Taylor, Alison Elizabeth Gratwick

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 507585 Inspection date 22/03/2011 Inspector Teresa Ellkington

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 1994. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and adult son in Lingfield, Surrey. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding, where children have access to a lounge, dining room, kitchen and toilet facilities which are located on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is close to public transport, schools, shops, parks and other amenities. The childminder has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for five children in the early age group on a part- time basis.

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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 benefit from the welcoming, inclusive and stimulating environment, where the uniqueness of each child is valued. Highly effective steps are taken to promote the children's safety and well-being. Overall, the childminder promotes children's learning and development, through a flexible programme of activities which are reflective of children's individual needs and interests. Relationships with parents are generally well fostered. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement and has taken appropriate steps to identify and improve the quality of the service she offers.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to ensure that children's next steps are being clearly identified and used in leading future planning  develop the two-way flow of information with parents to promote a shared understanding of children's starting points to support their child's learning and development

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the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of her role in safeguarding and has comprehensive policies and procedures in place in support of this area of her work. All regulatory requirements are in place and followed meticulously. High emphasis is placed on maintaining a hygienic and safe environment. The home is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 kept to a high standard of cleanliness and there are excellent procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Comprehensive systems are in place to ensure a safe and secure environment for the children within the home and when out and about.

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the early years provision

The childminder is fully aware of her strengths and weakness and has well targeted plans for the future of her setting. Recommendations from the previous inspection reflect her commitment to continuous improvement. The environment which children play in is organised thoughtfully to meet their needs. They have access to a range of good quality resources, toys and activities that support their learning and development in all area. Resources are rotated on a regular basis to provide variety and keep children, enthused. The childminder has an acute awareness and informed understanding of children's individual needs and promotes inclusion and equality by ensuring that all children are fully involved in activities.

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the early years provision

Relationships with parents are generally well fostered. A comprehensive range of polices and procedures and a well positioned notice board keeps parents fully informed as to the service provided. A two-way flow of information is maintained to ensure parents are aware of children's care routines, activities and achievements of the day. However, information in relation to children's starting points is not fully exchanged, which prevents the childminder from planning a suitable learning programme quickly. Comments from parents show high levels of satisfaction. For example; they comment that the childminder is 'reliable and helpful' and 'provides gentle encouragement for children to grow in confidence'. Links with other providers of care are well established to ensure a cohesive approach to learning and care.

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and outcomes for children

Children thrive and progress well within a relaxed, homely environment where they benefit from the close relationships they have established with the childminder, which enables them to feel safe and secure. They play with a selection of puzzles that provide challenged and keep them fully engaged. The childminder offers encouragement and readily extends their play which enhances their understating of counting and the order of numbers. Children behave extremely well. They are well supported by the childminder who actively encourages participation and co-operation in all routines; Children readily help one another setting up games together and actively clear away resources. Children's understanding of problem sorting is enhanced as they independently play with shape sorters and have access to a good range of interactive play resources where they push buttons and levers. Children respond to familiar nursery rhymes that

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and outcomes for children

they sing together and discuss the rhyming words. Children's listening skills are actively encouraged as they play games such as sound lotto and are able to participate together and follow instructions. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy many opportunities to express their creativity through a wide range of activities. For example they use a range of different textured materials to create farmyard animals and use paint to make the tracks from the tractor wheels. Children are encouraged to become aware of their wider world as they watch different birds coming into the garden. They make bird feeders and use posters to identify the birds that they see. Children use a range of resources which encourages their understanding of their wider world. They have access to a range of books, play people, puzzles and activities, which promotes their understanding

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and outcomes for children

of the diverse society which they live in.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a safe, secure environment where the high standards of cleanliness minimise the risk of infection. The childminder establishes good personal hygiene practices and children learn the reasons for them, helping to develop their understanding that they need to wash their hands to get rid of germs. Children's dietary needs are appropriately considered, as the childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children receive healthy meals and snacks, as well as regular drinks. Children enjoy a wealth of physical play activities both within and away from the home. For example, they enjoy walks within the local community and engage in exciting play experiences within parks and other child based activities away from the home. They attend a range of toddler groups and socialise with children cared for by other childminders, helping them to forge relationships with their peers.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder shows a very positive and enthusiastic approach to childcare. She works hard to ensure that all children attending are reaching their full potential. She uses observations and assessments to determine how children are progressing. However, she is yet to make clear links from her assessments to enable her to plan effectively for children's next steps in their learning. Overall, children are cared for by a childminder who values the children as individuals and provides many opportunities for them to grow and flourish. 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 1 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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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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