Poole, Nicola

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY425947 Inspection date 08/12/2011 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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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 2011. She lives with her husband and children, aged 11 and six years, in Swinton, a suburb of Rotherham. The ground floor and first floor bathroom of the property are used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is able to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age group. There are nine children on roll, four of whom are in the Early Years age range. The childminder takes and collects children from school and they access local groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has a tank of fish and turtles.

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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 well cared for in a safe and welcoming environment in which their individual needs are well met and they make good progress in their learning and development. Documentation supports the practice and the childminder makes good reference to the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage in her practice. Effective partnerships with parents enable the childminder to promote the individual welfare needs of each child and she understands the benefits of establishing links with others to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development. Systems for evaluating and monitoring the quality of the provision are being developed.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve ways to evaluate the quality of the provision, seeking the views of children and parents to help identify strengths and areas to improve  encourage parents to share what they know about their child at the start of placement to establish the starting points for their learning and development improve links with other early years settings that children may attend, to enhance opportunities for their learning and development

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the early years provision

The childminder clearly understands her role in safeguarding children and she knows the signs of abuse and neglect. The safeguarding policy and procedure has all relevant contact details readily accessible should she need to report a concern or allegation. Children are safe and secure through good practice. For example, premises are kept secure, visitors are recorded and children cannot be collected by persons unauthorised. Parents give their signed consent for relevant aspects of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their children's care. The childminder is flexible in her care for the children, supporting parents in their role, such as by offering an early start to the day. Documentation is organised well and confidentially filed. The childminder ensures children do not come into contact with any hazards and she makes daily checks as well as written risk assessments of all areas and equipment. The childminder

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the early years provision

clearly enjoys her work with the children and this evident in her warm and caring interaction with them.

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the early years provision

Individual diaries contain observations and examples of children's time with the childminder and parents may contribute to these with their own information about their child as these are routinely shared. Discussion with parents takes place daily to enable the childminder to meet the individual needs of the children and she gives them regular updates through text messages and picture messages sent to their mobile phones. Prior to children starting for the first time the childminder obtains details about their routines, individual preferences and needs. Starting points for children's learning and development are not obtained from parents, although the childminder regularly observes and records their progress in the setting against each area of learning. The childminder understands the need to develop links with others to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development. She is aware of the need to monitor and evaluate her practice,

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the early years provision

although systems are not yet robust and the views of parents and children are not sought out to help her identify strengths and areas to improve.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Lovely interaction and caring relationships enable children to be confident and sociable. Children approach the childminder easily for cuddles and she responds promptly with plenty of affection. Children freely explore their play space and the childminder's home is inviting and stimulating. Children can hang up their own coats on appropriate height pegs and put their shoes away, giving them a sense of belonging. Natural as well as man-made resources are used well to promote children's learning across all areas. The childminder knows each child's learning style very well and this helps her to provide activities that promote and challenge their development across all six areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Activities are relevant to each child's personal interests and the childminder knows how to extend their ideas through play. For example, she notices children's fascination with doors and lids and she provides resources to enable them to explore and practise opening and closing. Children enjoy a range of opportunities outside the home, such as visiting local groups, or going for walks in the local area. They join in with activities based at the local library and can borrow books to enjoy in the setting. The childminder makes these available and children enjoy helping themselves and looking at picture books and magazines. Very young children discover different textures and explore interesting objects in the treasure baskets, such as pegs, spoons and whisks. They are fascinated by the colourful glitter bottle made from recycled materials. They particularly enjoy experimenting This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

with toys that make sounds, such as musical instruments. Children enjoy posting balls into a musical toy and dance when the music plays. The childminder enhances children's play through being close by to offer new words and encourage their skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is supported through effective policies, practices and personal- hygiene routines. They are encouraged to be aware of what they need, such as a drink or a sleep, through gentle reminders and discussion. Very young children reach their own cups when they feel thirsty and the childminder ensures these are always refilled. The childminder minimises the risk of infection through providing individual towels for children. Outdoor and indoor activities support children's health and they have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air. Children enjoy a good range of healthy, balanced meals. They eat snacks, such as fresh fruit or crumpets and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure all dietary needs are met.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder helps children to understand equality and diversity through activities and discussion, encouraging them to consider the needs and feelings of others and to behave with respect for each other and their environment. All children are fairly included and can join in at their own pace. Simple house rules are in place, with explanations to ensure children understand expected behaviour. Positive strategies are used to encourage children to behave well and the childminder is calm, patient and respectful in her interaction with them, boosting their self-esteem through positive language, praise and encouragement. 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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