Macpherson Nina Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY216760 Inspection date 08/12/2010 Inspector Hazel White

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 10 years in the Earls Barton area of Northamptonshire. The whole of the ground floor, bathroom and small bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has 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. She may care for six children aged under eight years at any one time and, of these, three may be in the early years age group. She currently has 12 children on roll. Of these, four are under the age of five years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has successfully completed the first level of a quality assurance scheme.

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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 happy and settled in the childminder's care. They engage in a broad range of stimulating activities and share warm, friendly relationships with the childminder and their peers. Secure partnerships with parents and others ensure that the children's individual needs are suitably met. Most required documentation is in place. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude and commitment to continuous development although systems to evaluate her practice are in their infancy.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 provide information for parents of the complaints procedure so that any concerns regarding the children care are effectively promoted (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 03/01/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 use observations and assessments to identify the next steps in children's learning and development  update the risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings, to ensure children's safety  develop evaluation systems to ensure that the quality of children's learning, development and care continues to improve. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are appropriately safeguarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her care. This includes her duty to record and report any concerns and to share her child protection policy with parents. Adults in the household are deemed suitable to be in contact with the children because they have been through a vetting process. The childminder conducts an annual risk assessment of the premises which clearly demonstrates what action has been taken to minimise all risks to children in the home and garden. Although children have clear boundaries when they are out and about, their safety may be compromised because the risk assessment does not include outings. The childminder is mindful to ensure that she cares for an appropriate number of children at any one time.

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the early years provision

The childminder is caring and keen to improve the quality of care to children and their families. She is currently completing a recognised early years qualification. Children follow their home routines and flexible planning allows them to follow some of their own interests. The daily exchange of information ensures that children's changing needs are known and met. Parents are kept up-to-date with their child's progress as the childminder shares individual learning folders which contain both photographic and some written evidence of their involvement in various activities. The childminder has devised a range of written policies and procedures to support the children's care, learning and well-being, these are shared with parents on admission. All required written parental consents have been obtained. Consequently, children are cared for according to their parents wishes.

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the early years provision

The childminder has recently begun to evaluate her practice. This is a new process and systems for doing this are still in their infancy and do not yet fully include the views of others. The childminder can see how these systems can help her to identify her strengths and any areas that she can further develop in the future. Most recommendations raised at the previous inspection have been appropriately met. Hand-washing procedures have been reviewed and information confidentially stored. However the complaints procedure is not effectively shared with parents which could mean that they are unaware of how to raise concerns.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a growing knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and how children learn through play. As a result, children make steady progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has implemented a development folder for each child and an observation and assessment system. However, information gained through observations is not yet effectively used to plan for the child's next steps in their learning. This could mean This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 that they are not appropriately challenged.

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and outcomes for children

Children have access to a good range of first hand learning opportunities. For example, they enjoy cooking activities, weighing and measuring ingredients to make cakes. They confidently access programmable toys, talk about size, shape and colour. Children's communication, language and literacy skills are supported well as they look at books and listen to stories with the childminder. Creative play is frequently offered and children particularly enjoy making cards for special occasions such as birthdays. They have daily opportunities to play in the garden and enjoy being in the fresh air. They also enjoy playing in the snow and kicking the leaves in the park. As a result, they have a positive attitude to being active.

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and outcomes for children

Children freely choose what they want to develop strong relationships with the childminder. All children are valued and treated with equal concern. Any specific requirements are shared and met sensitively in discussion with parents. Daily routines help children to begin to develop good hygiene practices. They are reminded to wash their hands before meals and snacks and when returning from outdoor play. Children receive meals and snacks which their parents provide. Therefore their dietary needs are met. Drinks are readily available to ensure that they remain hydrated throughout the day.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a sound understanding of how to stay safe. For example, whilst out walking children learn how to walk safely on the pavement and learn about road safety as the childminder talks to the children about the highway code. Children behave in a manner that is supportive of their learning, they develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder gives regular praise, encouragement and support. Consequently, children learn to share, take turns and show consideration for each other. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider world through planned activities, discussion with the childminder and through access to resources that are representative of diversity. 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 3 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 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 3 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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