Thomas, Lynsey Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY414695 Inspection date 04/03/2011 Inspector Debra Dahlstrom

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2010. She lives with her husband and two children in Haydock. Children use the whole of the ground of the childminder's home for their care, play and learning. There is a secure, fully enclosed area for children's outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years, of whom no more than two may be in the early age group at any one time. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are currently seven children on roll of whom three are in the early years. The childminder walks or uses her car to collect children from school and take them places of interest. She receives support from the local authority. She is a member of the National Child Minding Association and local childminding network. The family have two dogs.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder values the unique needs of every child in her care. She is highly motivated and committed to improving her practice, in the short time since registration she has worked hard to become secure in the delivery of the Early Years Framework. Therefore, each child makes good progress in their learning and development. Outcomes for children are clearly linked to the excellent use of high quality resources. Parent partnerships are strong and close links with the other settings the children attend ensures continuity of care and learning.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further more frequent summaries of children's progress to plan for next steps in their learning.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is vigilant and is clear about possible signs and symptoms of child abuse, as well as, the correct procedures to follow should she have concerns. Therefore, children are safeguarded well, as there are consistently robust systems in place to protect them. Record keeping, for example, is detailed and very well organised with all the relevant documentation maintained to ensure safety and welfare of children. The childminder has taken a range of positive steps to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors, are kept to a minimum. For example, regular fire evacuation drills and effective risk assessments help children to learn about staying safe without becoming fearful.

p.4

the early years provision

The home and garden are maintained to a high standard and laid out to ensure a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 warm and welcoming and highly attractive place for children. Therefore, the children thrive in this stimulating environment which is conducive to their learning. Outdoors a good use of space and recycled resources ensures children are eager to participate in a wide range of experiences and activities. Large rubber tyres, guttering pipes used as ramps or play bark, sand or water trays provide a varied media for children to work with. Indoors, they benefit from an attractive, dedicated playroom with readily accessible, good quality resources, many of which promote equality of opportunity and inclusion. This enables each child to build upon their confidence and develop as independent learners. The childminder recognises each child's style of learning. She is also highly organised and skilful in effectively

p.4

the early years provision

sharing her attention between children in her care to assist them reach their potential.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to providing a high standard of childcare and education for children. She has a detailed self-evaluation of her practice with a record of training completed and identified her priorities for future improvements and training. Meanwhile she keeps abreast of current issues through subscription to several national early years publications. Partnerships with parents are strong as she works closely with them to establish children's starting points and sharing information about children's progress. Parents are also well informed about the service prior to placement. Links with other settings children attend are well established as the childminder works closely with them, thus, making a strong contribution children's achievements and well-being.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children very well, with a clear understanding of their individual stages of development. She has good observational skills and uses generally effective systems for the assessment of children. Although, summaries of children's progress are made, these are not frequent enough as yet to maximise upon potential learning. However, children still make good progress in all areas and so lay firm foundations for developing further skills for the future.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder plays very closely with children and ensures there is a balance of child and adult initiated activities to support their development. The play space has designated areas of learning with simple printed labels in each area. Individual work pockets ensure each child feels a sense of belonging. Her enthusiastic approach ensures children thoroughly enjoy their time with her as the childminder skilfully weaves carefully posed questions into their games which challenge their thinking and reinforce learning. For example, the current theme linked to preschool are 'traditional tales'. They read together the story about a gingerbread man and the children make comparisons with the three different coloured buttons on the picture of him. Children likened the buttons to 'traffic lights' and readily call out the meaning for red amber and green. A brief discussion about road safety ensues before they resume their story. Children are confident and independent learners,

p.5

and outcomes for children

they happily sit on their floor cushions and 'read' to each other. They competently hold the book in front of them to show the audience the title and open it out to face the children and turn the pages and position it carefully to ensure everyone This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 can see.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children's development of problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills are promoted through a wide range of activities, they make 'three little pigs' with play dough, they describe how 'heavy' the bricks to their house must be to keep out the wolf. Opportunities to investigate the wider world with magnifying glasses or binoculars support their recent interest in garden birds, producing lovely art displays proudly on show on the notice board.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is a good role model for children, her calm and patient approach ensures children are listened to, feel secure and valued. They begin to show care and concern for others as they take turns in using creative materials at the easel. They show appreciation of each others work and achievements. Health and safety of children is consistently promoted. They enjoy a broad and balanced diet and understand the benefits of exercise and the effects on their bodies. They know that 'it is good for you' and you 'get out of breath when they run very fast'. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8