Lee Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY281510 Inspection date 19/05/2011 Inspector Patricia Bowler

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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 2004. She lives with two adult children in Moira, Derbyshire. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom facilities on the first floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. The childminder is currently caring for thirteen children, ten of whom are in the early years age group and attend on a part-time basis. She also provides care for older children. The family has a pet dog and a budgerigar.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends various community groups. She holds a recognised qualification in early years and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 implements the Early Years Foundation Stage effectively, resulting in children making good progress towards the early learning goals. Children's welfare is efficiently maintained and supported by consistent partnerships with parents to ensure continuity of care and meet their individual needs. The childminder continually strives for improvement by undertaking further training and has secure systems for self-evaluation in order to enhance her childminding service. Recommendations from the last inspection have been successfully addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the records of children's development to include parental involvement to support their next steps in learning  ensure risk assessments are reviewed at least annually and a record is maintained of when these have been checked.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues. She has attended and updates training and knows the steps to take should she have any concerns. Checks are complete on all adults in the home, and diligent arrangements ensure children are not left unsupervised with any person not cleared to ensure they remain safe. Written policies and procedures work effectively to inform parents and identify children's individual welfare needs. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children confidently steer their own play, accessing a wide variety of toys, equipment and resources from low-level units in the kitchen/playroom. These are checked regularly to maintain safety and suitability for the ages of children present. Although risk assessments are established, covering all aspects, systems are not secure to ensure these are regularly reviewed and recorded.

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the early years provision

Accurate attendance records confirm children's arrival and departure times, and secure safety measures minimise any hazards. A safety gate at the base of the stairs prevents access to the first floor and consequently children are cared for in a safe environment. Children learn about safety through age-appropriate rules within the home and these are displayed with pictures and written text. They know to eat meals and snacks at the table, take care of toys and equipment and develop kindness for each other. Children develop an awareness of boundaries through consistent methods to manage behaviour and a sensitive use of praise and encouragement.

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the early years provision

Outings effectively help children to use public transport and develop awareness of road safety and the procedures to follow should they become separated from the childminder. They know and practise emergency evacuation drills which are accurately recorded to identify any issues and resolutions.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to her personal development and regularly attends training. She provides an inclusive service by promoting positive attitudes and images of difference and diversity. Consequently, children gain awareness of themselves and others through their everyday play.

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the early years provision

Parents receive clear information about the setting and complete documents to ensure children's individual care needs are met. However, they have yet to be fully involved in supporting children's identified next steps in learning.

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the early years provision

Positive links with the local school and pre-school support children as they progress in their early education and procedures are established to liaise with other professionals should this become necessary to meet individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals, settling well and moving freely and confidently within the home. The childminder organises her day effectively to meet their individual care routines and preferences. They take responsibility for choosing what they do, being motivated and interested in a broad range of easily accessible resources and innovative activities. A current interest in healthy living is supported as children tend potato plants, tomatoes and strawberries in the propagator in the garden. They are eagerly saving supermarket vouchers to purchase identified outdoor resources and enjoy walks through fields to local wooded areas. Healthy eating is promoted through nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. Discussions and activities have resulted in older children taking a greater interest in lunch box contents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children play alongside each other successfully, developing strategies to cooperate and resolve situations. For example, as they take turns to fill containers at the outdoor sand tray before turning them to reveal sandcastles. They crawl through the tunnel and learn to steer and pedal through opportunities to ride wheeled toys. Younger children enjoy outings to local community groups including the play bus and a childminding support group. They develop wider social experiences, building relationships with familiar peers and adults.

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and outcomes for children

Photographs of the minded children are displayed discreetly in the kitchen/playroom. Younger children eagerly name school-age children and those who attend on different days. Children's creative work is evident within the home and most have contributed to a castle made from junk materials rescued from the recycling box.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop age-appropriate skills in technology and a preferred option to use DVDs ensures appropriate viewing during occasions when the television is used. Communication and language are effectively supported as the childminder listens intently to what children say, engaging them in age-appropriate conversations to develop their spoken language.

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and outcomes for children

Children are independent in their personal care. They know to wash their hands to minimise cross-infection. Water and diluted fruit juice are readily accessible for children if they are thirsty. The childminder provides all foods, including fresh meat and vegetables in home-cooked meals.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a positive attitude towards difference and inclusion and promotes children's awareness through positive images in play resources. Subsequently, they develop an acute awareness of the local community and the wider world in which they live. 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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