Atkinson, Melanie

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 EY259486 Inspection date 31/07/2009 Inspector Patricia Webb

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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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 12 years in Rugeley, within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding including toilet facilities. A step down from the kitchen door allows access to the fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. There are currently four children on roll in this age group. Care is also offered to children over five years. 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 local toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder offers an inclusive early years environment where children are valued and respected as individuals. The provision is well-organised to enable children to become active and independent learners both indoors and outside. Children make strong progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) because the childminder builds highly effective partnerships with parents, carers and other providers to offer a consistent approach. The childminder engages effectively in the process for evaluating the quality of the provision prioritising areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the format for recording any complaints to reflect the Early Years Foundation Stage  develop knowledge and understanding of the different strategies to use for expanding inclusive practice with particular regard to effective communcation.

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provision

The childminder is highly organised and offers a caring and nurturing provision where children are happy, settled and extremely safe. Effective written policies and procedures are in place including parental consents, ensuring that children are fully safeguarded. The current format for recording any complaints parents may have has not yet been updated to reflect the EYFS. Her professional but home-centred approach enables children to feel settled and secure as they enjoy the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 environment indoors and outside, developing their independence and confidence.

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provision

Working relationships with the parents and other providers are key strengths within the provision. Parents relish the opportunities to browse through their child's developmental records and daily diaries, adding comments as they go. This demonstrates a clear understanding of parents being the first educators of their child and how they and the childminder work closely together to offer consistency in routines and meeting individual needs.

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provision

Children are extremely well safeguarded as the childminder takes her responsibilities very seriously. Policies and procedures are discussed with parents and there is additional information to indicate the legislation that governs the necessity for certain levels of information in order to keep children safe. All of the necessary risk assessments are conducted regularly and children are developing a sense of their own safety through sensitive guidance and interesting activities such as working through an activity pack for learning about road safety and visiting the local fire station.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit greatly from the commitment and enthusiasm the childminder brings to her role. In implementing the EYFS, the childminder is building upon her already strong practice having maintained detailed developmental records and assessments for some years. Children are very settled and very much at home with the childminder and her family, developing a strong sense of belonging as their art work is displayed and they delight in sharing their developmental folders with parents. The daily diaries provide parents with an attractive record of their progress and information is exchanged through these as well as by way of daily texts and chats to keep them informed of their child's day. Parents have regular opportunities to contribute their comments and feelings about their children's care and progress as they complete questionnaires which are then used by the childminder as part of the evaluation process.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make strong progress towards the early learning goals as the childminder is highly skilled in presenting experiences and opportunities for children to develop across all aspects of their learning. They are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills as, for example, the childminder asks one child to think about where in the garden they might find spiders hiding. The child eagerly sets off to seek out the spider webs in the corners by the shed. Great fun is had as the children use water pistols to make marks on the patio slabs and the doors, amazed as the marks disappear in the sunshine. The childminder has a clear purpose behind offering such activities being very aware of how boys and girls learn differently and access different activities from choice. She is eager to extend her knowledge and skills in many aspects of her provision including developing various strategies to promote effective communication to support children for whom English is an

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

additional language, and children who have yet to develop their language skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Fond friendships develop between the minded children and the childminder and her family. One child refers to the childminder as his 'friend'. Diving in and out of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the tent erected in the garden brings much laughter and enjoyment as the children learn to be careful and take turns. Their behaviour is very good as they are gently reminded by the childminder about considering the needs of others and understand the clear boundaries set. Their health is promoted daily as they walk to and from school and toddler groups, and enjoy regular visits to the local park. They relish home-cooked meals that are balanced and nutritious and children are offered suitable drinks and snacks throughout the day. 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? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 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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