Cork, Amanda

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY252135 Inspection date 20/09/2011 Inspector Aileen Finan

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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 children aged 15 and 12 years in Finchampstead, Berkshire. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby. The childminder uses the ground floor of her home for childminding, with toileting and sleep facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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 is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of which three may be in the early years age group at any one time. The childminder is currently minding two children on a full and part-time basis. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and with English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a National Vocational Qualification in Children's Care, Learning and Development at level 3.

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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

The childminder is highly effective in supporting children's individual needs. Policies and procedures promote children's safety and well-being securely. The childminder successfully evaluates her strengths and weaknesses. She has fully met the recommendation set at her last inspection and demonstrates an exceptional ability to maintain continuous improvement. The well established partnerships in place further support children's learning and development. Overall, children make strong progress in relation to their starting points.

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further?

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

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further?

 providing children with extended opportunities to explore a range of materials and think about colour, texture, space, shape and form.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to safeguard children in her care. Children's safety is a high priority and risk assessments are thorough and effective. The childminder has recently attended safeguarding children training and is fully aware of her responsibilities should she have a concern about a child. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder's policies and procedures are clear and robust, these are shared with parents. Accidents, medication and incidents are appropriately completed. Parents are made aware of the role of Ofsted.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear vision for future and continuous improvement. She has recently completed a childcare qualification and is already considering further training to enhance her practice.

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the early years provision

Equality and diversity is an important part of the childminder's practice. She has effectively promoted children's understanding of similarity and difference. The childminder has worked with parents regarding many sensitive issues. She has also completed Makaton training to further support families in her care. The childminder has a thorough understanding of children's background and individual needs. Her home provides an environment that is highly conducive to children's development. She deploys her time efficiently, providing children with a lot of support and encouragement as they play and learn.

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the early years provision

Children are provided with a range of toys and resources that support their learning and are in excellent condition. Children play with toys that cover all areas of learning. They receive a well balance variety of play that promotes independence, imagination and curiosity. However, creative play is more limited. Children are not offered as many opportunities to explore and be imaginative, using a range of textures.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are very well established and form an important part of the childminder's care and work. She involves parents positively in their children's learning and development. The childminder ensures they are aware of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and children's progress towards the early learning goals. Children's achievements are good in relation to their starting points and outcomes for the children are strong.

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the early years provision

Partnership with other agencies and professionals are equally positive. Children moving on to school or nursery are provided with a summary of progress. This further enhances their development with clear continuity of care and learning. The childminder works effectively with speech and language professionals. She participates fully in local authority training for her own personal development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely happy and settled. The childminder completes effective assessments on the children, following observation of free-flow play and adult-led planned activities. These assessments and observations cover all six areas of learning and are detailed, clear and concise. The observations evaluate children's progress and provide an excellent 'story' of how children are progressing towards the early learning goals. Individual learning plans help the childminder to plot children's progress and inform future planning and next steps. As a result, children's progress is consistent and they achieve well. Parents complete This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments by adding their own comments to complement the excellent assessment already in place.

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and outcomes for children

Children have access to the outdoor garden to complement their development. Children benefit daily from time outdoors in the fresh air. They visit local parks, the fire station, post letters, visit the library, attend toddler groups and take walks in the community. The childminder proactively plans around themes children enjoy. These include mini beasts, farm animals, pets and sea life. Children's learning is extended to cover cultural outings, their community and festivals. Around her home, the childminder displays lots of photographs of children enjoying their play. Photograph albums provide added opportunities for children to recall what they have enjoyed and encourage them to talk and engage in conversation. Books are thoroughly enjoyed. Children excitedly choose the book they want to read then snuggle up with the childminder on the floor, as she reads and shares the pictures with them. The childminder is adept at asking children open-ended questions while

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and outcomes for children

they read and play. Consequently, children are progressing exceptionally well with their communication skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy very healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. Children understand the importance of following good hygiene routines. They know to wash their hands before meals and dry them on their individual towels. After choosing their snack, children are reminded to say 'thank you'. The childminder uses role play to promote children's understanding of healthy foods and where food comes from. This helps children to make an informed choice about the foods they eat and to understand the benefits of a balanced and healthy diet.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. Children are happy, safe and settled and their behaviour is exemplary. To help children understand about staying safe the childminder talks to them about a range of issues. These include safety in the home, leaving the home in an emergency, stranger danger and road safety. Consequently, children are familiar with safety issues and have a high understanding of dangers appropriate to their age and stage of 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 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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