Clarke, Shelley Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY387757 Inspection date 23/10/2009 Inspector Patricia Bowler

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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

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

This childminder was registered in 2009. She lives with one child aged four years in Leicester Forest East, Leicester. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The home is accessible to all children with normal domestic access and ground floor facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and both parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, of whom two may be in the early years. She is also registered to provide overnight care to a maximum of two children, of whom one may be under the age of one year. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has two pet rabbits and aquarium fish.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are safe and secure in a child-orientated home where many aspects of their health and welfare are met. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and children engage in a range of activities to make satisfactory progress. They build sound relationships to feel safe and secure in her care. Children learn about their local area through outings and attendance at various community groups. The childminder works effectively with parents to identify children's individual needs and evolving observation and assessment records are beginning to identify children's development. The childminder has yet to make effective use of self-evaluation to reflect on her working practice.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 use self-evaluation processes to monitor and assess areas of strength and weakness. 30/11/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 improve records of children's development to include parents, and make better use of observations to identify what children can do and their next steps in learning  ensure activities are age appropriate and differentiate the children's abilities  promote children's awareness of diversity by improving toys, resources and activities to include positive images. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to her role in a child orientated home, with a dedicated play room in the conservatory. Children play with toys and resources, stored to promote choice and self-selection. A good range of outdoor play equipment and visits to local recreational facilities increase opportunities for large physical play. Risk assessments maintain the safe environment and support children's safety during outings. Children are encouraged in their awareness of safety issues as they practise road safety and emergency evacuation procedures. Consistent daily routines minimise risks to health and hygiene.

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the early years provision

Comprehensive policies and procedures are vigilantly maintained and shared with parents to successfully identify children's individual needs and ensure parents remain fully informed about their child's care. The childminder has good knowledge of child protection and a written policy informs parents of her responsibility to maintain children's safety and welfare. Children are not left alone with anyone who has not been vetted and cleared. Children are encouraged to tidy away, reducing trip hazards as they further develop an understanding of keeping themselves safe.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses a balance of planned activities and play opportunities to promote their learning. However, these do not always differentiate between children's abilities and at times provide insufficient challenge for older and more able children. Assessment records are based mainly on photographic evidence with no observational records to monitor what children can do, track their progress or identify their next steps in learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children have daily access to a range of indoor and outdoor opportunities through a balance of adult-led and self-selected activities, gaining confidence and self- esteem as they play. Learning and development is promoted by the childminder's developing understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support their enjoyment and general progress. Children use a range of tools and equipment to develop dexterity although these are not always varied sufficiently to provide different mediums and promote children's creativity. For example, only wax crayons were available for younger children at the colouring activity. Physical skills are promoted well, incorporating outings to local recreational facilities in addition to a wide range of outdoor toys in the garden. Children are able to use this in free- flow activities during appropriate weather conditions.

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and outcomes for children

Activities are generally well presented but not always adapted to meet children's differing ages and developmental stages. Confidence and self-esteem are enhanced as they make active choices about their play and they develop respect for each others needs as they learn to share and take turns. Children play co- operatively as they set out the road mat, moving vehicles around the town layout. They learn about keeping safe because the childminder explains possible hazards This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to them and effective use is made on outings to increase their knowledge and use of road safety. The childminder is skilful in supporting children's awareness of community services as the children talk about emergency vehicles and the procedure for 999 telephone services. Children recall emergency evacuation procedures which they have practised with the childminder. A range of books are

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and outcomes for children

available in periods of relaxation and children choose these as they snuggle into soft furnishings in the conservatory. Although the childminder is experienced in the care of children with additional needs there are few toys and resources to reflect including positive images of diversity.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is maintained in line with parental wishes including a balanced nutritional diet with fresh fruit and vegetables. Children learn about the positive effects these have on their growth and development through effective discussions during shared meal times. Children follow good hygiene procedures, such as hand washing and using individual hand towels to minimise cross-infection and parental provision of nappies and toiletries ensures they are not at risk from unfamiliar products.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave very well because the childminder focuses on positive outcomes to make her expectations clear. Children understand the need for simple rules and are praised for their actions to let them know their behaviour has been acknowledged. Overall, children are preparing for future success becoming confident, independent learners who can build relationships with peers and adults. 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 3 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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