Benson, Jacqueline

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY384091 Inspection date 19/10/2010 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 2008. She lives with her partner and two children aged 13 and 12 years in Upton Cross village, near Liskeard, in Cornwall. Children use the ground floor of the childminder's home. A secure rear garden is used for outdoor play activities. The family have a dog and two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently four children on roll, one of whom is in the early years age group. The childminder takes children to and from local schools and pre-schools. She attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an appropriate early years qualification to NVQ Level 3.

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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

Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They benefit from a wide range of activities during indoor and outdoor play. The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and effectively meets the individual needs of children. She promotes positive working relationships with parents and others, in the interest of children's welfare. The childminder has relevant experience and a suitable childcare qualification, which is reflected in her practice. She has clear plans for further development and demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and ensure that they include disability

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming and safe environment in which children feel secure. Risk assessments are undertaken to ensure that children are safe in the house, garden and on outings. Children are closely supervised and the childminder explains possible hazards to them. The childminder has a clear understanding and awareness of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has a suitable policy in respect of child protection and provides a copy in the information This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for parents. Records and documentation are efficiently organised, which contributes towards children's welfare.

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the early years provision

The childminder plans activities and also enables children to make independent choices. She has a very good awareness of children's individual needs and interests, effectively using her knowledge to promote their learning and development. Consequently, children are interested and make good progress in her care. The childminder organises her time and space well to meet the need of children. Resources and equipment are well maintained and accessible to children. A selection of toys and books reflect some aspects of diversity, although this does not include disability. The childminder effectively promotes children's understanding of being healthy and keeping safe during daily routines and activities. She has a positive approach to managing behaviour so that children behave well and develop self-esteem.

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the early years provision

The childminder has good relationships with parents and carers, keeping them well informed about children's welfare and progress. A diary is used to tell them about what children have been doing during their time with her. This is illustrated with drawings so that children can understand and contribute to the messages. Parents provide positive feedback at inspection and they are very pleased with the care provided. The childminder compiles a 'Learning Journey' record of each child's development. She makes observations on their progress, covering each area of learning and planning for their next steps. Links are being made with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. This promotes consistent and complementary care for children who attend more than one setting. Since registration the childminder has attended appropriate training to ensure that her certificates and knowledge are up to date. The childminder also meets with a

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the early years provision

local authority development worker in order to discuss and plan for future provision.

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and outcomes for children

Children show a good sense of belonging as they competently investigate and explore their surroundings. They make confident suggestions and choices as they play. For example, they ask to go outside and the childminder helps them to find their outdoor shoes. The garden is prepared with resources so that children quickly engage in an activity. They enjoy filling a watering can and pouring water into the trough. Children use a whisk to make bubbles and learn about capacity as they fill and pour using different sized containers. The childminder promotes colour, shape and number recognition with children develop during activities. She follows children's interests and ensures that each activity provides appropriate challenge to learning. For instance, toy vehicles are used to sort and order into sets, which promotes mathematical language and understanding. Children collect leaves and twigs which link to the 'autumn' topic, and can be used to make a collage.

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and outcomes for children

Good use is made of the outdoor environment to promote children's interest in nature and their local community. They thoroughly enjoy visits to a neighbours This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 'Pets Corner', where they learn about feeding and caring for animals. They understand good hygiene routines and use hand gel after touching the pets. Children learn to 'be careful and gentle' as they approach or touch animals, which promotes safe behaviour and respect. They respond well to the childminder, showing a good understanding of the age-appropriate expectations of behaviour. During outings children are reminded about safety, for example, they learn about edible and poisonous berries when searching the hedgerows. They understand that they can eat some of them and that the birds can eat others. Children use words such as 'ripe and ready', which demonstrates their understanding of growth. They

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and outcomes for children

pick fruit and vegetables at the allotment, eating or cooking them and taking some home to share. These activities also contribute towards children's understanding of healthy foods.

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and outcomes for children

Children are keen to see the large vehicles and machinery farming the fields. They talk about the cab, shovel, different moving parts and what the machines are doing. Children notice the difference between tracks made by wheels and caterpillars, making interesting observations and comparisons. The childminder instinctively takes opportunities to extend children's interest and they benefit from spontaneous activities. For example, a large box is used to promote children's imaginative and physical skills. They pretend it is a car with a personalised number plate and headlights, and then carefully climb into it to play a game of hide and peep. Children focus and listen, developing good concentration as they play. They form warm relationships and enjoy being with the childminder. They recall what they have been doing, which helps to reinforce their learning. Children learn simple use of the mouse and laptop as they look at photographs of themselves playing

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and outcomes for children

and on outings. These are on a disc which is taken home so that parents can be involved and talk to children about their experiences. 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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