Hayley Clare Wallace

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 220661 Inspection date 08/06/2011 Inspector Anne Archer

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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 1999. She lives with her family including two children of 13 and 10 years in the east Northamptonshire market town of Thrapston. All areas of the childminder's house may be used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor 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. She may care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, including three in the early years age group. She is currently caring for two children in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Northamptonshire Childminding Network. She has a diploma in nursery nursing.

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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's welfare and learning is very well promoted. Safeguarding systems are secure and partnerships with parents and others are established and effective. The childminder is very familiar with the children's individual needs and works hard to meet them. Overall, she has adapted her practice well to the requirements the Early Years Foundation Stage, however, one requirement is not met. The childminder's use of self-evaluation to reflect on her practice and her keenness to develop her provision, show that her commitment to maintain continuous improvement is good.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 confirm completion of a local authority approved paediatric first aid course which is consistent with guidance set out in the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 27/06/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 review the frequency of the evaluation of children's next steps in learning to ensure an accurate record of their progress towards the early learning goals is maintained. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is generally well safeguarded. The childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibilities in relation to child protection and to keeping children safe. She is very aware of potential concerns that may affect children's wellbeing and her knowledge and understanding of local Safeguarding Children Board referral and recording procedures is secure. She ensures that Ofsted is informed of any changes that may affect her registration and visitors' identification is checked and recorded.

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the early years provision

A risk assessment has been conducted on the childminder's home and garden and is reviewed at least twice a year. Prior to taking children on an outing, the childminder assesses any potential risks and takes action to minimise them. The childminder also carries out daily checks to ensure children remain safe. To support this, the childminder helps children learn how to keep themselves safe without impeding their developing independence. For example, children learn how to use the trampoline and other outdoor play equipment properly. Policies and procedures have been devised which reflect the childminder's practice and these are reviewed and updated when anything changes. All, including the complaints procedure, are shared with parents so they are familiar with the services she provides.

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the early years provision

The childminder takes effective steps to prevent the spread of infection and to care for children when they become unwell or have an accident by adopting very thorough health and hygiene procedures. However, no plans are in place to renew the paediatric first aid certificate which expires within days of this inspection.

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the early years provision

The effectiveness with which the childminder promotes equality and diversity is good. She has a thorough knowledge of each child's welfare and developmental needs, including culture, beliefs and ethnicity. Behaviour management strategies take account of children's maturity and level of understanding, are consistent and have a positive effect on children's learning. The childminder engages with parents and carers very well. Recent quality assurance questionnaires show that parents are very satisfied with their arrangements. Parents are kept well informed of their children's achievements through daily conversations and diaries and regular access to children's journals which they are encouraged to contribute to.

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the early years provision

Well planned systems are in place to ensure that partnerships with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage are effective and the childminder welcomes support and advice from other professionals involved with the children. The childminder's premises are suitable and safe for purpose. She strives to maintain a stimulating and supportive environment in which children do well. Resources reflect children's interests and are suitable for their stage of development. The childminder uses them exceptionally well to support children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder's ability to reflect critically on her practice and to evaluate her childminding provision accurately shows that her capacity to maintain continuous improvement is good. 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 well settled, content and readily take part in activities and play with a variety of suitable toys. Activities reflect their interests and learning needs and children are able to choose what they would like to do next.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has devised a clear system for observing, assessing and planning for children's learning needs. She provides adult-led activities and opportunities for child-initiated play which take account of children's starting points and capabilities. Records available and observations of children on the day confirm that children make good progress in their learning and development overall. However, assessment records have not been updated this quarter so do not provide a true reflection of children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn the importance of safety and of adopting healthy lifestyles through daily routines such as washing their hands after petting the rabbits and before eating their snack of different fruits. They know they must put on their shoes and wear appropriate clothing when playing outside and they take part in regular evacuation practises so that they become familiar with the routine.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy the childminder's attention and show by their exemplary behaviour and their mannerisms that they feel safe in her care. They show by their actions that they understand the childminder's rules such as helping to tidy away to make space for other toys. They behave very well due to the childminder's consistent and supportive approach.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy following the pictures as they listen to stories. They learn to problem solve as they complete simple puzzles and put together the pieces of the train track. They colour match and identify shapes. Children have opportunities throughout the day to play outside on the equipment, with the pets or to help water the tomato plants.

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and outcomes for children

Children are taken on a variety of outings to improve their knowledge and understanding of the world and to develop their socialising skills. They visit the library regularly to encourage a love of books and to support their pre-reading skills. They go on outings to local parks and attend childminder support groups and toddler groups. 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 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 1 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 27/06/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 27/06/2011

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