Yelland, Catherine Alison

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY401174 Inspection date 21/05/2010 Inspector Lynn Clements

p.1

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.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2009. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. The childminder is currently caring for four children in the early years age group and three older children. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her husband and their two young children, in the rural area of Gaston Green. The whole of the property, managed by the childminder, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder holds appropriate early years qualifications and is also a qualified teacher. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's well developed knowledge of each child's needs ensures that she successfully promotes their welfare and learning. Children are safe and secure in this warm and friendly family home and they enjoy learning about the local area where they live and the wider world around them. Partnerships with parents and others the children come into contact are purposeful and significant in making sure that the needs of all children are met, along with any additional support needs. This attention to detail means that all children progress exceptionally well, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder also engages in reflective practice to identify strengths of her setting.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the current system of reflective practice to clearly identify priorities for future development.  develop further opportunities for parents to share in their child's learning journeys, providing observations about what they do at home enabling the childminder to support the whole child

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has attended relevant safeguarding training and has clear procedures in place with regards to making a child protection referral, should she have a concern about a child in her care. The identification of visitors is checked and a visitor record is maintained along with daily sheets which record children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hours of attendance. Thorough risk assessments along with daily checks of all child accessible areas ensures that children are kept safe and secure. The childminder has taken the time to develop a wide range of relevant policies and procedures which are shared with parents and implemented in practice. This ensures the smooth running of her setting and provides extremely good outcomes for the children. The childminder engages in self-evaluation although currently this is a record of achievements and does not clearly identify priorities for future

p.4

the early years provision

There is no bias in the childminder's practice in relation to gender, race or disability. She strives to provide an inclusive setting which meets the needs of all children attending and their parents. Partnerships are strong and pivotal in providing continuity of care. Daily sheets are completed giving parents an over view of their child's day. Parents comment on the wealth of opportunities their children enjoy and the friendly approachable manner of the childminder. They feel safe that their child is in her care. The childminder has also developed close working relationships with the local pre-school and main stream school. This enables her to support each child by extending and building on what they do at school to embed learning.

p.5

the early years provision

The organisation of the setting is very good and attention is given to using the large garden as much as possible, encouraging free flow access. There is a wide range of high quality toys and resources which are used extremely well by the childminder to stimulate children's interest and participation. Child-height storage enables children to explore independently and at their own pace. Emphasis is placed on developing personal independence and self-help skills.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has an extremely clear understanding about how young children learn through play. She competently uses the Early Years Foundation Stage documents to fully support her practice. Observations are focused and clearly linked to the six areas of learning. Children make excellent progress. Observational assessments and records are used exceptionally well to inform planning and support progress for individual learning needs. The aim is fun and all activities are differentiated to ensure that every child is challenged in order that they are learning and developing towards their full potential. The childminder has developed clear communication links with parents, providing them with daily diaries and taking every opportunity to chat with them about progress, although opportunities for them to fully engage in their children's learning journeys are less consistent.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children develop their skills and understanding in all areas of learning and make exceptionally good progress towards all six early learning goals. Attention to using the well resourced outside area is extremely good and significant in enabling children to learn using their imagination. For example they explore the wild area, observing the family of blue tits which has moved into one of their bird houses. Children develop their coordination, balance and enjoy moving and investigating on a larger scale than is possible indoors. They use their imagination as they join This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in role play, making pretend meals for each other and the childminder. Children develop their curiosity and understating of technology as they use battery operated toys, for example using the toy microwave in the play house and taking much delight as it whirls away and the bell dings when their make believe meals are

p.5

and outcomes for children

ready. The childminder supports language development using facial gestures and intonation as she interacts superbly with each and every child. Children mimic and copy words used by the childminder and each other, helping them to build on their vocabulary and communication skills. Children demonstrate that they are becoming active learners, thinking critically and being creative as they explore all which is on offer, roaming around the very large garden investigating the wealth of exciting and motivating activities, toys and resources or running with glee to catch bubbles blowing through the air. Behaviour is very good as children share, take turns and interact well. Plenty of praise and encouragement helps children to develop high self-esteem and confidence in all that they do.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Babies and very young children are extremely content and settled because their individual, health, physical and dietary needs are met to an exceptional standard. Children have innovative opportunities to engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out, enabling them to gain a secure understanding about the importance of leading healthy lifestyles. Children show a very good awareness of themselves and are fully supported by the childminder and her exemplary organisation to acquire the fundamental skills they need for later learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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 1

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8