Ledwith, Claire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY418820 Inspection date 23/05/2011 Inspector Lynne Lewington

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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 and lives in a two bedroom property in Hook, Hampshire. She lives with her partner and three children. There is a small enclosed garden available for outside play. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the property is used for childminding. The family has fish.

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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. The registration is for a maximum of three children under eight years, of whom one may be in the early years group and one may be under one year old. She currently has two early years children on roll.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children play in an exceptionally well maintained, safe and caring environment with a broad range of age appropriate good quality toys and resources. The childminders passionate enthusiasm for her role is evident in all her interactions with children and her plans for further development. Overall, very strong partnerships with parents and others involved in children's lives ensure their needs are understood and met appropriately at all times.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 improving the quality of development information gathered from parents when children first join the setting.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted through the childminder's knowledge of child protection and the action she would take if she was concerned about a child in her care. Clear information is also made available to parents ensuring they understand her safeguarding role. Excellent consideration is given to the children's safety both in the setting and on outings. Comprehensive risk assessment of the setting and regular outings indicate the childminder manages children's safety well. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 premises are clean and well maintained throughout. Children move freely between the playroom and the well planned attractive garden, enabling them to independently play whilst still being supervised. An excellent range of high quality toys and equipment are available both indoors and out providing the children with a very attractive play environment.

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the early years provision

Parents are very happy with the service offered and the many opportunities the children enjoy in the childminders care. They have found her service to be reliable and helpful. Comprehensive information about the setting and a folder of policies ensure parents understand how the setting works and the partnership they are entering into. Gradual introductions ensure children settle confidently into the childminders care. Developing very strong working relationships with others involved in children's care is very important to the childminder as she recognises the value to children in working consistently together. She has developed links with the nursery school children attend enabling information to be shared. The childminder is highly effective in helping to ensure that children's progress is encouraged consistently.

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the early years provision

Each child is supported extremely well as the childminder recognises their individuality, differing temperaments and needs. For example, when a young child found it difficult to express her feelings the childminder created a range of pictures depicting different moods. This has lead to conversations and an increased awareness of feelings. Verbally the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the sensitive action she would take if she was concerned about a child's development. Comprehensive information gathered from parents on admission enables the childminder to understand the child's likes, dislikes, allergies, language and culture. However information about what children can do on admission is limited and does not provide a clear base for ongoing development. The childminder adapts the environment to meet the different needs and interests of the children. Currently children are very interested in doctors and so they have

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the early years provision

easy access to medical equipment and costumes. Children go on outings in their local community enabling them to meet different people and the good quality resources reflect a diverse society.

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the early years provision

In the short time the childminder has been operating she has created a high quality learning environment. Her enthusiasm is clearly evident in her self evaluation and plans for further development. The childminder independently uses relevant early years literature and magazines to develop her knowledge of child development and early education. Consequently, she is knowledgeable in her interactions with the children. Her self-evaluation document includes appropriate identification of strengths and areas for development. An excellent awareness of the requirements of registration is demonstrated and the childminder continually builds on her current knowledge and understanding. For example, she attends a range of courses and demonstrates an extremely well planned commitment to continually enhancing her qualifications. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Routines enable children to have a strong sense of security. For example, when they return from nursery they remove their shoes and wash their hands in preparation for lunch which is set out ready at the table. The childminder encourages the children to learn to look after the toys and equipment as they help to pack away when they have finished playing or before they go on outings. The childminder encourages children to think about safety as she gently but clearly reminds them to walk or to sit and not climb on the furniture. Simple rules displayed in words and pictures at low level act as reminders of safe and appropriate behaviours. Children confidently explain what the various pictures mean. This simple reminder helps children to discover boundaries which the childminder consistently applies. A fire evacuation drill is undertaken ensuring children know how to evacuate the premises in an emergency. Outdoors children

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and outcomes for children

have many opportunities to experiment with their physical abilities as they play in a safe environment, for example climbing, and using small sized garden tools. Children's development is monitored exceptionally well linking observations to potential next steps in learning. Progress records provide clear evidence of development across all areas of learning and enable the childminder to easily identify any aspects which may need more encouragement. The records are supported with photographs and samples of the children's creations. Parents are encouraged to read and share their knowledge of their child, although currently there is little information provided about children's development when they first start in the setting. Children enjoy a healthy diet provided by their own families which is kept fresh ready for them to enjoy. Children are learning to pour their own drinks increasing their ability to be independent.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a rich, happy, learning environment. Children use their imaginations and act out real life and imaginary experiences. For example, the childminder is instructed to lie on the floor as the 'doctor' listens to her heart with a stethoscope. Language and knowledge is encouraged as the childminder enters into the play asking the doctor what is wrong. Children dig in the soil using a variety of tools increasing their fine control. When they find a worm, they seek the childminders assistance to catch it and then look at it closely, reminding all present to be careful not to hurt it. The childminder provides a narrative to her activity with appropriate pauses enabling children to copy her words or use their own. She listens attentively and responds appropriately encouraging language development exceptionally well. When a child pronounces something incorrectly she does not draw attention to it but merely repeats it correctly ensuring the child does not

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and outcomes for children

become disheartened. Consequently, children demonstrate very good language development. Easily accessed high quality fact and fiction books are displayed attractively encouraging children to use them. Mark-making skills are encouraged in many ways including using chalks on a chalkboard and water painting outdoors. Labels around the setting help children to become familiar with the written word and good care is taken to encourage them to recognise their own names. Children learn about size, shape, position and quantity as they play with the variety of resources available to them. For example, in the sand and water they fill and empty containers and also play a game with colourful ants hiding and counting This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them as they are found. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring children develop a good awareness of manners and a sense of fair play

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and outcomes for children

through her own excellent example to them. They learn to share, take turns and consider other people. The childminders gentle reminders, stories and activities all help to develop these important skills in this happy high quality setting. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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