O'Rourke, Sebrina

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY406186 Inspection date 23/09/2010 Inspector Tom Radcliffe

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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 registered in 2010. She lives with her partner and two children in a residential area close to the centre of Banbury. The home is within easy travelling distance of parks, schools and nurseries. Childminding takes place on the ground floor of the home and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for four children under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder currently minds two children under five during the day and three children over five before and after school. The childminder also provides care for one child over eight years of age before and after school. She attends a local carer and toddler group together with childminder support groups. She is a member of an approved childminding network and takes part in recognised training schemes to enhance her skills as a childminder.

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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 provides a stimulating and caring play environment for children. She works with a good understanding of each child as an individual and is, therefore, able to meet their learning and welfare needs very well. Children thrive in a child-centred setting which is well organised and allows even very young children to be independent and make choices. The childminder promotes effective partnership with parents to support children's progress. She also understands the value of wider partnerships to help children's ongoing learning and development. An effective use of self-evaluation allows the childminder to understand her strengths and what she may want to develop. This ensures that the provision is ever improving and outcomes for children are enhanced.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the use of assessments to ensure that children's progress towards the early learning goals is both fully supported and understood.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures that all parents have a good understanding of her work with children as she makes concise and informative written policies and procedures available to all. This helps the safe and efficient management of the provision This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which is arranged very well to meet the needs of children and their parents. The childminder has a good understanding of how to ensure that children are properly safeguarded as she consistently implements effective practice. As a result, all adults are vetted for suitability and procedures protect children's interest. Children are very well supported by the very attentive childminder and play in an environment that is properly risk assessed to ensure that potential hazards are reduced. Children play freely indoors and are able to explore play areas as well as using outdoor play space and local facilities when on outings. This has a very

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the early years provision

positive impact on children's confidence and overall development. The childminder promotes children's good health and well-being through her use of effective practice, for example, in cases of minor accidents or illness.

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the early years provision

The childminder is a reflective practitioner who accurately evaluates the experiences that children have as they play and learn. She carefully observes children to gain an understanding of their progress and enjoyment. She also uses her contacts with parents to gain information about any changes that may need to take place. She has developed the provision very well since registration earlier this year. In addition, the childminder is committed to her own professional development to ensure that she has the required skills to provide the best care for children. There are very good partnerships with parents and other settings to ensure that children's ongoing progress is supported.

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the early years provision

Children play in spacious and attractive accommodation. The childminder ensures that all children are able to use age-appropriate resources that support their learning in all areas. Children are happy to make choices about their play and the childminder facilitates this well as she offers encouragement, support and guidance. This allows even the youngest children to develop important skills and helps them to learn in an interesting way. The provision is inclusive as the childminder treats all children as unique individuals with the capacity to build on what they can already do. In addition, the childminder ensures that all children are able to learn about their diverse world in an age-appropriate way.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress as they play and access a good range of appropriate learning opportunities. The childminder takes great care to gain information about children so that she fully understands their starting points, interests and personalities. She uses observations to understand the progress that children make and how they interact with activities and other children. She uses detailed written records of children's achievements to share with parents and to make decisions about children's next steps in learning. This ensures that children face activities that they find interesting and which challenge them to make appropriate progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy being in the setting and are becoming very confident as they make choices. As a result, they experiment making sounds with musical toys, dress up and use mark-making resources. As children play they respond well to the support given by the childminder as she guides their learning, provides additional ideas and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 immerses herself in their play. When using uncooked lentils children learnt about quantities, texture and the sounds that can be made by dropping them on different surfaces. Children readily involve the childminder in their play and enjoy sharing books and toys with her. This presents many opportunities for the childminder to develop the children's spoken language and for them to gain an understanding of written words. The children are starting to build an age-appropriate vocabulary and respond accurately to simple questions about animals and parts of their body.

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and outcomes for children

Children's physical and creative skills are enhanced through a variety of activities. They also experience numbers as they play, which forms a useful basis for future learning. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how young children learn through play and first hand experience. This knowledge ensures that children?s all round development is given good attention. As the childminder has gained experience she has decided to build on her present use of assessment information. This requires development to ensure that children's progress towards the early learning goals is both fully supported and understood.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's welfare very well. They experience activities and have guidance which allows them to have an age-appropriate understanding of their safety and that of others. They are very well safeguarded and play in a very well managed environment where behaviour is good and social skills are developed. Children share and involve each other in their play. As the childminder cares for children of different ages throughout the day this presents opportunities for the children to understand the varying needs of other children. In this way children begin to understand that older children may have a greater range of skills than younger ones. Children are able to play for long periods of time and understand that different activities require different responses, for example, when having a snack or when using role play equipment in free play.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes outcomes for children effectively and consistently. Children are very settled and content as they use their imaginations, develop their language skills and make choices. They explore freely and have an enthusiasm for their play. All children have a very secure and trusting relationship with the childminder. This forms a very secure basis for children's happiness and development. Children are beginning to understand about healthy eating and life choices as they have snacks and enjoy physical activity. Even the youngest children in the setting enjoy challenges and respond to expectations placed on them. Children acquire skills and abilities which are appropriate to their age and their progress ensures that most children are prepared well for future learning needs. 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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