Crofts, Donna Michelle

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 141509 Inspection date 01/02/2011 Inspector Carolyn Hasler

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and children aged eight, 14 and 16 years in Cosgrove an area of South North Hants, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding, except the bedrooms and one bathroom. She has four rabbits for pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. The childminder works with her husband who is also a childminder and when working together they may care for no more seven children under eight years with no more than four children in the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and goes to several toddler groups regularly.

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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

This childminder offers a welcoming and friendly service. There are successful measures in place to acknowledge children's individuality. Overall the childminder has effectively introduced the Early Years Foundation Stage into her practice. Although, she is not yet fully meeting welfare requirements. The setting continues to review and improve processes to observe and assess with good outcomes. Initial communication between parents and the childminder means the childminder has the information on which to base care arrangements. There is a consistent approach to service improvement, including addressing all recommendations from the last inspection. The childminder is enthusiastic and is keen to address weaknesses and implement change.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve risk assessments for outings to include outings to the park (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 03/03/2011

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop further educational programmes to include a review of initial assessments and starting points, acknowledging parents and carers knowledge of their child's development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is meeting regulations and duties to safeguard children and demonstrates a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures. For example, she is able to confidently talk about the different areas of abuse, their signs and symptoms and the action she takes to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The childminder understands her responsibility to ensure that children are not left unsupervised with others and is able to demonstrate that she has been vetted appropriately by Ofsted. Visitors to the premises are recorded, the childminder notes the time of arrival and departure and reason for the visit.

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the early years provision

The childminder has maintained a programme of training on childcare issues and shows interest in continuing this to address areas of weakness within her practice. Since the last inspection the childminder has attended courses in oral health, food safety, child protection, observations, assessment and the next steps, protective behaviour and National Vocational Qualification at level 3. She continues to maintain her paediatric first aid. The childminder works within the requirements of her registration, she maintains insurance to support her childminding practice. The childminder works in partnership with another childminder, their skills and strengths compliment each other well to support their business. They are in the process of joining their local network.

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the early years provision

The childminder plans for children's development and understands how to make the most of the resources on offer to maximise learning and development. There are effective systems in place to observe and assess development. Each child has a learning profile which contains both narrative and spontaneous observations and photographic evidence of children playing and learning. However, there is little information known about what children can do before they attend the setting. The environment has been organised to ensure that play and learning spaces are maximised to include both inside and outside spaces. Children are able to move around safely from one area to another, accessing toys and equipment easily. The learning environment is rich and gives children the confidence to explore and learn in a secure yet challenging way. Play resources and nursery furniture are in good repair, colourful and fit for purpose. The available resources are well used. The

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the early years provision

premises is risk assessed and well maintained. Although risk assessments are completed for most outings, they are not in place for visits to the park. The childminder is aware that this could have an impact on the safety of children while out. This is a breach of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. Children are learning to value their natural environment. This is promoted by playing outside and through planning the use of green spaces to support an awareness of nature. The childminder keeps pet rabbits which children are able to handle and which help them to learn about how to care for the needs of others. Children make good progress and achieve as a result of the environment they are in and the engagement and attention they receive from both childminders working effectively This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 together.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures that she collects unique information on each of the children she cares for. This includes information on children's likes and dislikes, culture, family back-ground, home language, special needs, home routines, toileting arrangements and dietary needs. This provides the childminder with the information she needs to tailor her care package to individual children. As a result of this and continual monitoring of children's learning and development, the childminder is able to support children making good progress. Learning resources provide children with positive representation of the wider society they live in. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure festivals and special events are acknowledged and celebrated. The childminder is particularly keen to ensure children are familiar with special events which celebrate diversity throughout the year so that children develop a better understanding of the wider world around

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the early years provision

The childminder has effectively met the recommendations raised at the previous inspection and has improved outcomes for children. This includes making sure that children are not exposed to hazards regarding glass within the summer house which is now safe. Children now practice an evacuation plan on a regular basis so that they can evacuation confidently should an emergency arise. Lastly the childminder has greatly improved her awareness of procedures to safeguard children and has all the appropriate literature at hand to support her should she become concerned about a child's welfare or safety. The childminder is able to talk about her vision for the future of the service. The childminder is aware of her strengths and areas she could improve her practice. Procedures such as, accident and incident records, risk assessments of the premises and outings, and fire safety checks all help her to evaluate how effective systems work. The childminder

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the early years provision

periodically canvasses parents and children for their views of the setting. This helps her to ensure that she is meeting their needs. The childminder plans to continue to use her local authorities training programs in order to improve her practice for the future.

