Crooks, Helen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 205655 Inspection date 13/05/2011 Inspector Jackie Phillips

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and teenage children in Cleethorpes, north-east Lincolnshire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for children to access outdoor play. Children are taken for walks and outings to places of interest within the local community.

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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. She may care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age range, including one child under one. Numbers of children may be increased when the childminder works alongside her assistant. Currently there are 15 children on roll; of these eight are within the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a level 3 qualification in childcare and education and an early years foundation degree. The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 benefit from an interesting range of learning experiences that take place in the home and outside. This helps them develop and make good progress. The majority of systems are well established to keep children safe and support their health and well-being. The childminder works closely with parents and partners to meet children's individual needs. Plans for the future are well targeted to bring about further improvement in the provision and outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the risk assessment so that it covers anything with which a child may come into contact with in the outdoor learning environment  promote further children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle by implementing consistent hand washing routines.

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the early years provision

The childminder understands the action to take if concerns are raised about a child's welfare. She has attended appropriate training to develop her knowledge and understanding. This is enhanced by access to a varied range of local and national information available for guidance and referral purposes. She knows how This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to keep children safe and well protected as she has comprehensive risk assessments in place. This helps her focus and take effective action to reduce most risks for children indoors and outside. On the day of the inspection, however, a couple of potential hazards in the garden were evident. The childminder ensures that all adults who have close contact with children are safe to do so. A comfortable and welcoming environment is provided. The childminder builds trusting relationships with children, helping them feel safe and secure. This

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the early years provision

enables them to form strong attachments and contributes to their good progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder makes available a broad range of books, games and toys that keep children actively engaged and well occupied. Many are easily accessible, supporting children's growing independence, choice and decision making. Resources are regularly rotated which helps all children benefit from the full range. The childminder is in the process of developing this by enabling children to make informed choices from a series of photographs of the equipment that is stored away. A good balance of activities is organised in the home and the community. For example, children attend different groups and are taken on a variety of trips and outings. This includes visits to the library, park, beach and museums. This helps them to learn through a range of rich experiences. Some activities are focused on helping children become aware of cultural and traditional celebrations, for instance, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Eid, Christmas and Easter. A good range of

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the early years provision

resources help to support this, and children's understanding of diversity and disability is well supported through discussion. This helps them develop self- awareness and a sense of place within the society in which they live.

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the early years provision

The childminder makes regular observations of children's progress and evaluates the information she obtains to help her find ways to move children forward in their learning. She is confident to adapt activities to meet their individual learning needs. Written accounts are supported by many photographs, which helps keep parents informed. The varied range of photographs is shared regularly with children via the television screen. They enjoy recalling activities, making comparisons and discussing events with their friends. There is effective liaison with parents which contributes to improvements in children's achievements, well being and development. The childminder recognises the value of forming firm partnerships with professionals and other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, and has worked effectively with some settings in the past. She is keen to take part in projects to develop her professional competency and also to

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the early years provision

benefit children's development, for example, initiatives aimed at enhancing children's language and communication. This supports effective ways of working and professional development. The childminder is creative in finding ways to help her develop the service she provides, for example, by attending training, regularly meeting with other childminders and seeking the views of parents and children. Some parents contributed to the inspection process by completing questionnaires themselves and alongside their children. These were all highly complimentary of the service they receive. The childminder has ambition and drive to secure future development of her provision. She has addressed weaknesses raised at a former inspection well and secured a higher qualification at degree level. She aims to improve how parents can contribute to the evaluation of the setting in different ways. 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 provided with a varied range of interesting play activities that take place indoors as well as outside. There are frequent opportunities for fresh air, physical development and exercise, particularly as children have good independent access to the well-resourced garden. Good attention is given to making the outdoor environment conducive to learning. For example, there are simple words displayed for children to recognise, and a number line of ducks. Additional learning resources include mirrors, chalkboards, nursery rhyme signs, a bird feeding station complete with information to identify the range of birds that visit to feed, playhouse and a super pirate galleon to stimulate and encourage children's imagination and role play. The childminder provides large paintbrushes and water for children to pretend to paint the fence or wash the equipment. There is a wild garden area and bees are actively encouraged to make a home in the wooden bee

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and outcomes for children

house. Children enjoy the outdoors and their play is of a high quality. They use the resources well and are able to co-operate and negotiate with their peers. There are occasions when children do not have to stop their play in response to a request made by the adult, for instance, to have their mid-morning snack. This means they benefit from being uninterrupted, particularly when engrossed in good quality imaginative play.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides resources that require action by the child to make them work, for example, by turning a knob or pushing a button. They have access to a laptop and regularly see information and communication equipment being used in the childminder's home. For example, mobile phones and memory sticks are used to transfer photographs of children to give to their parents. This inspires their curiosity and helps them develop fundamental skills linked to everyday technology. Some children display high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They quickly introduce themselves and know their age. They find their own shoes and place them correctly on their feet prior to going outside. Their behaviour is good. Younger children learn by copying from older ones, such as developing skills to enable them to share and take turns.

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and outcomes for children

Children are helped to understand about keeping themselves safe as they regularly practise the childminder's evacuation procedure. This means they know what to do in the event of an emergency. There is good attention given to helping children develop an understanding about healthy lifestyles. For example, snacks include healthy options such as fruit and crackers. Hand washing routines are usually effectively applied, particularly before eating. Overall, most children are very well equipped with skills they require in order to progress in their learning and development. 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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