Belk, Joanne

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY366548 Inspection date 31/10/2011 Inspector Shazaad Ashad

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 15 in Norton near Doncaster. The whole of the home is used for childminding. The bathroom is located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When minding with her assistants, the registration allows care for no more than 10 children under eight years; of these, not more than six may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than two may be under one year at any one time. There are currently 15 children on roll and of whom eight children attending are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five to eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers a caring and child-orientated environment. She works very effectively with her assistants and children thoroughly enjoy the wide range of exciting activities. Accurate assessment of children's learning ensures they make very good progress in their learning and development. The partnership arrangements with parents and other providers are outstanding. Children's behaviour is exemplary and provision is effective in promoting inclusive practice. The childminder makes good use of self-evaluation to identify most key strengths and areas for development.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the use of self-evaluation to maintain improvement in the setting and include parents' contribution to the process.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to protect children in her care and effective safeguarding procedures are in place. She has attended training in this area and is confident in explaining her procedures. Adults living and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 working in the home have the required suitability checks and the childminder checks visitors' identities before allowing them entry. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. All required documentation is in place to safeguard children's welfare. Procedures for risk assessments are effective and include full details of any identified risks whilst on outings. Children play in a safe, homely environment and the garden is fully enclosed. The organisation of the indoor space allows children to play safely as they become increasingly mobile. Children move freely and confidently around areas used for childminding as they independently

p.4

the early years provision

access the wide range of good-quality resources. For example, they explore creative activities with craft materials, become involved in role play and have access to sensory play resources.

p.5

the early years provision

Equality and diversity issues are fully addressed as all children independently access the full range of age-appropriate activities and resources. They experience positive images of difference within displays and in the resources they use. For example, they explore European languages by using simple words and use the world map to think about other cultures. The childminder and her assistants know each child very well. This enables her to effectively organise play suited to their age and stage of development, taking into account individual interests. Initial settling-in arrangements are very good and help children settle quickly and feel secure. The notice board in the entrance area is fully utilised to display valuable information. Parents provide positive comments in letters. They comment that the childminder is 'an ambassador to all other childminders' and 'provides high quality childcare in a fun and supportive environment.' Parents are made aware of

p.5

the early years provision

children's activities and abilities and work very closely with the childminder to provide continuity in their child's development. Parents contribute to the children's learning journeys in a purposeful way. The childminder works in very close partnership with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to promote continuity of care. For example, planned meetings take place with teachers to review progress and extend learning during the holidays. She also has very close links with the Children's Centre and attends events aimed at raising children's achievements.

p.5

the early years provision

She is committed to developing her practice and has improved her procedures on fire evacuation and her first aid training. This improves the well-being for children. She is starting to use evaluation procedures to identify the strengths in her service. However, she has correctly identified that there are further areas for development and the process requires developing further to improve outcomes.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children are happy and confident in the care of the highly motivated childminder who takes positive steps to provide children with varied learning opportunities. The links between planning and observation are clear and assessment information is used effectively to ensure that activities provide sufficient challenge and reflect the children's interests. Parents have opportunities This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to observe the children's records and some fully contribute to the children's records and take an active role in planning their next steps. The children are making good progress in their learning and develop good skills for the future. They take part in a range of stimulating activities and sustain high levels of involvement. For example, children use the role play kitchen area to enhance their understanding of play with the use of different textures. They happily play for long periods, mixing

p.5

and outcomes for children

lentils and coloured rice with foam. They allow their utensils to fill up and then empty as they enhance their problem-solving skills and improve their hand-eye coordination. In addition, the children are provided with age-appropriate opportunities and are encouraged to use their communication and language skills in a range of situations and for a range of purposes. Children participate in singing familiar songs, listening to stories and respond to the many open-ended questions they are asked about their play. Similarly, the younger children take pleasure in making a variety of sounds and they engage in activities which encourage repetition as they start to label familiar items and understand the meaning of everyday language. Overall, the children explore a broad range of different media and materials. They have access to heuristic play provisions and treasure baskets which contain a range of objects of various textures and size to encourage their

p.6

and outcomes for children

curiosity. They enjoy handling and manipulating objects to see how they fit together and they show a keen interest in simple mechanisms. The children are also introduced to technology as they access the computer games, real phones and the cash register.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The children attending the setting feel secure because the childminder knows them well and understands how to deal with different developmental stages, such as separation anxiety. In addition, the children learn how to play safely and avoid harming others. The children develop an understanding of how to maintain healthy lifestyles. They are supported in developing an understanding of the importance of physical activity through their inclusion in activities that encourage movement and mobility. For example, children enjoy daily opportunities to go for numerous interesting walks in the surrounding area and participating in ball play games. The younger children are encouraged to make purposeful movements through the use of music sessions and some children attend swimming classes. The children make healthy choices in relation to food. The children are provided with access to a fresh fruit bowl and details of the nutritious food menu are displayed in the entrance

p.6

and outcomes for children

area. The clever use of the food plate mats helps the children to recognise their names and illustrates that their interests are acknowledged. Overall, the children's physical, social and emotional health and well-being are effectively addressed. The children have a strong sense of belonging and develop close relationships which aid their confidence and ability to establish constructive relationships with others. The childminder has researched specialist training techniques on behaviour management strategies. Her assistant has attended the training. Together, they are excellent role models for children to follow. They empower the children to do things for themselves. As a result, their behaviour is exemplary; they play extremely well together and make visitors feel overwhelmingly welcome. They receive constant praise and encouragements from the adults and enjoy the very warm, caring relationship that exists between them.

p.6

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8