Burns, Deborah

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY318757 Inspection date 23/06/2010 Inspector Karen Marie Tervit

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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 has been registered since 2005. She co-childminds with her mother from her mother's home in Chester le Street. The whole of the downstairs, including a dedicated playroom, is used for childminding and there is a rear yard for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time when working alone and 10 children under eight years when working with her co-childminder, five of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group. Children attend on a full and part time basis. The childminder is part of the local childminding network.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are warmly welcomed into a safe and stimulating environment by the childminder and her co-childminder. Children are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and knows the children and their families very well. Partnerships with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage are good and well established. Observations are mostly used effectively to inform her practice. Most of the required documentation is easily accessible. The childminder and her co- childminder are beginning to evaluate their practice and are committed to continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to build upon the systems already in place for recording children's progress, including matching observations to the expectations of the early learning goals and identifying learning priorities  ensure documentation is readily available for inspection at all times  further develop systems to evaluate the service provided to ensure that plans for the future are prioritised and well targeted, to bring about improvement and outcomes for children, for example by using the Ofsted self-evaluation form.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as the procedures to be followed in the event of any concerns. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 This ensures that children are safeguarded. Children are further protected by a large number of written policies which are effectively implemented and routinely shared with parents. Children's welfare is assured as the childminder, her co- childminder and other adult household members have had suitable checks completed. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Although thorough risk assessments are conducted on the premises and for outings, not all records of these are available for inspection. Effective procedures are in place to gather and record information in order to meet all children's individual needs, such as, children's personal details, routines, likes and dislikes. As a result, children

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the early years provision

settle well into the setting. The childminder is caring for more children than her conditions of registration allow. This is an offence unless the provider gives a reasonable excuse. On this occasion the provider did so and Ofsted does not intend to take further action.

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the early years provision

The childminder is keen to improve the quality of the service she offers. She does reflect on the service she provides in order to maintain continuous improvement, however formal self-evaluation is in the early stages of development. She regularly attends childminding network meetings so as to share good practice ideas with other childminders in her area. The childminder has attended some recent training and is booked on further courses. She uses the new skills she has learned to inform and develop her practice. The childminder has positively addressed the recommendations from her previous inspection, for example she now obtains parental consent for emergency medical treatment.

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the early years provision

The childminder shares information with parents, which results in very successful partnerships being established. Parents are actively involved in contributing towards their children's ongoing assessment records as they are invited to read their child's development folders and add their comments. Written comments from parents are very positive and they state that they are happy with the service provided. The childminder has suitable links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage and works in partnership with them to complement children’s care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled and relate well to the childminder as she joins in with their play. Children access a designated play room that is well equipped with suitable age appropriate toys and play equipment. This environment enables children to independently access a good selection of play opportunities that support their progress in their learning and development. Their artwork and photographs are attractively displayed, giving them a sense of belonging. The childminder plans her day in a flexible way to take into account nursery and school pick-up times, as well as attendance at various different groups. Children are learning about difference and diversity in the world by taking part in activities, such as making Chinese lanterns or tasting foods from different cultures.

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and outcomes for children

Individual files for each of the children have been developed. These include photographs and detailed written observations. These are mostly linked to the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 areas of learning with the next steps in children's learning also being mostly highlighted. However, it is not always clear when these next steps have been achieved or incorporated into future planning. Children especially enjoy playing outdoors as they pour and sprinkle water in the tray. They receive good opportunities to socialise at the various groups they attend. Children concentrate well as they complete simple puzzles. They are learning about the importance of recycling through simple explanations and the positive example of the childminder as she talks about putting peelings on the compost heap. Children confidently recite favourite rhymes and sing songs as they play. Older children are beginning

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and outcomes for children

to recognise the letters which form their name. They enjoy constructing towers with plastic bricks and then proudly display their creations for several days.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop an understanding of keeping themselves safe. They manage the concrete steps leading to the outdoor area very well, knowing that they need to hold onto the banister. Children adopt good personal health and hygiene practices. The childminder has a good knowledge of nutrition and encourages children to eat a varied diet. She promotes positive behaviour by using effective strategies, such as giving praise and simple explanations of why some behaviour is not acceptable. As a result, children behave well. The childminder and her co-childminder lead by example as they work well together and are respectful towards each other. 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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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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