Fleet-Thompson

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY391221 Inspection date 24/11/2009 Inspector Lynne Pope

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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

The childminder was registered in 2009. She lives with her husband and four children aged 22 months, eight, 12 and 15 years. They live in the residential area of Whalton near Morpeth. The whole of the ground floor except for the family room of the childminder’s home are used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years, Compulsory Childcare Register and Voluntary Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also cares for three children aged over eight years as and when needed. The childminder cares for children Monday to Friday from 7.00pm to 6.00pm for 50 weeks of the year. The childminder has completed a relevant training course. She takes and collects children from the local school and from neighbouring villages

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Description of the childminding

and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog.

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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 offers a welcoming and inclusive environment to all children and their families. She demonstrates a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and children make good progress. She works very well with parents and other professionals in order to meet children's individual needs. The quality of service, care and education provided is assessed and evaluated very well and areas for further improvement are identified effectively.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that parents have regular opportunities to add to children's development records.

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the early years provision

Clearly written policies and procedures are in place and followed by the childminder to ensure children's welfare is effectively safeguarded and promoted. This is reflected in her understanding of the procedures she would follow should she have a child protection concern. All documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the setting is in place. For example, children's details and consents from parents in the event of having to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. A detailed risk assessment is in place for in the home and garden. This is frequently reviewed and added to if hazards are noted, which ensures that children are cared for in a very safe environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are cared for in a spacious, clean home. The focus of activities is on the child's interests which helps them to achieve. Resources are stored on shelving in

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the early years provision

the front room which enables them to make their own choices which in turn develops their independence. The childminder demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion. She works closely with parents from the start to ensure that she is aware of and able to support children's individual needs. The home is secure and children learn about how to keep themselves safe. Evacuation procedures have been practised so that they are aware of what they would do should the situation arise.

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the early years provision

The childminder has thoroughly reviewed her provision through self-evaluation and highlighted areas for further development. For example, she plans to further develop book bags for sharing with parents at home and to develop email to involve parents by sending them the curriculum that she is following along with photographs of achievement. Effective communication has been developed with parents where she shares their child's development record and keeps them up to date on a daily basis through a written diary. They are encouraged to support their child's learning at home. Weekly visits to the library with children ensure that they can take a couple of books home each week to share with their parents while the rest stay in the provision to be viewed there. Parents were very positive about the care and learning that their child receives. The childminder is pro-active in finding out about what children do when attending other provisions. For example, she

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the early years provision

accesses the school website so that her activities can be complementary to what is happening there.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is implemented well into her everyday practice. Children thoroughly enjoy the time they spend with her and thrive in the stimulating and caring environment. When they first start she carries out a baseline assessment on their development. This enables her to plan for each child each term, which is then broken down into a weekly plan of possible activities. Ongoing observations help her to track how children are doing so that she can plan the next step in their learning and development. Individual development records are in place for each child. These include photographs of activities and examples of their work. However, parents are not yet involved in the observation and assessment process which results in a full picture not being shown of children's achievements.

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and outcomes for children

An excellent variety of clean and safe play equipment is well maintained. They enable children to explore, discover, use their imagination and learn social skills. Children are happy and have settled really well into the environment. They show curiosity and increasing independence as they select from the resources. The childminder ensures that resources are accessible for children of all ages and activities are adapted to accommodate this. For example, babies show that they would like to sit on the bicycle, so bicycles are provided for all children. Different types of crayons, or felt tips are provided for colouring activities dependent on their age. Babies enjoy the accidental act of making a mark on the paper while This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 older children spend concentrated effort as they colour in a picture of a bird. Numbers are used in every day activities. For example, the childminder asks how

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and outcomes for children

many serviettes are needed at lunch time when setting the table. Children count up to three. Enjoyable trips out into the environment help children to learn about a wider world. National sites and museums are visited along with visits to the local park. Children are currently learning about the birds in the garden and have made some bird food which is to be hung out to feed them. Young children regularly attend local parent and toddler groups where they learn to mix with others and share resources. The childminder’s flexible routine incorporates time for quiet play and rest, enhancing children’s well-being.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and well-being is enhanced as the childminder role models acceptable behaviour and practice. She has a calm, consistent attitude to caring for the children. She sets clear boundaries for them where she explains what is and what is not acceptable behaviour. They are welcomed into safe, well organised, clean and well-kept premises where they have plenty of space to play. The back garden is organised so that they can learn to manage their bodily movements as they ride on toys or kick a ball around and learn how to negotiate the space and objects around them. They are able to access this no matter what the weather is doing as the childminder ensures that they are wearing appropriate clothing. Healthy snacks are provided during the day where they enjoy toasted pitta bread, crumpets and fruit. A leaflet is given to parents explaining what to provide in a healthy packed lunch. Children learn about where food comes from

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and outcomes for children

through discussions and practical experiences. For example, they dig up the potatoes in the garden. This leads into a discussion about how they can do this without hurting themselves on the fork, therefore developing an awareness of their own safety. The childminder is not currently caring for any children with any special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, she demonstrates a good understanding to ensure that all children are fully included in the setting and have their individual needs met. 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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