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the early years provision

The childminder is keen to foster close working relationships with other settings where minded children attend. She understands the importance of sharing and passing information on to parents and providing a consistent approach to care learning and development. The childminder does this through talking to play group leaders about children's days and following through themes and projects with outings or through activities.

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the early years provision

Relationships with parents and carers are strong. Parents and carers receive lots of information about the service in the form of a well presented folder and a notice board. This includes information about policies and procedures and the Early Year's Foundation Stage curriculum. Parents contribute to the experience children receive by providing written consent for a number of different issues which support childcare. Verbal information is shared on a daily basis at the beginning and the end of the day. Parents and carers contribute to children's achievements through their feedback on observations and through discussion on next steps. The childminder uses a variety of communication technology such as text and telephone calls to keep parents informed. Questionnaires and testimonials provide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 evidence that parents are happy with the service provided.

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure and develop a sense of belonging to the setting. They separate well from parents and build strong attachments with familiar adults. They take responsibility for their own safety by responding to boundaries set by the childminder and learn through example and by their own experiences about how to play safely. Children are well behaved, polite and good natured.

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and outcomes for children

Children appear settled and happy. They are confident and show good levels of self-esteem. Children feel they belong to the setting, this is aided by children being able to see their own photos and hand prints displayed on the walls. They build strong relationships with both adults and children. Building friendships and learning how to consider others within their play. Younger children are happy to play along side others and are beginning to share and take turns. A high level of interaction ensures children always feel supported in their choices. Children show a good understanding of diversity engaging in a good range of activities and experiences to support this.

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and outcomes for children

Young children are dependent on the childminder for most personal hygiene tasks. However, as they develop independence they build confidence in practising and taking part in hand washing routines at appropriate times during the day. Young children are developing awareness of their different senses and enjoy meals and snack times where independence is encouraged. A mixture of familiar foods and healthy foods are offered so that children are becoming aware of healthy choices and developing tastes for new foods. This is aided by the experience of growing fruits and vegetables and taking pleasure in tasting things that they have grown. Children enjoy a range of physical play opportunities. These include, riding on tractors, cars and tricycles, climbing on slides and rockers, and access to net and ball games.

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and outcomes for children

Young children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. They are motivated and interested in a broad range of activities and take responsibility for choosing what they do. Children's welfare is promoted; they are secure and develop a sense of belonging to the setting. Children know what is expected of them because boundaries are clear and consistent. Good quality interactions and well-organised routines help all children to feel secure and confident. As a result children enjoy their time at the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel listened to because the childminder provides them with time to share their thoughts and responds to their conversation. Children's language is supported well while they play and learn by the childminder who engages them in both adult and child-led play. There are lots of open ended questions and descriptive suggestions to help children develop their vocabulary. Children are using language confidently because they have daily access to a range of books, rhymes, music, songs and stories. They are encouraged to experiment with writing through art This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and craft and mark making activities. Children enjoy playing with puzzles and construction; they are working through problems of how to make shapes fit into holes and how to joint blocks together to construct towers. There is some mathematical language used around them, but this is limited. Children engage in a

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and outcomes for children

range of activities that nurtures their understanding of the world around them. This includes first-hand experiences of the natural world and of information, communication and technology. They have access to interactive toys and play resources which they can program through the use of switches and buttons. Children are involved in practical applications of their knowledge and skills which promotes their self-esteem and supports future learning and development. 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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