Moore, Julie Diane

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY388122 Inspection date 27/08/2009 Inspector Sharon Dickinson

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2009 and lives with her husband and three year old child in Stafford. All areas of the ground floor are used for minding as well as a first floor bedroom. Access to the home is via a small step and the first floor is accessed via a flight of stairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for one child on a part time basis who is in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are partnership arrangements in place with local settings that children in the EYFS attend. The childminder is a qualified teacher. She is a member of the local Childminding Network and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a safe, secure and inclusive environment and effectively promotes children's welfare and learning. The childminder has a sound understanding of the children's individual needs and uses this knowledge to provide activities that interest them; as a result an exciting range of age-appropriate play activities and first hand experiences are planned. A good working relationship is forged with parents and they are kept well-informed of their children‟s daily routines and progress. The childminder has started to make good use of self-evaluation to identify strengths of the setting and areas for development.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further effective communication between other early years settings that children attend to ensure that children‟s needs are met and there is continuity in their learning  provide play and learning opportunities to develop children's awareness and understanding of diversity.

p.3

provision

The childminder is very well-organised and keeps clear records which mean that children's welfare and learning is well supported. Records for managing attendance, accidents and medication are kept accurately and up-to-date and support the childminder effectively in keeping children safe and managing their health needs. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Comprehensive written policies also underpin the childminder's practice well and are shared with parents on entry. The childminder has undertaken various training courses, such as first aid, food and fire safety, which have enabled her to improve her childcare skills. The childminder has started to make effective use of the Ofsted self-evaluation tool to identify her strengths and weaknesses. Clear and measurable areas for improvement have been identified which are well targeted to improve the service provided. The self evaluation process also incorporates

p.3

provision

feedback from parents which is actively sought via questionnaires; parents are very complimentary about the care provided for their children.

p.4

provision

The childminder‟s home is appropriately organised and gives the children opportunities to become independent. She undertakes thorough risk assessments for the home and outings so that any hazards are identified and minimised. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to protect children and knows how to implement the local safeguarding procedures.

p.4

provision

Useful information is exchanged at the start of a placement to ensure the childminder is aware of parent‟s wishes, children‟s individual needs and capabilities. The childminder builds close relationships with parents and keeps them very well-informed about the child's well-being and what they have been doing through discussion, daily diaries and useful information, such as daily plans, displayed in the entrance hall. Wider partnerships are also beginning to be developed with the local early years services that children attend however at present these are not fully robust to provide a holistic picture of the child to support continuity of care.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and they have developed warm and positive relationships. A broad range of resources are available, both indoors and outside, that are set out so that children can make independent choices in what they do. The childminder provides children with activities to develop their skills in all areas but remains responsive to their interests, which in turn makes children eager to learn and confident to suggest their own ideas. The childminder routinely observes and assesses children's learning to monitor their progress towards the early learning goals. She uses the information obtained from observations to skilfully plan for children's next steps in learning ensuring activities are suitably challenging for children. A good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities is delivered through an exciting, fun and spontaneous curriculum.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children‟s communication skills are firmly developed through general discussion and enjoyable activities such as sharing favourite books and stories. Home-made booklet about a recent trip to Chasewater railway is accessible and helps children to recall the experience as well as serves as a useful record for parent‟s perusal. Frequent opportunities for mark-making are provided. Children have regular access to creative activities such as potato printing, making musical shakers and building a Paper Mache moon scene. Children use their senses to explore malleable materials such as play dough and regularly visit a local multi-sensory room. Ample resources are available to support and extend their imagination such as a play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 kitchen and accessories. Children particularly enjoy using cars and the wooden train set.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Basic mathematical concepts are introduced through practical and meaningful activities such as cooking, matching colours and shapes during construction activities and through counting rhymes and activities. The children's knowledge and understanding of the world is increasing as they visit local landmarks. They recall being “brave knights” as they walked through a very dark tunnel in a castle visited that morning. Children develop an awareness of their natural environment as they make bird feeders and tend to flowers planted from seed. Some Christian festivals are celebrated within the setting reflecting children‟s personal backgrounds; however, there are limited opportunities for children to learn about the cultures and beliefs of others. Children benefit from regular outings and develop their understanding of the wider community through trips to the park, library, wildlife centre and museums. Frequent opportunities are provided for

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

children to socialise with a wider group of people as they link up with other childminders for outings and activities and visit the local toddler group. A good range out outdoor play equipment is provided to develop physical skills, for example, they develop hand and eye coordination as they attempt to throw balls into a bucket from a distance.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes positive behaviour by using effective strategies. Children respond positively to her clear and simple explanations and simple „house rules‟ are displayed in the entrance and serve as a reminder of boundaries and expectations. Children‟s confidence and self-esteem are fostered because the childminder frequently praises them and is sensitive to their individual personalities. Good behaviour is recognised and rewarded using sticker charts which are prominently displayed and valued by children. Consequently, children behave well. They receive excellent care in a home that is safe and secure because the childminder has a sound understanding of safety issues. Children develop a positive attitude to healthy eating as they are provided with a varied and nutritious diet. Children have a good understanding of the importance of personal hygiene, for example, they know that they must wash their hands before cooking because the germs might

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

make you "achey" and poorly. This is underpinned by consistent and effective hygiene procedures and routines implemented by the childminder. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7