wide variety of items in interest baskets such as wooden eggcups, spoons and rings, loofahs, sponges, tea strainers and whisks. The childminder treats everything that happens as an opportunity for children to learn, showing that children are at the heart of all that happens. She listens attentively and responds to children sensitively. This enables children to feel valued and encourages them to make good progress in all areas of learning. A strong sense of participation and belonging promotes a very inclusive service where a 'can do' attitude is promoted. The childminder understands how children learn and engages them enthusiastically in challenging activities encouraging them to reach achievable targets, building their self-esteem and confidence. The structure to the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

day and the planning of activities is flexible and tailored to children's individual needs and interests. Wherever possible, children are actively involved in planning activities. For example, an outing to a famous land mark, the creating of birthday cakes using play dough and sea side pictures using sand and glitter.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play independently accessing a wide range of activities covering all six areas of learning. They independently access books and retell the story. They enjoy talking about home events and recall visiting the farm and name the animals they saw. Children spontaneously successfully count during play to five and skilfully roll, mould and create a birthday cake out of play dough. Children respond eagerly to constant praise and encouragement and enjoy the warm, caring reassurance from the childminder. They feel good about themselves and show respect for each other and are beginning to manage their own behaviour This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 successfully. The childminder has high expectations and her highly effective use of praise ensures children feel self-assured and supported. The systems in place, such as the use of children's observations and assessment records, which contain

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

very good detail to clearly identify the next step in children's learning, are used effectively to plan experiences tailored to children's individual learning needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is promoted well by a nutritious and wholesome diet. Meals are freshly prepared and children are given options around snack choices. They choose healthy options such as grapes and strawberries. The childminder is well aware of each child's individual dietary needs and ensures these are met. Children's health is further promoted by the childminder promoting exercise as fun. She ensures children take part daily in some form of physical activity to build confidence and control in using their bodies in various ways. Records show children had a great deal of fun learning how to hula-hoop and giggled as the childminder had a go. The childminder is well aware of the responsibility to encourage children to learn how to keep themselves safe. They are gently reminded not to run or to climb indoors and not to close doors. Children access a wide range of good quality resources that are kept clean and in a good state of repair.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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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