King Sharon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 252653 Inspection date 12/01/2010 Inspector Susan Riley

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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 1993. She lives with her husband and two adult children, in a suburb of Mansfield Woodhouse. There are facilities close by such as a park, school and shops. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for three children in the early years range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. They regularly attend the local parent and toddler group and childminding support group. 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

Children are safe, secure and cared for in a clean and comfortable home. A child- friendly environment is created to ensure all children are included and enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder has developed a close working relationship with parents, which helps her to understand children's individual needs and to achieve a consistent approach to the children's care. All aspects of children's welfare are suitably promoted and ensure children are safeguarded. Each child's individuality is recognised by the childminder, which ensures their welfare needs are met well and enables them to make good progress in their learning and development according to the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder has started to use the self-evaluation process to identify areas for improvement to ensure that that the provision for children is continually improving.

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further?

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

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further?

 raise awareness of responsibilities under food hygiene legislation including registration with the relevant Local Authority Environmental Health Department  extend partnerships with other providers delivering the EYFS for minded children so that relevant information is shared to ensure progression and continuity in learning and development across different settings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has implemented an effective policy and procedure which she shares with parents. The policy is clear in informing parents and carers of her responsibilities to ensure children are fully protected. Parents are reassured because the childminder provides information about how she is registered, about vetting arrangements for herself and other household members over 16, and about her experience and training. Full risk assessments are in place for all areas of the home used for childminding purposes and the childminder makes regular checks to identify and minimise any hazards. This results in a suitably safe environment in which the children play. Due attention is given to risk assessing outings with the children and a clear procedure is in place to guide practice when out in the community. Effective safety measures are in place with regard to the premises. The door to the house is kept locked and the

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the early years provision

gate outside in the rear garden has locks fitted to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the premises, ensuring children are safe. All the required records and documents for the safe and efficient management of the children are in place. Detailed policies and procedures are in place and these are reviewed half yearly or as any changes are made.

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the early years provision

Parent partnerships are promoted through discussion to meet children's individual needs and parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child's care needs, likes and dislikes, cultural and religious requirements. Visits are undertaken prior to the commencement of the placement to ensure each child integrates at their own unique pace and inclusion is successfully promoted. Equality for all children in the childminder's care is promoted and the childminder adapts activities to ensure they can engage and progress their learning. The childminder regularly exchanges information with parents. The childminder is starting to develop relationships with other providers involved in the care and learning of the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates ambition, vision and drive to develop the provision further. She has started to develop a system of self-evaluation. In order for her to demonstrate that she is effectively reflecting on her practice and identifying strengths and areas for development to maintain continuous improvement within her service. The childminder organises the environment effectively to ensure children have suitable areas for play and rest. She is attentive to their individual needs and ensures toys and activities are accessible to all. The childminder is not aware of the recent requirement to register with the local health authority. Parents currently provide all the meals for their child, and the childminder works with their wishes at all times in how the food is reheated safely. The childminder is consistently evaluating her practice and the provision for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has good knowledge about how children learn and develop. Children are making good progress in their learning and are eager to get involved in the activities on offer. This is because the childminder knows the children very well and structures the day around their interests and enjoyment. Good warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children are evident. Children feel good about themselves because the childminder offers frequently positive support, praise and encouragement. This helps to build children's confidence and self-esteem. The childminder is very aware that children learn through play, she allows them to choose what they want to do but always has some planned activities. For example, a creative activity around counting and number placement. Children have fun building with the large building blocks and the childminder encouraged the children to talk about their models and think about the design.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes and assesses children's progress and completes a detailed weekly record for each child as evidence of their development and their time in her care. Children make good progress in developing the personal qualities that enable them to take responsibility for small tasks. For example, they are encouraged to help with the tidying away when they have finished playing. They are learning to use their manners and are encouraged to share and take turns. Children follow house rules and show a strong sense of security and feel safe within the setting. They learn about dangers and how to keep themselves safe, routinely taking part in fire evacuation practises and learning to cross the road safely.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's health well by taking a range of positive steps to encourage healthy eating and to help them understand the importance of regular exercise. Children use individual flannels and towels to prevent the risk of cross-infection. They cover their mouths when coughing and then hold their hands out for the anti bacterial hand gel, demonstrating their awareness to keep themselves and others free from germs. All meals are provided by the parents but the childminder is fully aware of suitable healthy diets, she provides healthy snacks and drinks. Children can help themselves to a drink as they become thirsty, this practice encourages their independence. They benefit from fresh air and exercise as they go out for walks in the community or visit the local parks, they also walk to and from nursery and school daily.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy listening to stories and have good access to a range of books. Children go out and about into the local community to learn about the wider world. For example, the children attend a regular toddler group and childminding support group meetings. Children enjoy using the computer and they play interactive games, with the support of the childminder. 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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