Wood, Natalie Victoria

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY364620 Inspection date 24/10/2011 Inspector Christine Armstrong

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children in the village of Sileby in Leicestershire. Children have access to all of the ground floor, except for the dining room. They also have access to the first floor which comprises a playroom, bathroom and lounge. There is also a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a dog and cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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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 make good progress in their learning because the childminder recognises and nurtures their interests and individuality. Systems to monitor children's progress include parental contributions and these are currently being improved. The childminder works effectively with parents and other settings to ensure each child's individual needs are met well. Policies and procedures are mostly implemented very well to safeguard and promote children's welfare. The childminder is aware of her strengths and has plans in place to make further improvements to her service, which provides a strong basis for her capacity to maintain continuous improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come into contact with, in this instance trailing wires in the lounge  improve further systems to monitor children's achievements and include information obtained from parents in this process.

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the early years provision

The childminder places good emphasis on ensuring the safety of children. Her practice is underpinned by a clear set of policies and procedures which are shared with parents. The comprehensive safeguarding polices and procedures demonstrate the very clear understanding the childminder has of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. Adults living on the premises are suitably vetted. Children are supervised well at all times and given good support to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 feel safe and secure when visitors arrive and depart. Children's welfare, care and safety are suitably promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to minimise potential hazards and keep children safe. For example, she practices emergency evacuation procedures and acts promptly to address any problems encountered. This is particularly important as children spend a lot of their time in

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the early years provision

the dedicated play room on the first floor of the premises. The childminder undertakes risk assessment on the premises, outings and resources which ensures hazards are identified and minimised. However, the risk assessment for the lounge has not covered everything that a child may come into contact with, in this instance some trailing wires. However, the impact of this oversight on children's safety is not significant because the childminder supervises children in this area at all times. The home environment is clean and tidy, warm and welcoming and effective arrangements are in place that support children's good health and minimise cross-infection.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive service. Positive images of diversity are displayed around the setting providing a clear message that all people are valued and welcome. The childminder has a strong understanding of how to support children's learning and effectively supports all children to make good progress in their learning and development. The environment is very stimulating and organised well to support children's learning. Resources are organised to enable children to access them independently and children's work is also displayed so they can see they are valued. Children are encouraged to take part in all activities, share resources and develop an understanding of each others needs. The childminder makes good use of her garden and local amenities to extend children's experiences. Relationships with parents are positive which supports a two-way exchange of information which supports continuity in children's care and learning.

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the early years provision

Parents are encouraged to provide ongoing information about their children's achievements and any additional help they require. This ensures that each child's needs, including those who have special educations needs and/or disabilities, are identified and met well. Children who attend other Early Years Foundation Stage provision also benefit from continuity in their care and learning as the childminder has established links with the relevant nurseries to share information.

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the early years provision

Systems to monitor and evaluate practice are effective and identify realistic and relevant areas for improvements. This provides a strong basis for the childminder's capacity to maintain continuous improvements and secure good outcomes for children. For example, the childminder has obtained good practice guidance from local authority support workers and other Early Years providers to further improve her systems to monitor children's progress and to include parents in this process.

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and outcomes for children

Children are effectively supported to make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder makes good use of her observations to plan activities and experiences that are well matched to the full range of children's needs. This ensures each child's learning experiences are tailored to reflect their interests and meet their individual need for support and challenge. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are effectively supported to take part in a varied range of stimulating activities that inspire them to become active learners and to develop their skills for the future. For example, when children play imaginatively with small-world doctor's equipment the childminder provides additional resources such as mark making equipment and a working stethoscope. This allows children to listen to their heart beat and develops their understanding of their own bodies. The childminder

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and outcomes for children

introduces new vocabulary and encourages children to describe what they hear and to tap out the rhythm they hear. This helps to support children's communication skills. The childminder effectively captures children's interest in shape, measure, position and number as children play. For example, children have fun matching and counting small world fruit and vegetables to pictures on a wall poster. This leads to a discussion about healthy eating and children's likes and dislikes which promotes their communication skills and understanding of healthy eating. Children enjoy singing rhymes and songs and listening to stories. Their interest in books is further developing through visits to the local library and taking favourite books home in their book bags. Children's interest in technology is captured by the good range of resources made available to them. For example, the childminder uses her laptop with the children to access information, such as,

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and outcomes for children

pictures and vidoe clips of childrens' favourite characters. Children learn how to operate and explore a range of exciting simple technology toys including cameras and children's laptops. They visit local amenities including nature reserves where they use interactive technology to find out about animals and creatures and other items of interest.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare needs are met well. They take part in activities and discussion that develop their awareness of a healthy lifestyle. They eat nutritious meals and snacks provided by the childminder and they take part in cooking and shopping activities which helps them to learn about different foods. Children benefit from daily outdoor activities. The childminder's garden has a covered area which allows children to play outdoors all year round. Children make regular trips to local nature reserves and take part in organised activities to explore nature. Children develop their physical skills using large equipment in the childminder's garden and local parks. Children are developing their understating of their own safety because the childminder gives simple and clear explanations about safety during their play and routines. The childminder encourages appropriate behaviour through clear and consistent boundaries which children respond well to. She uses praise and

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and outcomes for children

encouragement to recognise children's achievements which supports their self- esteem. Children take part in activities that help them to take turns and share. They take part in activities and experiences that help them to value similarities and differences in themselves and others. 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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