Smith, Emma

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 308394 Inspection date 30/03/2011 Inspector Duncan Gill

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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 has been registered since January 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 13 years in Freckleton, near Preston. The family has a dog that has limited contact with minded children, and the childminder is qualified to level 3 and also has a foundation degree in early years.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children are cared for on the whole of the ground floor of the property, with access to a secure rear garden. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, and offers a flexible service that includes full and part-time care. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and there are two children on roll in the early years age range. She is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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 has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this to help children progress well in their learning and development. She safeguards children well and fully implements a wide range of policies and documents which have a positive impact on the children. Self-evaluation is accurately targeted and used to improve outcomes for children. Parents are fully included in the setting and given lots of good quality information about the setting and their child.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observation and assessment systems to include next steps in children's learning across all the six areas of learning.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded effectively because the childminder has a thorough understanding of child protection procedures and knows what to do to report any concerns. She promotes children's safety by undertaking robust risk assessments of her premises and any outings and by maintaining close supervision at all times. A comprehensive and detailed range of written policies and procedures is in place to promote children's health, safety and welfare, for example, behaviour management and inclusion.

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the early years provision

Parents are provided with very good information about the setting and their child. Daily records tell parents how their child has eaten, slept and the activities they have been involved in. Parents are encouraged to add comments in these and they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are a meaningful way for parents to share their views and be involved in their child's development. Parents can also access and comment on their child's learning journey. The childminder does not have the opportunity at the moment to work in partnership with other agencies or settings children may attend but understands the importance of this.

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the early years provision

The childminder gives careful consideration to the inclusion of all children and gains detailed information about each child so she can successfully meet their individual care and learning needs. She has established systems to sensitively observe and assess what children can do, however these are not consistently used to plan for children's next steps across all areas of learning.

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the early years provision

She is very committed to personal development and attends regular, relevant training to support her services. She has completed a foundation degree, training in safeguarding, risk assessments and many other courses which have a positive impact on outcomes for children. She has a good capacity to improve and sets realistic targets which bring about a positive impact for children. For example, she has erected a gate in the garden to further improve safety for children.

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the early years provision

Resources are used very well, they are stored at child height and the childminder has produced a book with photos of the resources she has so that children can have more choice in what they play with, even at an early age. Resources are well maintained and provide good age appropriate challenges for children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge of the early learning goals. She plans a varied range of activities across all areas of learning and follows children's interests. Assessment records clearly show what children can do and an overview helps the childminder to identify any gaps in their learning. Observations are regularly carried out with photos but next steps in learning are not consistently identified across the six areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children settle very well at the childminders and quickly become confident in their environment. They develop strong relationships with the childminder and are keen to interact with her, enjoying cuddles while having their milk. They move around freely and with independence, choosing things that interest them. Children develop a sense of self as they recognise their face in the mirror and their individual routines for sleeping and eating are consistently well met. They develop well physically, encouraged to crawl by the childminder and giggle as they hit the ball back to her then crawl to retrieve it. The childminder promotes their communication language and literacy well as she mimics the sounds babies make and talks to them constantly as they interact. Babies enjoy using their senses as they investigate objects from natural and man made materials and explore treasure baskets. They enjoy musical toys and show their delight, smiling and

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and outcomes for children

moving to music as they press the buttons.

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and outcomes for children

Children have good opportunities to learn about healthy practices as the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder wipes noses and is a good role-model. They rest well in a calm environment and are provided with a balanced diet through meals, such as, hot pot, spaghetti bolognaise and snacks of fruit. The have drinks freely accessible and the childminder gently reminds them and supports them in taking regular drinks and learning new skills, such as, using a cup. Effective policies on illness and hygiene are implemented by the childminder which protects children from the spread of infection.

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and outcomes for children

They feel safe in their environment and learn to adopt safe practices from age- appropriate explanations and support, such as, turning a spoon the correct way as the child investigates it with their mouth. Evacuation procedures are regularly practised with children and they are shown how to use toys and equipment safely.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well and age appropriate strategies help them to learn boundaries. Lots of positive comments, hugs and praise from the childminder help children to develop their self-esteem. They have good opportunities to learn about the wider world, visiting the library, parks and celebrating festivals from other cultures. 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 3 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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