Smith Diane Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 210287 Inspection date 01/07/2010 Inspector Jennie Lenton

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 17 years in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of six children under eight years of age may attend at any one time. Currently, there are five children on roll, most of whom attend part-time. Three are within the early years age range. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a chairperson of a local childminding group.

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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

Children's individual needs are fully met as the childminder works effectively with parents to get to know their individual characters and requirements. They are comfortable and relaxed in the home environment as they have warm relationships with the childminder and each other. Their learning and development is effectively promoted as they are provided with a broad range of activities to help them learn through play. Most policies and procedures are in place to ensure that the safety and welfare of all is prioritised. The childminder is committed to building on her existing skills and is successfully developing her provision to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the risk assessment to cover anything with which a child may come into contact; with particluar regard to plants in the garden  link children's achievements to the expectations of the early learning goals  use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan experiences linked to children's individual next steps.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded effectively as the childminder is very clear about her role and responsibilities. She has attended the advanced training course on safeguarding and has clear written procedures to be followed in the event of suspected abuse. Risk assessments are carried out to ensure that resources and equipment are fit for purpose and the home is regularly checked to make sure that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's safety is promoted on a daily basis. However, the plants in the garden have not been fully assessed to ensure their suitability. All outings are risk assessed and the childminder takes essential items with her to ensure children's safety is fully promoted away from the home. She is proactive in ensuring the well- being of all on visits to toddler groups and play centres as she raises any concerns with staff to address any hazards that she finds. This exemplary practice clearly

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the early years provision

demonstrates her commitment to prioritising children's safety at all times.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed her understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has attended regular training to ensure her skills remain up to date and to inform her practice. For example, she has recently attended a course on 'cultures, religions, beliefs and gender equality'. Policies and procedures are in place to support the welfare and development of children and these are routinely shared with parents. The childminder is enthusiastic about developing her setting further and has effectively evaluated her setting to identify aims for the future. These are focussed on improving children's experiences. Parents are also offered the opportunity to express their views on the setting through 'enhancement questionnaires'. These show that they are very happy with the care provided and have 'peace of mind' leaving their children in the childminder's care.

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the early years provision

Inclusive practice is successfully implemented so that all children achieve their full potential. Each child's individual needs are recognised and catered for as the childminder works in partnership with parents and other providers to meet any individual requirements. For example, any individual needs are fully discussed and the childminder asks parents to provide information on their child's likes, dislikes and preferred routines. She also works with the child's key worker at nurseries so that information is fully shared to promote children's welfare. This enables children to receive consistent care and develop confidence across settings.

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and outcomes for children

Children are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's care. They make themselves at home and are confident asking for what they need. They are encouraged to develop their social skills as they regularly attend toddler groups and interact positively with each other, generally sharing and taking turns happily. Praise and encouragement is used effectively to develop positive behaviour while any unwanted behaviour is dealt with in an age-appropriate manner. Children's welfare and safety is also well promoted. Their health is successfully supported as they are assisted in washing their hands before eating and after playing in the garden. The childminder promotes healthy eating, providing lunches of ham or cheese sandwiches with slices of cucumber and tomato. Physical activity is also encouraged through access to the garden, where children play on sit and ride toys or try to twirl hula hoops around their waists.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children's learning and development through the provision of a wide range of activities and resources. Children are able to self- select from a range of toys and have fun as they read jigsaws, play with small This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 world sets, use their imagination as they role play in a pop up tent and try to build helicopters and towers out of building blocks. The childminder also plans a variety of activities for children to engage in. For instance, children develop early writing skills as they trace shapes and letters in shaving foam. They get involved in baking activities, visit local parks and attractions and find out about the wider world through themed activities, such as, the Chinese New Year.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children as they play and makes note of their achievements under the six areas of learning. She is not yet matching their achievements to the expectations of the early learning goals. She is clear about their individual levels of attainment and understands how to promote future development but her planning does not show how children's individual next steps are planned for or whether their progress is in line with the expected norms. Nevertheless, all children are making good progress as they are fruitfully engaged in stimulating play throughout their time in the childminder's care. The activities provided ensure a good level of challenge and consequently, children are happy and content. 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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