Constantine, Debbie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY390628 Inspection date 01/10/2009 Inspector Judith Anne Kerr

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2009. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight years old and one year old, in the Stalybridge area of Tameside close to shops, schools, parks and public transport links. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. Access to the building is via three steps and a pathway. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child on the Early Years Register. The childminder is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends the local adult and toddler group on a regular basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive service, where all children are valued and respected. Children make good progress in their learning and development, as they are well supported by the childminder who provides a range of stimulating activities. Procedures and practices which are for the most part effective, contribute towards the safety and the welfare of the children. Purposeful partnerships with parents, where they are included in all aspects of their child's welfare, ensures that everyone works together to ensure consistency and continuity of care and learning. The childminder has clear aspirations for the continual improvement and quality of care, learning and development provided for the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure observations and assessments are used to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  practice regular evacuation drills with the children and record details in a fire log book.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a high level of commitment to promoting children's safety and welfare. She has a secure knowledge of safeguarding procedures, which contributes towards protecting children from harm and abuse. A written statement is available for parents to ensure they are made aware of her responsibility to report any concerns. All adults in the household have been This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 checked to ensure of their suitability to be in close proximity to children. Security in and around the home is good and ensures that children remain safe. Robust risk assessments are in place to take account of outings and the indoor and outdoor environment. However, the fire evacuation procedures have not been practised with the children, to ensure they understand what to do in an emergency.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her space and resources well to meet children's needs and to enhance their play experiences. She has started to evaluate the service she provides and has correctly identified areas for future improvement. She is keen to attend training courses to extend her knowledge and understanding of all childcare issues. For example, she has attended courses, such as health and safety in the workplace.

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the early years provision

A high level of importance is placed on meeting children's individual needs. The childminder provides an inclusive environment, where all children can reach their full potential. Parents are provided with a wealth of information, including detailed policies and procedures and daily diaries to keep them fully informed about the provision and their child's day. The childminder builds beneficial working relationships with parents. Parent's verbal and written comments demonstrate they are extremely happy with the levels of care, service and activities provided. They say the childminder is 'very accommodating in following their directions' and their children are 'always happy to stay'. They are involved in agreeing children's starting points in relation to the early learning goals and kept informed about their progress through the sharing of a daily diary and verbal reports when children are dropped off and collected.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a purposeful understanding of the needs of the children in her care and plans her routines accordingly. She shows a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the need to provide activities and experiences to support and extend children’s learning and development. However, there are no systems in place to show how the educational programme is monitored to ensure a balance across the six areas of learning. Observations which are linked to the six areas of learning are undertaken and the next steps are predicted. The childminder is not clear how to use these to plan for children's future learning. As a result, the links between planning, observation and assessment are incomplete.

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and outcomes for children

A warm, welcoming and child-orientated environment is provided. A quality range of toys and resources, including natural materials, are available to take account of the age range of the children attending. These are easily accessible to enable children to make their own choices from the low-level toy storage. This encourages children to become independent learners, to develop their self-esteem and confidence and to make decisions about what they want to do. Adult-led activities provide additional stimulation and often respond to children's particular interests by making good use of the local environment. For example, children develop an understanding of the world around them through planned activities, as they go for walks in the surrounding area or visit the local toddler group, where they can mix This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with their peers.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop good communication skills through ongoing dialogue with the childminder. The childminder listens intently to what babies have to say, maintains lots of eye contact and responds to their gurgles and early attempts to form words. Books, such as 'The Very Busy Spider' are attractively organised for children to help themselves to during the day. The childminder sits with the children reading and helps them understand how to handle books and that print carries a meaning. The children mix well together, offer one another support and this contributes to them learning about others and themselves. Resources, such as books, dolls and puzzles helps to promote diversity. These help children to value and respect people's differences and become aware of the wider world in which they live. Children learn through discussions some people wear glasses to see clearly and others use a wheelchair to move around.

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and outcomes for children

Good hygiene routines and a strong commitment to healthy living are prioritised by the childminder. Children are gently reminded why their hands must be clean before eating to prevent the spread of germs. The childminder seeks information from parents regarding individual dietary requirements so these can be respected at all times. She promotes healthy eating and ensures drinking water is freely available throughout the day for all children to quench their thirst. Children learn about safety through discussion and everyday routines. For example, they discuss road safety when walking to and from school and are made aware of the importance of the Green Cross Code. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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