Hector, Kimberley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY393124 Inspection date 15/02/2010 Inspector Anne Archer

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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 family, including two children aged four and two years, in the village of Weldon near Corby, Northamptonshire. All areas of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of four children at any one time, including two children in the early years age group, and is currently providing part- time care for two children.

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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 cared for in a welcoming, homely environment where their individuality is recognised and respected ensuring their welfare and learning and development needs are appropriately met. The developing partnerships with parents support continuity of care. Although the childminder has only been minding for a few weeks, she is aware of the value of reflective practice and self- evaluation as a tool to help her develop her childminding practice. Consequently, prospects for continuous improvement are satisfactory.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to liaise with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure progression and continuity of care  review exclusion periods in the sick child policy in line with current Health Protection Agency advice to help prevent the spread of infection and maintain children's good health  adopt a culture of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development that will secure the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder understands her responsibilities in relation to child protection and keeping children safe. Her knowledge and understanding of local safeguarding procedures for the recording and referral of concerns is satisfactory, and she feels confident about putting them into practice if the need arose.

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the early years provision

Children are supervised well and appropriate safety measures are in place to ensure children's safety, whether in the home, garden or on outings. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has an emergency evacuation plan which is practised with the children and a record is kept. She has completed an initial risk assessment of areas used by the children and intends to review it at regular intervals. Resources are plentiful for the age and developmental stages of the children who attend, and the childminder uses them appropriately to support children's welfare, learning and development. All equipment, furniture and toys are suitable for purpose, maintained and appropriately accessible to children.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides parents with suitable information about the service she offers, including policies and procedures, activity plans and sample menus. The sick child policy requires updating to reflect current Health Protection Agency advice on exclusion periods for cases of sickness and diarrhoea to help prevent the spread of such infections. All records relating to children's welfare are kept and suitably maintained to support their health, safety and well-being. The childminder ensures time is made available to share information about the child's day with parents and carers to support continuity of care. The childminder provides an inclusive service to children and their families by ensuring she has all necessary and relevant information about the child and would seek advice from parents or others, with their consent, to enable her to meet children's needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder obtains information from parents about their child's development and uses this and her own initial assessments during the settling-in period to plan activities to support children's next steps in learning. She has started to keep a record of her observations, assessments and evaluations of developmental progress which she intends to share regularly with parents. Welfare issues are shared with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage, although details of children's development and progress towards the early learning goals, which would ensure each provision has a full picture of the child's progress, are not.

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the early years provision

The childminder clearly enjoys her role, and close, caring relationships are developing with the children which support their contentment. She has completed all of the required registration training and intends to undertake more courses in the near future. She is also pro-active in initiating her own learning, for example, by sending off for a copy of the 'Safer food better business for childminders' pack, which will support her in the safe provision of meals for children. This commitment supports the childminder's aptitude for continuous improvement and will be further enhanced as she develops the use of reflective practice and self-evaluation.

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and outcomes for children

Children appear settled and happy in the childminder's care and she ensures they receive lots of appropriate attention. She responds to children's interest by ensuring appropriate resources are available and easily accessible to them. By getting to know the children well, the childminder is able to provide suitable activities to support their development and learning which enables them to make satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals given their starting points and capabilities. Space and resources are organised to allow children access and choice in their play, which actively promotes their independence. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy the activities they take part in and are generally curious and interested in new activities. Children giggle a lot and clearly have fun when interacting with the childminder. The baby has a range of pull and push toys to

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and outcomes for children

support his mobility and older children enjoy walks in the countryside and playing on apparatus in the garden which positively supports their physical development. Children listen attentively when the childminder uses finger puppets to illustrate much loved stories. They enjoy making cakes, making shapes with play dough and building with bricks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has put together several treasure baskets to support the baby's learning of textures and sounds. Children like to make pictures, either by painting or by sticking materials onto paper, and currently monsters and aliens are very popular. Children initiate imaginary play, sometimes based on their own life experiences and at other times on favourite television characters.

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and outcomes for children

Children's individual eating and resting routines are followed in consultation with parents. The childminder is fully aware of children's dietary needs and provides rotating menus of nutritious snacks and meals. She encourages children to take regular drinks so they remain hydrated. Children feel safe as they chat or make non-verbal communication with the childminder, seek out cuddles and appear relaxed and comfortable.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn from an early age the importance of adopting thorough hygiene routines, from the baby having his hands and face wiped before and after snack, to the older children washing their hands at appropriate times and using their designated towel to avoid the spread of infection. Children's behaviour is managed consistently and appropriately for their level of maturity and understanding, and parents are consulted and work with the childminder to overcome any ongoing issues. Children are supported as they develop their understanding of the importance of being kind, sharing and taking turns. 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 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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