Potts, Clare Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY271020 Inspection date 02/03/2011 Inspector Sue Riley

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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 2003. She lives with her family in Denton, a suburb of Manchester. There are facilities close by such as parks, schools and shops. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for 11 children, of whom four are in the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She holds a recognised early years qualification.

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Description of the childminding

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the ground and first floor. The family has two rabbits. The childminder walks to the local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler groups and a childminder support group.

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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 safe, secure and cared for in a clean and comfortable home. A child- friendly environment is created to ensure children are included and enjoy their time with the childminder. Children show good levels of self-esteem as the childminder gets to know them well and values them as individuals. The childminder has developed a good close working relationship with parents, which helps her to understand children's individual needs and achieve a consistent approach to the children's care. All aspects of children's welfare are suitably promoted which means that children are fully safeguarded. The childminder has acted upon the recommendations made at the last inspection and is starting to reflect more on her practice to help towards maintaining ongoing improvement 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 further the observations on children's progress to ensure their next steps in learning are clearly identified and used in planning to promote learning and to monitor their progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has implemented an effective policy and procedure which she shares with parents. The policy is clear in informing parents and carers of her responsibilities to ensure children are fully protected. Parents are reassured as the childminder provides information about how she is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 registered, vetting arrangements for herself and other household members over 16, and her experience and training. The childminder effectively maintains her records. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure. Records of risk assessments are in place for all areas of the home used for childminding purposes and the childminder makes regular checks to identify and minimise any hazards. Effective safety measures are in place with regard to the premises. The

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the early years provision

door to the house is kept locked to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the premises, ensuring children are safe. The childminder ensures she can supervise the children at all times.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates ambition, vision and drive to develop the provision further. She attends training to continually improve her own knowledge and understanding around caring for children. The childminder has started to develop a system of self-evaluation and is effectively reflecting on her practice, identifying her strengths and areas for development to maintain continuous improvement within her service. She organises the environment effectively to ensure children have suitable areas for play and rest. The childminder is aware of children's individual needs and plans effectively to ensure toys and activities are accessible to all. A general selection is put out for children to play with and this is reviewed and changed by the childminder to reflect children's changing needs and interests. The resources are good, fit for purpose and able to support children's learning and development. The childminder treats all children equally, but is very aware of their

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the early years provision

individual needs and levels of understanding. She makes the most of diversity to help children understand the society they live in.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are well-established and there is a beneficial flow of communication on a daily basis, which ensures that children's needs continue to be met in a consistent manner. The childminder recognises the parent as the main carer and provides a range of information for them so that they are well-informed about their child's care and learning. At the start of the placement the parents are provided with information which includes all the childminder's policies and procedures. This ensures parents are fully aware of the childminder's practice. Parents are kept informed about their child's activities through verbal discussions, daily diaries and the sharing of their development files. They also have daily discussions about children's progress, resulting in a cohesive and consistent approach to children's learning and care. For example, the childminder has recently provided sample menus for weaning a child, for the parent's approval. The

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the early years provision

childminder has a sound understanding of working in partnership with other providers.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making sound progress in their learning and development. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of the learning and development and welfare requirements to promote children's learning and care. She has a good understanding of how children learn through play and how they develop. The environment is set up for children's learning and allows them free choice of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities from a range of resources. The childminder is very warm and welcoming to the children, thus providing a safe emotional environment where children feel safe and secure. Observations and assessments are ongoing and the information is starting to be used to plan for the next steps for children taking into account their abilities, likes and dislikes. Children feel good about themselves as the childminder offers good positive support, praise and encouragement. The childminder actively

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and outcomes for children

plays with the children and lots of happy sounds are made. For example, as children bang on the interactive musical toy, they make squeals of excitement.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider world through visits out and about in the community and planned activities and discussions with the childminder. They are taught about safety issues as part of the daily routine. For example, they take part in regular emergency evacuation procedures to raise their awareness of keeping themselves safe. When out and about in the community, road safety is talked about and encouraged at all times. Children are very well behaved and are encouraged to use their manners in a positive way. For example, the childminder uses manners when talking and playing with the younger children, so they are learning appropriately from her good role modelling. The good health and well-being of children is encouraged. Children know what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. Young children learn simple hygiene routines as they have their hands and faces wiped before and after eating. They help themselves to

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and outcomes for children

a drink as they become thirsty and this promotes their independence. Children have plenty of fresh air and exercise, for example, playing on challenging equipment at the local park, which they visit most days as it is next to the school. The childminder provides a good range of healthy meals and snacks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a variety of resources that encourage children's curiosity and help them to become inquisitive learners. For example, a lovely treasure basket of different everyday items is provided for the younger children to explore, handle, touch and feel the wide variety of textures and shapes. Children are able to make independent choices as a selection of toys are placed around the play areas within their reach.

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and outcomes for children

Children have established routines and this helps them to feel at ease and protected. They are happy with the childminder and the atmosphere within her home is relaxed. Young children are content to play by themselves knowing that the childminder is nearby for reassurance or support. The childminder encourages learning as she plays and supports the children. For example, she encourages and supports a young child who is starting to walk. She praises the child when they pull themselves up to a standing position. The child then beams with delight and this raises their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder thinks about the activities and experiences for children. For example, with the younger children she provides them with a painting activity, where they can feel and explore the paint, and straight after they have water play where the paint is washed off their hands while they have the lovely experience of splashing in the bubbles. Younger children who

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and outcomes for children

are not yet talking demonstrate that they understand what is being said to them, so their listening skills are developing. For example, when the childminder plays with the children, she is constantly talking to them and gaining lots of eye contact. The children respond to this well as they make sounds back and follow what the childminder says. 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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