Miller, Karen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY334027 Inspection date 12/03/2010 Inspector Ann Coggin

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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 May 2006. She lives with her husband, her adult son and daughter, and a son aged 11 years in the Rift House area of Hartlepool. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house, as well as the bathroom and back bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, and is currently minding three children in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a level 3 qualification in Children's Care, Learning and Development and 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 knows the children in her care very well and recognises the uniqueness of each child, therefore meeting their individual needs. No child is disadvantaged, they are all as important as each other and the childminder works particularly closely with parents to ensure that her practice is fully inclusive. Each child's individual likes, dislikes, needs and interests are included in their daily activities. The childminder attends many training courses, which enhances her practice. Systems are used effectively to continually monitor and evaluate her practice to improve outcomes for children and the recommendation from the previous inspection has been addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop links with other professionals delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is well safeguarded as the childminder ensures that her home remains safe, suitable and child-friendly. Robust risk assessments are in place and regularly reviewed. Daily visual checks take place and effective action eliminates any safety hazards to the children. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She has a safeguarding policy in line with local guidance which she share with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 parents and has recently attended training in this area. The childminder shares her range of policies and procedures with parents ensuring they have a clear understanding of the expectations of themselves, their children and the childminder.

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the early years provision

The childminder's clear procedures for monitoring and evaluating her practice mean that she is aware of all areas for improvement. Regular questionnaires are used to gain information from parents. The childminder's positive attitude to this feedback ensures that she is proactive in implementing changes where needed, ensuring she provides good quality service. She has attended training to ensure she has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage workshops on promoting equality of opportunity and has recently obtained a level 3 qualification in childcare. The recommendation from the previous inspection has been satisfactorily addressed ensuring the first-aid box is regularly checked and updated.

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the early years provision

Children enjoy their time with the childminder as close and caring relationships have been established. There is a good range of easily accessible and well- maintained toys to promote purposeful play and reflect positive images of diversity. The learning environment is organised well to meet the needs of the children. The age and stage of development and the unique personality of each child is taken into account to ensure children achieve with confidence. Excellent relationships have been established with parents, as well as verbal discussions, and daily diaries are completed for all children and these are taken home at the end of each session and have space for parents to write comments. During initial meetings, parents are encouraged to share as much information as possible about their child and the childminder makes visits to the child's home in order to see them in their own environment. Parents comment their children are always happy

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the early years provision

to attend the childminder's home as she provides a welcoming homely environment with a range of experiences to promote children's all round development. Close links are beginning to be formed with providers of other settings that children may attend, for example, the local nursery school.

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and outcomes for children

The children are happy in the care of the childminder, she is very kind and affectionate towards them. They enjoy her company as she joins in with their play, resulting in much laughter. They are supported in their learning, as a range of interesting and challenging activities are readily available to them all. Time and consideration is given to each child's individual needs. Purposeful play takes place both indoors and outdoors with the childminder taking the children on various outings. For example, toddler groups, where they learn to socialise, take turns and share resources. Soft play areas where they develop their physical skills and the library where they are able to choose their own books. Outings to the park allows them to explore as they hunt for insects, investigate tadpoles and watch them grow into frogs. A good mixture of adult-led and child-initiated play provides children with an array of opportunities to develop their skills and learning. Children

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and outcomes for children

are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has realistic expectations This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of children's behaviour and effectively implements a range of strategies which promote positive behaviour. Children respond positively to meaningful praise and sensitive encouragement, which promotes their social skills, confidence and self- esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Personal learning journeys are in place for all children. They include samples of children's art work, photographs of children undertaking various activities and detailed observations. They clearly link to the areas of learning and plan for the next steps in children's learning. Children enjoy being creative as they make caterpillars out of egg cartons, grow cress in them and make cars out of large cardboard boxes. Children's artwork is displayed, giving them a sense of belonging. Pictures, posters and activities are used to support their numeracy, communication, language and literacy skills. The childminder provides activities to promote language development from an early age, chatting to the children, responding to them and asking open ended questions. Children learn about the wider world through celebrating festivals, such as Chinese New Year, they make Diwali lamps and have visited a local Mosque. Children enjoy growing plants, such

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and outcomes for children

as rhubarb, cucumbers, spring onions and pumpkins at the childminder's allotment, and relish eating the end product.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because the childminder has completed a thorough risk assessment which covers all areas of the home, garden and outings. Written policies and procedures, and parental consents ensure children are well protected. Children are beginning to understand about taking care of themselves and others as they practise regular fire drills and help tidy away toys. Children's good health is promoted as effective procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection, such as the use of paper towels and the exclusion of children with an infectious illness. 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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