McIlkenny, Victoria Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY344378 Inspection date 19/05/2010 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

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 2006. She lives with her family in Solihull. The whole of the ground floor together with the upstairs bathroom and rear bedroom are available for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children when working alone and up to 11 children when working with another childminder or assistant. She is currently caring for nine children, of these, five are in the early years age group. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools and pre-school groups. The family has a rabbit.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to support children with special education needs and/or disabilities and those for whom English is an additional language.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled in this child-centred environment where they feel safe and supported by the childminder. Children are provided with an extensive range of play activities which ensures they are progressing very well in all areas of learning. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and actively encourages parents to be fully involved in all aspects of their child's care and learning. The planning, although not recorded, assessments, self-evaluation systems and plans for the future significantly enhance children's opportunities for learning and development, especially as parents are fully involved in these processes. Children’s uniqueness and individuality is recognised and managed exceptionally well. Well-written policies and procedures securely underpin the childminder's practice and all are shared with parents. Effective partnerships with parents and other settings ensures information relating

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

to individual children’s progress and needs is shared effectively. The childminder has an excellent commitment to and the capacity for continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.4

further?

 recording children's starting points  recording the activity planning undertaken. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is very well informed about procedures to keep children safe. All required policies, procedures and documentation for the effective and safe running of the setting are written, well organised and available for parents at all times. The childminder successfully promotes all areas of equal opportunities and inclusion ensuring children are given a broad understanding of the wider world. She also provides additional information for supporting children with English as an additional language and those with special needs. The indoor and outdoor environments are subjected to thorough risk assessments to ensure any potential hazards to children are minimised. Children's understanding of safety is significantly enhanced through carefully designed activities which are designed to meet children's individual age and stage of development and understanding.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a very clear vision for the future of her provision and her practice. There are plans in place to improve the playroom by providing en-suite toilet facilities and a kitchenette. Training courses undertaken are effectively implemented in order to develop activities and significantly improve outcomes for children. The childminder is proactive in obtaining the opinions of both parents and children and continually reflects on her practice to ensure the best possible care and learning opportunities are provided. Children are involved in the formation of activity and outing plans which gives them an excellent sense of belonging and increases their self-esteem. The childminder appropriately addressed the recommendations from the last inspection, which ensures a greater degree of safety for the children and up-to-date information for parents. Communication both with parents and children is a strength. Parents have access to daily diaries,

p.5

the early years provision

daily discussions, children's individual learning journey folders ensuring they are fully aware of all aspects of their child's day. Parents are actively encouraged to be fully involved in all aspects of their child's care and learning. The childminder has developed good relationships with other providers the children attend ensuring that all individual care and learning needs are identified and appropriately met.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder actively promotes the uniqueness and individuality of each child. She provides age-appropriate activities and a wealth of resources to ensure all children can participate in all play opportunities regardless of gender, background, ability or disability. The involvement of children in planning encourages them to be proactive in their own learning. All children and families are highly valued. Parents are encouraged to take an active part in the setting and comment at any time on the childcare provision and activities offered. Recent comments from parents included the following; 'could not ask for better care than my children receive', 'the childminder has a special way with children', 'she is wonderful, provides excellent activities, and is very reliable'. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make excellent progress as they enjoy a superb range of stimulating and enjoyable activities. They are very settled and relaxed and are given a high level of support that ensures that they develop fully as individuals. Well thought-out planning ensures children are provided with an excellent range of creative learning experiences which keep them involved and eager to learn. Clear information is gained about children’s starting points, but not currently recorded, and carefully undertaken observations and assessments of children’s progress ensure all aspects of children’s care and learning needs are met successfully.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are very confident when exploring the environment both indoors and out. They play a full and active role in their own learning, make choices and decisions with the childminder responding positively to child led activities. A wide range of experiences and resources help them to understand the wider world as they explore the natural environment, discuss other cultures, abilities and disabilities, celebrate festivals and have a range of books, posters and displays to support their learning. Children regularly use local facilities. They join in treasure hunts and outdoor story times in the park and make bird feeders at the nature centre. They are given clear rules about how to treat each other and house rules are regularly discussed which ensures children develop self-esteem, understand each other's limitations and know how to behave. They freely express their feelings and ask for help when they need it. Children play both independently and together with older

p.6

and outcomes for children

children being considerate and helpful with the younger children. This helps them to develop skills for their future. They make excellent progress in their communication, language, problem solving and number skills as they enjoy a range of challenging and exciting experiences. For example, the childminder sat with a baby and encouraged their interaction with a baby resource centre. She asked the baby to copy her as she pointed out two eyes, two ears and one nose. The baby gurgled and laughed at their own reflection in the mirror. Numbers and letter sounds are used in all activities and with all children regardless of age so even the youngest children begin to associate letters and sounds. Planning includes resources to be used including books and art work and, children's records show a resume of the effectiveness of the activity for individuals and the next steps to extend children's learning. Children are actively encouraged to access

p.6

and outcomes for children

books, sing songs and repeat favourite nursery rhymes. Children develop good early technology skills as they are encouraged to use a computer, cash registers, phones and to use a range of interactive resources including those that describe numbers, letters and colours.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have a strong sense of belonging in the security of the childminder’s care. They show they feel safe and are confident in sharing their concerns with the childminder as they turn to her for reassurance when visitors arrive. Older children show their understanding of keeping themselves safe through their good behaviour, consideration of each other and show they understand safety rules as they play safely in the garden. They are protected when on outings and trips because they understand road safety rules and the childminder makes sure she carries a mobile phone and children's details with her which would enable her to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 respond quickly to any occurrences. All outings and visits are subject to thorough risk assessments which are recorded. The childminder supports children's understanding of personal safety through activities for example, discussions on

p.6

and outcomes for children

road safety and topics on people that help us, and by involving them in regular fire drills.

p.7

and outcomes for children

Children show they understand about a healthy lifestyle as they make informed choices about what they eat and drink. The childminder provides well thought out menus, which are displayed, and she ensures all meals meet children's individual dietary needs. The childminder extends children's understanding of healthy eating by encouraging children to plant and grow their own fruit and vegetables which gives them first hand knowledge about the food they eat and where it comes from. Children’s general good health is promoted as they make the most of the fresh air and well resourced garden. Outdoor play is an integral part of every day with any and all activities available for use outdoors. Children understand that physical exercise is good for them as they are provided with information about how their body changes in response to exercise and how it makes them grow fit and strong. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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 1 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.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.8

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 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9