Steele, Kelly

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY227367 Inspection date 03/08/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Munden

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two school- aged children in Aldershot, Hampshire. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family have two rabbits. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder may care for no more than four children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time. She is currently caring for eight children on a part time basis, five of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a relevant level 3 childcare qualification.

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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 are welcomed into a safe and warm family environment where they are all valued and included. Overall, the strong relationships forged with parents and others involved in children's care ensures each child's individual needs are met. Therefore, children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder generally evaluates her practice effectively, allowing her to identify areas to develop. She demonstrates a strong commitment to making continuous improvements to benefit children. However, specific legal requirements are not met as some documentation is not in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 make a record of risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation) 08/08/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 increase children's learning and development through working with parents so they can regularly review and contribute to development records, and by further developing systems of observation and assessment of each child's development to track their progress (Practice Guidance page 12, 2.10 & PIP card 3.1.). 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 because the childminder and those living in the house are suitably vetted. The childminder is clear of the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care. Risk assessments are conducted of the home and for outings, with effective measures taken to minimise any possible risks. However, the childminder is in breach of a specific welfare requirement to maintain a written record of the risk assessment. Some of the childminder's policies and procedures are in writing and shared with parents. All the appropriate records and parental consents are in place to promote children's good health and welfare. The childminder spends her time focused on children and ensuring their needs are met. Her home is clean and well organised, allowing children ample space to play and explore both indoors and outside.

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the early years provision

Equality and diversity are promoted well. The wide range of resources, many of which promote diversity, ensures all children can take part at their own development level. The childminder is knowledgeable about children's family backgrounds; this helps her to fully support their individual needs. Although no children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, or those who speak English as additional language attend at present, she very is clear how she will support them. The childminder has attended training to ensure she can care for and support children with specific medical conditions. Liaison with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage that children attend, such as pre-school staff, contributes to their continuity of care. Strong partnerships are forged with parents from the outset and regular discussions ensure information is shared. However, parents are not always fully involved in their children's learning and development

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the early years provision

as they seldom contribute to the planned next steps. Parents report they are very happy with the high levels of care their children receive and the progress they make.

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the early years provision

Overall, the childminder reflects on most aspects of her practice well, which helps her identify areas for development. Comments are sought from parents and children to help evaluate her practice. Since the last inspection, the childminder has increased her knowledge and skills through training. She has a clear vision of how she intends to continue to improve outcomes for children. For example, she plans to further develop the system used to record and track children's progress, demonstrating a strong commitment to driving improvements.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled during their time with the caring childminder who helps them to enjoy and achieve well. They feel safe and secure due to her constant attention to meeting their care routines according to parent's wishes. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of each child's uniqueness. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 observes their progress and plans next steps to help them develop further. Children engage in a range of interesting adult-led activities, both inside and outside the home; for example, visits to toddler groups where they develop social skills, and to soft play areas where they develop physical skills and control of their bodies. At home, the childminder plans some creative activities linked to occasions or festivals such as Easter and Diwali. This enables children to develop an understanding of the wider world and other cultures.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from lots of outdoor activities that help them learn about healthy lifestyles and about the natural world. For example, they hunt for spiders and play ball games. Children's interests are considered and used to encourage their learning. This helps them feel valued and included. For example, children with a keen interest in vehicles thoroughly enjoy working out which levers to push and pull to make the shovel of the sit-on digger move. Children that are not often attracted to mark making activities are encouraged to take part because pictures of their favourite modes of transport are provided. A wide range of equipment, such as large, easy grip crayons as well as pencils and pens, means all children can take part at their own development level.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop good skills for the future as they use computers and electronic toys. Their interest in books is fostered as they relish having their favourites read to them. Children use numbers in songs and rhymes and as they play. For example, three-year-old children count the balls they place in the digger's shovel. Children learn effective ways to keep safe and healthy as they are reminded to drink when they feel hot, and to wear their hats when it is sunny. Children take part in regular fire drills and learn to cross the road safely when out walking. Children make a positive contribution as they learn to control their emotions, responding well to the childminders positive behaviour management. They take turns and share the toys. Children show high levels of confidence and independence as they chat freely with adults and other children. 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: 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

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse and neglect (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) (Also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 08/08/2011

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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 compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) 08/08/2011

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