House, Louise Michelle

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY403452 Inspection date 19/10/2010 Inspector Aileen Finan

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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 assesses 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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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 2009. She lives with her husband and child in a house in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The family home is within easy driving distance of shops, parks, nurseries and schools. The lounge, kitchen/dining area, playroom and toilet on the ground floor; plus one bedroom on the first floor and the family bathroom are used for childminding and are easily accessible.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time; of these, not more than two may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time.The childminder has four children on roll on a part time basis. Of these, three children are in the early years age group and one child is cared for after school.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She walks to local nurseries and schools to take and collect children. The family have a pet cat and fish.

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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

The childminder offers a welcoming environment to children and their parents. Children develop well as the childminder understands that they learn in different ways. She plans for the uniqueness of each individual child which in turn enables children to be happy and settled. The childminder has evaluated her practice well and has many plans for the provision's continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend children's learning and development through working with parents and practitioners so they can regularly review and contribute to development records  conduct regular evacuation drills and record in a fire log book any problems encountered and show how they were resolved.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a strong understanding of how to safeguard the children she cares for. She is aware of her responsibilities to protect children and take action for any concerns she has. The childminder has thorough risk assessments which identify hazards within her home and when out and about within the community. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 These assessments help to minimise the risk to children and prevent injury or harm. Children play in a small playroom at the back of the house which has been adapted specifically for the use of the children cared for. Safety within the home is important to the childminder. Her risk assessments reflect the care and attention given to keeping children safe. The fire evacuation procedure has been carefully considered. As yet, however; the children have not yet practised the fire drill. Smoke alarms are tested each week.

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the early years provision

The childminder has put in place effective policies and procedures which she shares with parents; who sign to acknowledge when they have read these. Accident and medication procedures are understood and all children's documentation is completed appropriately and stored confidentially. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed. Partnerships with parents are strong. Equally strong are the partnerships with other agencies. She attends local authority training to enhance her practise. The childminder also has good links with the local school and exchanges information with the teacher of a child she cares for after school. Activities she completes with this child reflect the learning at school, which aids his continual development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a strong understanding of equality and diversity. She has a range of multicultural resources which children use regularly. Through previous employment the childminder has worked with children with particular needs and can support these well. Currently there are no children on roll with special educational needs or for whom English is a second language. The childminder promotes children's understanding of similarities and differences through discussions which they can understand. Planning for the children is completed on an individual needs basis and therefore, respects the uniqueness of each child. Resources are deployed well and are clean and in good condition. The childminder encourages recycling. Children have visited a recycling centre as part of an activity out in the community.

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the early years provision

The childminder has evaluated her practice in order to drive forward her continuous improvement. Plans for the future include enhancing children's learning through play in the garden and growing vegetables once the garden has been renovated. She has adapted her way of working to benefit the children in the way she conducts observations and plans to build on this in the future. She further intends to extend the way in which she seeks the views of children and their parents through questionnaires to further enhance the care she provides.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy within the care of the childminder. She has a warm relationship with the children and understands their individual needs well. Children play happily with resources and toys which are easily accessible. During a painting activity children gain confidence and self esteem as the childminder encourages them to help set out the paint and choose the colours they want to paint with. As children paint their butterflies the activity is extended with a story of The Hungry This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Caterpillar. Children respond with delight and are obviously familiar with the story as they recall and repeat with assertiveness. Children also enjoy story sacks and gain from trips to the library and musical groups. Toddler group sessions are another favourite pastime. The family garden is being redesigned currently and not available for use. However, children receive plenty of fresh air and exercise

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and outcomes for children

through walking to local parks to play outdoors and also for trips by the river to feed the ducks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Through strong assessment of children's starting points gained by discussions with parents and initial observations on the children, the childminder plans effectively for each child. She understands children's interests, likes and dislikes. After recent training the childminder has adapted the way in which the observations on children are conducted. Each child has a development book which depicts their learning with written observations, photographs and children's work. These observations are skilfully linked to the six areas of learning. Through this efficient practice the childminder is informed of children's next steps and takes forward her planning for each child to help him/her to develop to their full potential. Whilst children delight at looking at the photographs and recognise their own work, parents have yet to contribute to these observations to enhance the

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and outcomes for children

relationships between home and the childminder's care.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from being given responsibilities from an early age. For example they help the childminder set their small table for lunch and prepare sandwiches and salad. Children wash hands before eating and after messy activities and are encouraged to be independent with this. The childminder explains to a child how to wash her hands with soap and they both say together 'rub-a-dub-dub', later rinsing and drying their hands. The childminder sits with the children and they all eat lunch together. Lunch is a social occasion. Children are provided with healthy snacks and these times are used effectively to enhance counting with children counting the grapes on their plate for example. Children behave well. They show each other respect and say sorry if any minor disagreements occur. The childminder explains about sharing and being kind in a way in which the children understand. Children learn about their own safety within the home and when out

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and outcomes for children

and about. From an early age children learn about walking safely and holding hands when crossing roads or on busy streets. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 2 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 2 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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