Sutton, Sarah

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY393855 Inspection date 14/01/2010 Inspector Judith Rayner

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 two young children, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Most of the ground floor of their home is used for childminding with toilet facilities also on this floor. Access to the house is down a gentle slope with one step up into the house. There is a fully enclosed garden suitable for outdoor play. Amenities such as a park and shops are within walking distance. The childminder also uses her car to transport children. The family keeps a cat and two goldfish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. Currently she looks after two children, both who are in the early years age range and attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 recognises each child's uniqueness and provides for them accordingly in a safe, clean and stimulating home. Each child makes good progress towards the early learning goals because of the effective implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Good working relationships with parents and other providers contribute to all children's wellbeing. The childminder effectively reflects on her practice and is motivated well regarding future plans to further improve the service she offers.

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further?

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

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further?

 link observations of individual children's learning and development more closely to the early learning goals in order to better identify future targets so that they make more rapid progress

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the early years provision

All the necessary records are robust and accurate. Policies and procedures are in writing which together with discussions makes it easier for parents to understand them. This provides a secure framework in which children are cared for and their learning and development needs are fully supported. The childminder is very well aware of her safeguarding responsibilities. She discusses this with parents and follows clearly written procedures should she have any concerns regarding a child in her care. Children are cared for in safe, homely environment. Children confidently move around between rooms because they feel safe to do so. This is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 due to the childminder undertaking robust and thorough risk assessments for inside and outdoors, both visually daily, weekly and more in-depth written ones. She has created a child friendly home. This enables children to independently self

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the early years provision

select toys of their choice as well as access planned activities set up by the childminder.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very alert to all forms of potential discrimination and has been proactive in purchasing a balanced range of toys, resources and equipment that promote positive images of children, adults and diversity. Positive attitudes and an inclusive approach ensure all children are treated with equal concern. The childminder has already established effective working relationships with parents and carers. From the onset she seeks out as much information as possible in identifying each child's needs and works quickly and sensitively in meeting them. Thus, children are happy and settled in her care. The childminder is also aware of the importance of building links with other practitioners who are involved with each child, such as pre-schools. This is done mainly through discussion building on the information to consolidate children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended all the required training and has completed all required courses for registration such as paediatric First Aid. In the short space of time since registration the childminder has established her service well and has a clear vision to making improvements to the good service that she already offers. For example, she is forward planning to incorporate local authority training to enhance her awareness to childcare issues. She effectively uses a system for self evaluation incorporating the suggestions and comments from parents and children to identify her strengths and areas for improvement.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, very settled and are making good progress in their learning and development. They have fun whilst engaging with their peers, the childminder, toys and resources. Children get lots of attention from the childminder and are supported well in all areas of their development. This is because the childminder knows the children well and builds on their interests and likes in play and learning. The childminder has good knowledge of child development and effectively implements the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum into the daily routines, tasks and play activities. Planning is in place to support each child's own level and pace in their development. However, some of the observations and assessments do not link well enough to the early goals to support each child's next steps of learning. Children freely initiate their own play and confidently explore their surroundings whilst accessing a good range of toys and resources. The calm and

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and outcomes for children

friendly environment together with flexible daily routines allow children to experience a varied range of activities in the home, garden and the wider community.

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and outcomes for children

The behaviour of children is good. They are polite and courteous. They explore with ease and confidence, their self-esteem is high. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and their peers and good relationships are forming between all. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children use language very well to communicate with others. They ask questions and understand simple instructions. Their language skills are enhanced further because the childminder is skilled in asking thought provoking questions and consolidates their learning through repeating words with correct pronunciation. From an early age children use their mathematical skills. They enjoy making and talking about shapes when cutting the dough such as butterflies. They talk about ages of different children and how many candles are on their birthday cake. Children really enjoy imaginative play. They express themselves well getting into

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and outcomes for children

characters such as a bear and role play home situations. For example, one child pretended to go off to work and asked the other child to look after her baby. They enjoy dressing up and using the play house for many objects from a home, to a hospital. Good opportunities are provided for children to develop their programmable and understanding of the world. They learn how to switch the musical key board on and off pressing buttons and making music. They play in the snow building snow castles with buckets and spades and learn the importance of feeding birds in the winter. The physical skills of children are developing well. Their large motor skills are used with confidence as they move around the home with ease and comfort. Their small motor skills are used well when moulding dough with their fingers and using utensils to cut the dough into differing shapes.

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and outcomes for children

All children learn how to behave safely both indoors and outdoors by, for example, taking part in occasional fire drills and following road safety rules. They are also encouraged to develop good personal hygiene, for example, they know to wash their hands with soap and water after they have used the toilet to wash away the germs so they do not get poorly. This is further enhanced because the childminder encourages the children to use individual paper towels to dry their hands, therefore, minimising the spread of infection. Children spend as much time in the garden to experience the differing elements of the weather and have fresh air and exercise to further promote a healthy living approach. Meals discussed are health and nutritious and adhere to individual dietary requirements. Healthy snacks are offered such as fresh melon which children enjoy. A variety of resources reflect positive images of diversity which support and enable children to learn about

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and outcomes for children

others similarities and differences. This is further enhanced because the childminder is positive in her approach to inclusion respecting all children and values their unique backgrounds and beliefs, which promotes their self-esteem and self worth. From a young age children feel secure in the daily routines that will support their understanding for skills they will require to make positive contributions. For example, children take the finished milk containers to the local recycle centre. All in all, children have good opportunities to develop the knowledge skills and attitudes they will need for the future. 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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