Cooper, Sharon Marie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY348385 Inspection date 08/03/2012 Inspector Carly Mooney

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and two adult daughters in Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre- schools. The family has a pet rabbit and cockatiel.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently five children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both 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

Children are happy and settled and enjoy secure relationships with the childminder. They participate in a varied range of stimulating play experiences which allow them to make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder provides an inclusive service to children, which means their welfare and development needs are effectively met. Positive relationships are in place with all parents. The childminder understands her strengths and weaknesses and evaluates her practice to continually 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 further the use of children's next steps in observation and assessment to ensure they are meaningful to individual development; show how and when next steps identified have been met and increase opportunities for parents to make an input.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures and shares a comprehensive policy with parents. She has attended stage two training and all adults within the home have completed suitability checks. The childminder is vigilant regarding children's safety and through effective risk assessment procedures, ensures they play in a safe and secure environment. Documentation, including parental permissions, registers and records which are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 required to support childminding are well maintained. Parents are made aware of all policies and procedures, which are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain current.

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the early years provision

Children spend quality time in the bright, stimulating and well equipped conservatory, which is organised well to meet children's individual needs and promote their independence. They choose freely from a wide range of resources which interest them. A suitable range of resources are available which enable children to subtly explore ethnicity, language, religion and culture within their play. The childminder demonstrates that she has a secure knowledge of each child's needs and backgrounds and constantly liaises with parents to ensure their continuing needs are met. Friendly relationships exist with all parents and they comment positively on the care provided through regular questionnaires. Relevant information is gathered from parents about their child from the beginning. They are made aware of their child's record of progress, although evidence of parent input into the records is limited. The childminder communicates regularly with the

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the early years provision

local pre-school a child attends to ensure effective continuity and progression of children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder displays a positive attitude to improving outcomes for children. She has attended a number of training courses since her last inspection in order to keep her knowledge and understanding of childcare up-to-date. Systems to monitor and reflect on her practice are in place and this includes gathering parent's feedback. This enables the childminder to prioritise and focus on realistic areas for improvement, which will improve outcomes for all.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate that they are happy and content in the childminder's company. They approach her with ease and welcome her interaction in their play. The childminder has a clear understanding of learning through play and supports children appropriately in activities. She ensures she engages with children at their level, for example, when participating in a painting activity. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates that she knows her children well and is aware of their individual areas for development in their learning. However, records of observation and assessment do not clearly show the progress children are making, as next steps are not always meaningful to individual children. Evidence is limited of when and how next steps have been achieved.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder implements young children's learning through all activities. For example, reinforcing colour and shape recognition when they paint. The childminder constantly talks to children and encourages their early communication skills by giving them time to respond in their own way. As a result children are confident communicators. Through practical activities, such as, completing jigsaws children develop their awareness for matching and problem solving. They receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder when they complete a particular puzzle unaided for the first time and are proud of their achievement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children spend quality time in the outdoors as they use the garden on a daily basis, visit the beach regularly and go on walks to the feed the ducks. Children are able to demonstrate their creativity through art and craft activities and enjoy using

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and outcomes for children

their hands to make pictures with the paints.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is promoted well. Young children are taught appropriate behaviour skills from an early age and are given clear boundaries. Clear accident and medication records are maintained and the childminder holds a current first aid qualification so that she is able to suitably deal with minor injuries. Meals and snacks are well thought out to provide a varied and nutritious menu. Drinks are readily available. Children are taught the importance of maintaining their own health and hygiene and have their own individual towels to prevent the spread of infection. Children participate in safe practices, such as, fire drills which begin to give them an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. 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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