Leader, Katherine Heather

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY336440 Inspection date 31/10/2011 Inspector Ann Keen

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and six years in a village near Newark, Nottinghamshire. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the home. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The home is close to all local amenities, including schools, parks and shops. The family has a dog, a cat and fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for nine children in total. She operates her childminding service five days a week between 7.30am and 6pm. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

The childminder provides a safe, secure and homely environment where children are happy and settled. She ensures that their individual needs are met and their welfare and learning are effectively promoted. The childminder provides good opportunities for children to learn and develop within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Documentation is generally well kept to safeguard children. The childminder has started to evaluate her own practice, which helps to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities with regard to updating contact information for Ofsted.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues. She is trained in first aid so she can deal with accidents appropriately and keeps the required records. Detailed procedures and policies are shared with parents to ensure they are well informed about their children's development and well-being. However, she has not updated the Ofsted telephone number so parents can contact Ofsted if they need to. The childminder completes risk assessments to keep children safe in her home as well as on outings. She gathers information from each parent about their children's specific needs, including any dietary and health needs, and has parents' emergency contact numbers with her at all times to support children's safety. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is enthusiastic about her work with children as she strives to ensure that at all times they are happy, safe and well cared for. The childminder

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the early years provision

uses her time well as she allows children the freedom and independence to choose what they wish to do, while supervising them for their safety. She knows all the children well and is fully aware of what they each like to do and their individual interests. She has close contact with other childminders and the local pre-school to help update and consolidate her knowledge and understanding of early years issues. This shows a commitment to improving the outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures parents are fully involved in their children's care and learning through daily discussions with them. Parents see their children's daily diaries every day and the observations of their children whenever they wish. The childminder reflects on her practice and seeks the views of parents. She has positive feedback about the care and learning their children receive. She has good links with the local pre-school to ensure continuity of care.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form and is now using it to help her evaluate her provision. She is developing systems to observe and assess the children in her care. She amends her systems to ensure a balance of record keeping and the attention given to children. This shows a clear commitment to improving and developing her practice. The recommendations raised at the last inspection have been successfully met. The childminder requests written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. She regularly practises fire drills. These help to ensure children are safe in case of emergency.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude towards promoting equality of opportunity. There are no children currently on roll with special educational needs and/or disabilities, although the childminder provides for such children if necessary. She ensures all children are treated with equal concern to meet their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a trusting relationship with the childminder, which is a good basis for children's care and well-being. They are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder plans the next steps in their development, based on her observations and the learning expectations of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Each child's individual files include written observations of them engaged in different types of play and are clearly linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder recognises the individuality of each child. As a result, children benefit from daily routines which offer consistency and effectively meet their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder devotes her time to interacting with the children and chatting to them. She enjoys being involved in their play, which positively impacts on their learning and development. She helps to extend their language by repeating the words that young children say. The childminder provides a rich and interesting programme of activities, such as attending Hallowe'en parties, Chinese New Year This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities and a half-term play. Children have good opportunities to develop their creative abilities by making rabbit plates and cotton wool lambs. They are introduced to early mathematical skills by creating shape paintings and counting, for example. Children have good opportunities to develop skills in communicating, literacy and numeracy, which has a positive impact on their future economic well- being. The childminder arranges visits to the toddler group or to a nearby lake to

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and outcomes for children

have a picnic so children have plenty of fresh air and exercise. Overall, the children's experience with the childminder is varied and stimulating, helping to improve the outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is a good role model for children's behaviour and she is sensitive and caring towards them. She provides boundaries and high expectations for appropriate behaviour. Consequently, they are very well behaved. They are given praise and acknowledgement for their efforts and achievements. Children play together well, saying 'thank you' when given a toy. The childminder promotes a healthy lifestyle; children are able to help themselves to drinks and are offered a healthy and balanced menu. The childminder works with parents to meet children's individual dietary needs. She ensures nutritional foods are incorporated into the children's daily diet. Procedures are in place to help prevent the spread of infection; the children are cared for in a clean setting and they have their own towels for hand washing. Children are well cared for and they feel relaxed, safe and content while in the childminder's care.

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and outcomes for 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: 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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