Moorhouse Karen Lesley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 252265 Inspection date 09/06/2010 Inspector Tracey Jane Outram

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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 1993. She lives with her partner and two children aged seven and three-years-old in Newark, Nottinghamshire. The whole of the ground floor, plus one bedroom on the first floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The children have access to the enclosed rear garden. Care is offered Monday to Friday except for bank holidays. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently caring for six children, of whom, three are in the early years age range. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

The childminder provides a welcoming environment and there is appropriate use of space, time and resources which promote children's enjoyment, health and safety. Levels of engagement with each child and their family are adequate to ensure that the service is sufficiently inclusive. The childminder consults with parents daily, but currently has no systems in place to develop rigorous partnerships with others in order to support children's continuity of learning and care. At the time of the inspection, there were no secure plans in place to evaluate the effectiveness of the service. However, the childminder has a strong commitment to the children which drives her to secure improvement satisfactorily.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  develop the system of self-evaluation and take steps to meaningfully involve the views of children, parents and other professionals  enhance partnerships with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support the next steps in children’s learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the procedures for safeguarding children. She is vigilant and demonstrates a sound knowledge of the many indicators of child abuse and neglect. Comprehensive risk assessments of the premises are undertaken and the childminder takes immediate action to minimise hazards and prevent accidents both indoors and outdoors. She prioritises fire safety and there is a fire blanket in place in the kitchen, along with smoke detectors, which are frequently tested. However, the record of risk assessments This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 does not include any assessments of risks for outings and trips.

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the early years provision

The indoor and outdoor play areas are used widely and effectively to promote children’s learning and development. Toys and equipment are interesting, of good quality and stored in a manner that offers the children free choice and easy access. The childminder treats children as individuals and promotes equality and diversity through the range of resources and equipment. She helps the children to develop a strong sense of belonging by treating them with equal concern and valuing the contributions that they make.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a supportive relationship with children’s parents. There is a regular exchange of information both verbally and in written daily diaries. This provides parents with some information on children’s routines, well-being and development. Although there are some general strategies in place to help parents support their children’s development, less emphasis is placed on supporting progress towards to their early learning goals. Similarly, partnerships with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage, who share the care of the children, are not always used effectively to fully support children’s achievements.

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the early years provision

The childminder has informally self-evaluated her practice and although future plans are limited they are likely to bring about improvement to the provision. All documentation required for the management of the early years provision and to meet all children’s needs is in place and is regularly updated and available for inspection. However; the childminder has committed an offence by failing to notify Ofsted of a significant event. She has also used an area of the premises which her conditions of registration do not permit. On this occasion, the childminder gave a reasonable explanation for her actions and Ofsted does not intend to take further action.

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and outcomes for children

The registered premises are warm, welcoming and child-friendly. The childminder is highly committed towards the provision of activities and resources that support learning through play and exploration. She has started to carry out initial assessments of the children, and there are some systems in place to keep written and photographic observations of their participation and progress towards their early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

The children thoroughly enjoy participating in the varied selection of activities; for example, decorating biscuits, painting, modelling and manipulating play dough, all of which support their small muscle development. They are absorbed in the activities and they concentrate well. Creative thinking skills are enhanced as they explore and use construction equipment and programmable toys that support their understanding of technology. A key strength of the setting is the positive interaction between children and adults. Relationships are strong, and the children demonstrate high self-esteem and have a good understanding of the importance of sharing toys. They play together harmoniously with small world resources, such as the garage, cars, trucks and bikes. During play the children spontaneously count, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 classify and sort vehicles by exploring their similarities and differences, such as

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and outcomes for children

colours and the number of wheels and doors. Within the setting conversations are animated and the children are confident to express themselves and link sounds and letters. They enjoy books and show a positive disposition towards recognising and writing their own name. Overall, adult interactions with the children are purposeful and help the children to make connections in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Appropriate systems are in place to prevent the spread of infections and ensure that children learn about personal hygiene and nutrition through planned activities, stories and discussions. Similarly, the children enjoy daily access to vigorous outdoor play. This provides the children with opportunities to use the broad range of stimulating and well deployed resources that support the development of strength, coordination and agility. Additionally, the children's inclusion in outings to local playing fields and parks helps them to develop an understanding of environmental dangers. 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 3 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 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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