Ditcher, Rachel

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY320565 Inspection date 02/11/2011 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and six years. The family live in the Wolstanton area of Newcastle under Lyme. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll who are in the early years age range. The Childminder also cares for older children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the early years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is able to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder holds an appropriate level 3 qualification in early years. 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

Children are making progress in their development and learning because the childminder provides a range of age-appropriate activities and play opportunities. Their individual needs are catered for through discussion with parents and frequent observations. All children are encouraged to participate in activities to their own level. The environment is homely and welcoming to all children. The childminder has successfully addressed the recommendations from the previous inspection, ensuring that outcomes for children are positive. The childminder values the importance of continuous development and has completed a self- evaluation form, although, children are not fully part of the process.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for children to share their views about the setting  develop systems for sharing information with other early years providers.

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding of possible signs and symptoms of potential abuse. She has written policies and procedures to support her in protecting children from harm and neglect. Written risk assessments enable the childminder to monitor children's safety when in the home, garden and on various outings in the local community and places of interest. Children are supervised and the childminder has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safety equipment in place creating a safe environment where children can move freely. The childminder regularly attends training to update her knowledge of relevant childcare practice. The childminder has completed a self-evaluation document for monitoring and evaluating the quality of her provision and has consulted parents as part of this process. However, there are currently no systems

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the early years provision

in place which takes into account the views of children in order to drive future improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a broad range of resources which are rotated to support children's interests. The designated play room has low-level storage shelves to encourage children to make their own choices in their play and learning. The space within the home is used well to create different learning opportunities. For example, in the play room children can snuggle up on large floor cushions and read books. The childminder creates an positive environment through her kind and gentle manner and consistent messages. As a result, children behave very well, show good manners and are learning to share, take turns and help others. Children are also well supported in learning about diversity within their local environment as well as in the wider world. For example, they play with books, puzzles, dolls and small world play figures which reflect positive images of different cultures. They also explore different festivals and celebrations from around the

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the early years provision

world and use chopsticks to eat noodles during Chinese New Year celebrations.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops positive relationships with parents and carers. She provides them with a parent pack when they initially register their child. They receive copies of the policies and procedures to ensure they are familiar with the service provided. The childminder works closely with parents. Written daily diaries provide opportunities for the childminder to record children's care and welfare needs, such as meals, nappy changing and sleeps. Each child has their own learning journey. The childminder takes photographs and records observations and shares this information with parents to ensure that they are involved in their child's learning. However, links are not fully developed with other early years settings that the children attend. This means there is not a fully cohesive approach to children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a good range of age appropriate play provision to promote their learning and development. This is easily accessible to promote independent play. Children's development is planned and monitored well. The childminder uses her good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to provide a balanced curriculum linked to children's interests. This includes free-play time, organised activities and regular trips to local children's groups and places of interests. The childminder keeps written records of her observations, which provides parents with illustrations of their child's stage of development and enjoyment. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They explore with great confidence, cuddle up to her with affection and remain active and involved throughout the day. They are developing good independence through managing their own self-care and actively helping the childminder to tidy away toys before taking out more

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and outcomes for children

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

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and outcomes for children

Children communicate their thoughts and feelings very well. They express a positive relationship with the childminder as they seek her attention pushing to sit on her lap and giving her hugs. They mark make and have independent access to story books as they listen to stories read by the childminder. Children are learning about numbers, shape and size. Children are very involved within the local community through attending regular sessions each week, playing with friends and making good use of the local facilities. They learn about living things, for example, through bug hutting in the garden and planting lettuce and tomatoes. Children use their imaginations well with a range of role play and small world activities. They show excitement as they operate electronic mice, watching them moving around the play room. They also explore different media and materials in sensory activities, to model and mould, paint, draw, cook and create collages for their

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and outcomes for children

autumn display. They enjoy ripping paper from magazines to stuff in jumpers and trousers to make a child-sized guy for bonfire night. Children feel safe and secure within the childminder's care which they demonstrate through the trusting relationships established and their confident exploration.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about keeping safe through the childminders guidance and house rules and practise the fire evacuation procedure to learn how to respond in an emergency. The childminder is dedicated to promoting children's good health and she offers healthy meals and snacks, such as, raisins, tomatoes, cucumber, pasta and sausages. She ensures children understand about personal hygiene and they wash hands after using the toilet and before meals. As a result, children are learning to manage their personal hygiene well. In addition, they have daily opportunities to use a range of physical play equipment at home, in the local parks and at the regular play sessions they attend. This promotes their physical development and allows more active children to run freely or play ball games. 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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