Howarth, Jessica-Laine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY418176 Inspection date 27/05/2011 Inspector Marie Thompson

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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 registered in 2010. She lives with her young child in a residential area of Exeter, a short walk from local parks, shops and schools. The childminder uses most of her home to provide childcare, and there is an enclosed garden suitable for outdoor play. The family have various pets, including a dog, three cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and a hamster.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder mainly works with another registered childminder (EY418230). When working alone she is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of which no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is registered to provide overnight care for no more than one child under eight years, at any one time.

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Description of the childminding

When working with another childminder, they are jointly registered to care for a maximum of eight children under eight years of age at any one time, no more than five of which may be in the early years age range. Both childminders offer care to children aged over five years to 11 years. There are currently nine children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age 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 learn through play and make good progress, they are engaged and interested in meaningful activities, and enjoy choosing and playing with their favourite toys. Children are happy, confident and secure in this homely environment as the childminder promotes their health and safety well overall. In the short time the childminder has been childminding she has developed secure partnerships with parents and carers ensure that they are kept up to date with their child's learning and development and general well-being.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure hand washing facilities are adequate to control the spread of infection update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are well safeguarded as required checks to determine suitability have been completed. The childminder has a clear understanding of the need to protect children from harm, and is aware of the indicators of child protection issues. A written child protection policy, which parents and carers are made aware of, ensures that they are clear about the childminder's responsibility to protect their children from harm and how she would deal with any concerns she may have. All legally required records and documentation are in place, are well maintained, reviewed and kept in a secure and confidential manner. Children play safely in this welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children well. The premises are safe and secure and detailed risk assessments cover all aspects of the premises, however the childminder has carried out effective risk assessments for outings. However, these are not included in her

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the early years provision

record of risk assessment to improve her practice further.

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the early years provision

Children are happy and relaxed as the childminder offers warm and affectionate care that supports their welfare and learning. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion. All children are welcomed and supported by the childminder who appreciates their uniqueness and individuality. Children are developing an awareness of other cultures and the wider world through well planned activities toys and resources available to them. The childminder has given careful consideration as to how she uses her home for childminding. She has a good range of play resources which are well organised to enable children to initiate their own play. The childminder is taking positive steps to ensure resources, and the environment, are sustainable.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a strong and effective partnership with parents and there is a good two-way flow of information. She works closely with parents from the outset gathering key information about children's individual needs, routines and parents' preferences. Verbal feedback is given to parents as they collect their children at the end of their minded day and they are reminded that they may view their child's developmental record at any time.In addition, the childminder provides parents with written feedback each day in the form of a home link book which gives them an outline of their child's care routine, progress and achievement. The childminder continually reflects on her practice, planning and activities, and has identified some clear strengths and areas for improvement accurately. The childminder has started to make links and share information around children's development within other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage that

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the early years provision

children attend. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and show they are confident in the childminder's care. Children are making good progress in the setting because the childminder supports them well and provides a stimulating learning environment. The childminder's effective interaction is supporting them to develop their language and communication skills. Hence, they develop good skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder shows good understanding of how children develop and provides activities that promote their progress towards the early learning goals well. She learns about their individual starting points from parents, and builds on these through the provision of a stimulating and appropriately challenging range of activities. The childminder watches children during their activities and assesses their progress, using written observations and photographs to help identify their next possible steps.

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and outcomes for children

Children of different ages can access equipment that provides challenges for their growing abilities. Children enjoy cooking with the childminder and this is done frequently. They make ginger bread men and cakes and this helps to develop aspects of mathematical thinking through pouring, measuring and mixing the ingredients. Children have good access to activities and good quality resources to help them in areas like literacy, mathematics and technology. They enjoy using their imagination expressing ideas with paint, dressing-up clothes or dough. The children have lots of opportunities to engage in messy play activies including jelly play. There is good use of the garden to provide children with many opportunities to take part in energetic play. Children enjoy many trips in the local environment, including the park, beach and to the swimming pool, as well as popular local attractions.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave very well at the childminder's home and they play sociably together. The childminder has some basic house rules that she shares with children and parents. Positive praise and encouragement are features of the day, encouraging their social skills and self-esteem. The childminder supports children's progress in all areas of their learning and development. Children play with resources that introduce them to the wider world through puzzles, small world figures and books. The time the children spend with the childminder offers them a good balance between energetic and restful play. Meals and snacks are provided by the childminder which are healthy and nutritious with a good emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables. Children receive regular reminders about personal hygiene with frequent hand washing being a part of their daily routine. However children are not provided with separate towels to dry their hand which does not fully

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and outcomes for children

prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is a good role model and children benefit from her enthusiasm and commitment to providing a fun and entertaining experiences for them. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and recognises the learning opportunities in everyday activities. Children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 personal, social and emotional development is fostered very well. 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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