Compton, Louise Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY425288 Inspection date 08/11/2011 Inspector Sonjia Nicholson

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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 2011. She lives with her husband in a ground floor flat close to the centre of High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. Most areas of the home are used for childminding, with toilet and sleeping facilities available. There is use of a shared garden for outdoor play and easy access to a recreation ground and several play parks close by. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for four children under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age group at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, three of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a 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 have fun and make good progress in this inviting childminding home. Their needs are well known by the childminder, who plans suitable activities for them. The childminder demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement. She has made several changes since registration to create a safer environment, such as fitting stair gates to prevent access to the bedroom and kitchen and fixing a hook on the airing cupboard door. The childminder has reflected on her practice and prioritised areas for future development, such as purchasing a table for meals, and a shed to store the outdoor toys.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop partnerships with other providers in order to share relevant information so children receive a consistent and coherent learning experience develop the system used to plan activities so it clearly shows how they are linked to the early learning goals and includes details of activities for individual children.

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the early years provision

The childminder gives high priority to children's safety. She has a good awareness of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child's safety and welfare and has all the necessary documentation to hand if required, including her own safeguarding policy. The environment is safe and secure for children, as risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments have been undertaken for all areas, including the shared outdoor space and outings. The childminder has also considered the risks associated to her cat that mostly stays in the bedroom out of children's way. As a precaution, there is a suitable range of fire safety equipment in place and children have practised the evacuation drill several times, so they know how to leave the home quickly and safely; these details have been logged for future reference. The childminder is keen to develop her business and presents a professional image to prospective

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the early years provision

parents. She provides them with a set of well-written policies and procedures bearing her business name and logo and displays relevant information including her registration and public liability insurance certificates and her qualifications. The childminder provides verbal feedback about children's progress and invites parents to get together to socialise with one another and discuss ways of improving what she does. Feedback received as part of this inspection shows parents have great satisfaction in the service offered and have nothing but praise for the childminder who they would have no hesitation in recommending to others. They all say their children are very happy and comfortable in her care and that she provides lots of outings and activities to encourage their learning. The food provided is reasonably priced and she is considerate of children's dietary requirements and food allergies when planning meals. One parent describes the childminder as competent, polite

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the early years provision

and punctual and says she always shares information about her child's development and behaviour. The childminder cares for some children who attend other settings, but has not yet established effective partnerships in order to share information about their learning and development.

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the early years provision

Children play with a splendid range of age appropriate toys and resources. They are all in good condition and easily accessible to the children in the dedicated playroom which is bright and stimulating. The toys available include many that reflect diversity and help even the youngest of children recognise differences, for example, they play with dolls with differing skin tones and figures depicting disabilities. Space is used effectively so children can move and play freely both indoors and outdoors where they have access to the shared garden. This means they can use push-along toys and take part in gardening activities. The childminder recognises children as unique individuals and tailors their care accordingly, for example, she prepares two different lunches to accommodate their likes and dislikes, and to help them feel settled she allows them to bring items from home, such as a favourite toy vehicle. The childminder has a good understanding of child

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the early years provision

development gained through her professional qualification and previous childcare experience. She is eager to provide the best service she can and through ongoing evaluation recognises the areas she needs to develop, for example, attending further training courses to add to her skills and knowledge.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well and play cooperatively with one another. They relish the interaction from the childminder, who gets down to their level to join in their play. Children appear very safe, happy and settled and demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. They are aware of the established routine in place and are confident This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and comfortable in this familiar environment. Children are active learners and are interested in what is going on, for example, they explore the range of age- appropriate toys in the playroom, building a house with the plastic bricks and initiating a game of 'peepo' which creates much fun and laughter. Children's starting points for learning are discussed with parents at the beginning of their placement and the childminder makes ongoing observations throughout their time with her. She uses this information to plan for individuals; however, these activities

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and outcomes for children

are not clearly recorded on her planning sheet or linked to the early learning goals. Children's progress is regularly assessed by the childminder and details are shared with parents; records show children are making good progress in their learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children have many opportunities to develop their physical skills,as they play outside in the communal garden with a range of toys, including scooters. They visit several local parks, including the nearby recreation ground, which has large equipment designed to increase children's confidence when climbing and balancing. They enjoy healthy meals and snacks provided by the childminder, for example, their mid-morning snack consists of apple, banana and strawberries followed by a cheese biscuit. Each child has their own beaker which they can easily access, so they do not become thirsty. At lunchtime the childminder is very aware of children's dietary needs and their likes and dislikes; she works closely with parents to ensure she provides food that children enjoy and will not adversely affect their health. They tuck into homemade salmon pie or pasta with olives. Children express themselves creatively as they sing along to known nursery

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and outcomes for children

rhymes as they play musical instruments, naming different farm animals and saying number names up to five. Children continue to increase their language skills, as the childminder chats to them, asking questions and introducing new vocabulary, such as, 'cauliflower', 'doughnut' and 'pineapple' as they play with the toy kitchen and play food. Around the home the childminder has labelled everything so children can see that print conveys meaning. Children show an interest in books, turning the pages and lifting the flaps as they look at the pictures. They use the easel and chunky chalks to experiment with mark making. Children develop their personal, social and emotional skills and make a positive contribution to the local community as they attend toddler groups where they socialise with other children and meet new adults. They are encouraged to be independent and attempt to put their own coat and shoes on before going out.

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and outcomes for children

Children show a great interest in the selection of cause and effect toys available. They push the button on the toy washing machine and watch with fascination as the drum moves round, accompanied by realistic sounds. The toy microwave spins around when the button is pushed and 'pings' just like the real thing; these resources help children develop basic information, communication and technology skills for the future. 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 3 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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