Beech, Paula

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 503503 Inspection date 17/06/2010 Inspector Yvonne Victoria Facey

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged nine years and five years in Sheffield close to schools, parks, nurseries and a children's centre. Her husband works with her as a co-childminder and they also work with an assistant. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years at any one time. When working with an assistant or co-childminder they can care for a maximum of nine children at any one time. There are currently 11 children on roll, attending for a variety of sessions, and there are 10 children in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is an accredited member of the Sheffield childminding network, is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a National Vocational Qualification in Child Care and Education, level 3.

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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 thoroughly enjoy their learning and develop well. Detailed observations and planning support children's progress across all areas of learning. Clear policies and procedures are implemented effectively and children are well cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has a good understanding of the areas she wishes to improve and recommendations from the previous inspection have been successfully addressed. The childminder has established excellent working relationships with parents and others, which help her to understand children's individual needs and to achieve a consistent approach to the children's care.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the evaluation system to further improve the provision and all outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder understands her role to keep them safe and protect them from harm, and she has a good understanding of child protection. The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and knows how to promote children's welfare, learning and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development. The required procedures are followed by the childminder at all times. Any accidents that may occur while in the childminders care and any medication administered are recorded. Risk assessments clearly identify any hazards and the environment is very safe for children to play and explore. Careful supervision of the children ensures they are safe and the childminder is vigilant about children's security at all times. For example, external doors are locked, with keys accessible, and no unauthorised person may collect the children. Vetting procedures for all

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the early years provision

adults, who work with the children are robust. The childminder is very well organised and uses a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures which are implemented effectively to support her good practice.

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the early years provision

Children are provided with a good variety of toys and resources, that are appropriate for their ages and abilities. For example, booster seats are used for younger children as they eat their meals and outdoor swings are changed for individual children. The childminder demonstrates a high commitment to help children learn. There are excellent links with other early years providers and agencies to ensure continuity of children's care and learning. For example, the communication therapist has visited children at the childminders home and she initiates discussions with school and nursery regarding children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed a selection of training courses and workshops since the previous inspection. These include, safeguarding children and 'Every Child a Talker'. The childminder has good systems in place for monitoring and evaluating her provision, although stronger plans for the future will further enhance outcomes for children. Children are learning about their own cultures and good discussions about the world around them helps them to recognise differences and similarities. For example, they discuss their favourite book about Africa and children can explain, where they live within the community.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework ensures that children are cared for in a stimulating and interesting environment. The childminder has a good understanding of the learning and development requirements. As a result observations, assessments and planning systems are at a very good standard and ensures children make rapid progress in their learning. Their starting points and next steps in learning are well considered which enables the childminders to provide challenging experiences for individual children. Children thoroughly enjoy the many experiences that are offered throughout their time with the childminder and they are very settled. There is a good balance of child initiated and adult led play and activities are focused on children’s individual interest. Children access indoor and outdoor activities freely and they show excitement and are enthusiastic as they investigate and explore their environment.

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and outcomes for children

All children are included and develop strong relationships with the childminders, whose interactions with them are warm and positive. Children confidently select toys and resources from the wide range available. They learn to share and take turns, through gentle reminders and discussion with the childminder. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children recall events and discussed with each other and the childminder, their memories. For example, they talk about feeding the rabbits and what they fed them, they explain that rabbits don't like the sharp bits on a pineapple. Children are extremely confident communicators, including very young children who imitate other children and the childminder's. They count in their play and use mathematical language, such as how many, big and little. Young children are beginning to understand numbers as they count the hand towels on pegs. Children

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and outcomes for children

enjoy outdoor experiences which are planned to learn new skills and further enhance their learning. For example, each child planted sun flowers and older children are able to describe what they have planted. Mark making and writing skills are developing very well. For example, older children can write their names and younger children experiment with a range of materials to mark make.

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and outcomes for children

There is an evacuation plan that is practised with all children. Good hygiene practices are followed by the childminder and children to prevent the risk of infection. Food is prepared in accordance with the individual dietary needs of each child. Children are provided with healthy meals and the childminder's ensure that meal times are an enjoyable and an interactive experience. For example, children serve themselves at lunch time and discuss which foods they like and what they are going to taste. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing children's behaviour, based upon their level of understanding. 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 1 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 1 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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