Poulter, Mary Teresa

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 405501 Inspection date 15/11/2011 Inspector Beverley Blackburn

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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 has been registered since 2001. She lives in a four-bedroomed detached house in the town of Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire. The childminder lives with her husband and four children.

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Description of the childminding

Downstairs is used as the main accommodation for childminding purposes. This comprises of a lounge/dining room, kitchen and cloakroom. Rest facilities are available on the first floor. There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for up to five children under the age of eight at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently three children on roll, all in the early years age group. The childminder holds an early years qualification and 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 cared for in a welcoming, secure and homely family environment, where they are valued. Children are happy and beginning to develop their social awareness. The home is extremely well organised enabling children to be actively engaged in interesting and stimulating play activities. Overall, the welfare of the children is well promoted and most outcomes are good, with some outstanding aspects. The childminder establishes exemplary partnerships with parents. Her skilful reflections on her provision ensure effective continuous improvements are made to benefit children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance further babies' opportunity for learning by including a varied range of sensory play  improve complaints procedure information by ensuring the correct address for the regulator is recorded.

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the early years provision

The organisation of the childminder's service is effective and she has comprehensive policies and procedures in place. The childminder understands fully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her responsibilities to protect children. She has a good knowledge of her safeguarding procedure and all the required policies and procedures are in place. There is a clear complaints procedure in place, however, the details for contacting Ofsted is not up to date. A thorough and detailed risk assessment provides a safe and secure environment for the children. Children play in an extremely well organised, homely environment. Children and babies show a strong sense of belonging; this has enabled them to become competent, confident and creative learners. Children benefit from the well-planned space to play and learn. They have easy access to an excellent range of good quality resources, suitable to their

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the early years provision

age and stage of development. Activities are frequently rotated to maintain their interests. However, a more varied range of sensory play would further enhance babies learning experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and how to meet the individual needs of all the children. She has a good knowledge of the children and their backgrounds enabling her to provide continuity in their care. Currently, the childminder does not have any children with special educational needs, but she is aware of the importance of meeting their needs. There are interesting resources to promote diversity, which help children to increase their understanding of the wider world. The childminder has carefully evaluated her provision, identifying her strengths and areas for improvement. She has addressed the recommendations from the last inspection and is consistently improving the outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The highly positive and well-established relationships between the childminder and parents support the children's needs exceptionally well. Parents are made to feel welcome and are extremely well informed about their children's learning and well- being. Feedback through letters, cards and questionnaires, indicate that parents are extremely happy with the service the childminder provides. Positive comments such as, she is calm and considerate in her manner to all children demonstrate their appreciation. Partnerships with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage are developing. The childminder is beginning to share information about the children's learning, enabling progression and continuity.

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and outcomes for children

The warm and welcoming atmosphere is one of the strength of the childminder's setting; children play happily and are confident as a result. An excellent range of interesting and stimulating activities are available for them. The childminder offers excellent support and encouragement to the children in their play when completing varying pieces puzzles; on woodland walks listening to the noises of animals and birds or digging in the vegetable patch in the garden. Children are active, inquisitive and independent learners and have a thirst for learning. Children are appropriately challenged according to their ability. The childminder uses her experience and excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to make observations on the children in her care. Planning starts from the children's interests and ensures that all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

framework are covered. There are clear links to assessment information and this informs parents of how well children are doing. Assessment information includes observations of children, samples of their work, photos and learning journeys. Children engage in frequent conversations throughout the day about what they are doing. Children show a high level of concentration, curiosity and independence. They are extremely well equipped with the skills they need to secure future learning. Provision is of high quality and as a result children are making good progress in all aspects of their learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children respond positively to praise and encouragement from the childminder, which increases their self-esteem and confidence. They are learning to take turns and share and to be kind and caring towards each other. Children are polite and well behaved most of the time; they often use good manners, which help in developing respect for others. The childminder has good strategies in place to manage children's behaviour, such as distraction. Children learn the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Well-established routines for hand washing ensure that children follow good personal hygiene practices. Children take part in daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They enjoy regular walks to the park and walk in the woodland or playing in the garden. Children benefit from the childminder's competent care if they become ill or have an accident. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and have access to fresh drinking water. Babies are

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and outcomes for children

encouraged to gradually share control of food and drink which provides opportunities for increase independence. There is suitable arrangement for children to rest during the day. The childminder has a calm, friendly manner and is a positive role model. She interacts well with all the children. They respond well to her expectations most of the time to keep themselves safe. They know about listening and looking when they are crossing the road or evacuating the house in an emergency. Overall, the childminder supports children well to learn and develop in a safe environment. 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 1 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 1 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 1

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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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