Mayne, Amanda Jane

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 221235 Inspection date 30/07/2009 Inspector Kristin Hatherly

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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 1987. She lives with her husband, son aged 17 years and adult stepson in a residential area in a village close to Northampton. Local amenities such as parks, schools, pre-school, library and shops are near by. Children have access to the playroom, kitchen/diner and downstairs toilet. There is an enclosed garden for children's physical play and activities. Access to the house is via a small step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on both the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register, to care for six children at any one time and is a quality assured network childminder.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides effectively for children within the Early Years Foundation Stage and they engage in a range of interesting activities although planning is not fully robust as it does not link to individual children's next steps in learning. Children are valued as individuals and cared for in a safe and secure hazard free environment where required policies, procedures and records are in place which ensures their welfare is promoted well. The childminder evaluates her practice to identify areas for improvement and key strengths which is reflected in her clear commitment to offer parents and children a quality service.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop planning to ensure that there is a link to individual children's next steps  develop a two-way flow of information with any other providers the children attend  develop further knowledge and understanding of the significant events or changes that should be notified to the regulator.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection and because she has clear procedures to follow if she needs to refer any concerns. Risk assessments are in place so that hazards are identified and minimised and the childminder ensures children are supervised at all times. There is a fire evacuation plan and children regularly practice fire evacuation drills which are recorded appropriately. As a result, children are cared for in a safe environment. However, the childminder has not fully developed her understanding of the significant events and changes which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 should be notified to the regulator.

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provision

Policies and procedures effectively promote children's welfare overall and all required records and consents are in place. The childminder capably reflects upon her practice and actively seeks training and support in order to plan for improvement in the provision for children. She maintains detailed and well- organised records on the children that are used appropriately to promote their health and safety. The records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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provision

The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that children's needs are met. They are kept informed about their child through access to their development records, with regular verbal feedback at the end of each session and daily diaries for babies and toddlers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are purposefully engaged in a varied range of fun and interesting learning activities in and out of the home. The childminder works well with parents and other carers in order to help her to get to know children well and to plan carefully for their individual development. The childminder involves children in conversations, interacting with them very well and asking open questions in order to extend their learning and their ability to question and think for themselves. As a result, children show good levels of responsibility and encourage each other's learning as they play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to explore and use their imagination as they take part in a variety of activities. Their experiences are broadened and their social skills encouraged as they go on outings and visit local childminding and toddler groups. Children's creative abilities are promoted through a variety of craft activities. She also extends children’s learning by introducing mathematical concepts, such as counting and colour recognition in their play. These simple activities lay the foundations to support the children’s future economic well-being. The childminder keeps a well-presented record of her observations which includes their next steps although these are not clearly linked to the planning. Furthermore, there is limited liaison with other providers that the children attend which limits the childminder's ability to ensure continuity of care and education.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have regular opportunities to enjoy outdoor play and exercise as they play in the childminder's garden and visit local parks. They are encouraged to keep themselves healthy and safe because the childminder helps them to develop good hygiene habits and ensures they each have individual towels and flannels to prevent the spread of infection. Children are well behaved because they are well occupied and settled in this warm and caring setting. They learn good self- discipline and consideration for others from the childminder's careful role modelling and interactions. The childminder provides an inclusive environment where each child is valued and clearly relaxed and comfortable in her care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's safety is well maintained because the childminder has a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of safety issues and carefully risk assesses the premises to ensure no hazards are accessible to children. The childminder makes sure that parents know how to make a complaint to Ofsted in order to offer children and parents a safe and transparent service. 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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