Morris, Sally Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY347820 Inspection date 13/03/2012 Inspector Patricia Bowler

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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 children aged 12 and nine years in Wigston, Leicestershire. The whole of the property is used for childminding and 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. She attends various local community groups. The family has two pet dogs and a rabbit.

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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 year's age range. There are currently five children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, most of who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder 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

The childminder has a positive approach to the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage which results in children making good progress towards the early learning goals. Children's welfare is met in a safe and secure environment and supported with effective policies and procedures. Subsequently their individual needs are met well. The childminder is beginning to develop some self-evaluation and reflective practice systems to further improve her service to parents and 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?

 develop systems to include parents in identifying starting points for children's learning and development and to support progress at home and develop links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage  establish effective systems to influence and drive improvement, by further developing self-evaluation and reflective practice procedures  continue to develop resources to promote positive images of difference and diversity.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and knows the steps to take should she have any concerns relating to children in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her care. Checks are complete to ensure all adults in the household are suitable and an effective policy and procedure is established should there be any complaint about the provision. Detailed written policies and procedures work effectively to inform parents and identify children's individual welfare needs. Although children are making good progress, systems have yet to include parents in identifying starting points for their learning and development and to support progress at home. Links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage are in the early stages of evolving.

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the early years provision

Accurate attendance records confirm children's arrival and departure times, and secure safety measures minimise hazards both indoors and outdoors. Safety gates at the base of the stairs prevent unsupervised access to the first floor and rigorous risk assessments ensure children are cared for in a safe environment. They learn about their own safety through age appropriate rules within the home and engage in meaningful discussions: for example, during and after practises for emergency evacuation. Outings are used productively to help children gain an awareness of road safety and what to do should they become separated from the childminder.

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the early years provision

The childminder introduces consistent hygiene routines with attractive picture prompts to remind children to wash and dry their hands to prevent the spread of infection. Children sit comfortably around the dining table to enjoy nutritionally balanced meals. Snacks and drinks ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the day.

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the early years provision

Children develop an awareness of boundaries through consistent methods to manage behaviour following simple house rules and a sensitive use of praise and encouragement.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to her personal development and is currently undertaking a National Vocational Qualification at level 3. She provides an inclusive service by promoting positive attitudes and recognising the uniqueness of individual children. However, there are insufficient images of difference and diversity to actively promote children's awareness of themselves and others in their everyday play.

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the early years provision

Parents receive clear information about the setting and complete documents to ensure children's individual care needs are met. Their views are acknowledged through written compliments and regular questionnaires. However, the childminder has yet to fully establish ways in which she can influence and drive improvement through the development of self-evaluation and reflective practice procedures.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals settling well and moving freely and confidently within the home. Younger children choose from a range of easily accessible toys to steer their own play and add to organised activities. Cardboard tubes are used as telescopes as they play with boats and dinosaurs naming Tyrannosaurus Rex and giggling as they attempt other names This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 including Diplodocus. Children talk eagerly about the dinosaurs teeth to eat food with and large mouths to 'roar' making appropriate noises to replicate this. They sort and count successfully as they match dinosaurs to gain awareness of early mathematical concepts.

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and outcomes for children

Coordination skills develop through a range of activities including making cards for Mothering Sunday. Children recognise their cards and eagerly discuss how cake and flower stickers were used to decorate them. They enjoy rolling a ball along the floor to each other learning to share and take turns and respond to gentle intervention when disputes arise. A sensitive use of praise and encouragement helps children to learn about positive behaviour and how their actions reflect on others.

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and outcomes for children

Cuddles are enjoyed by children who respond with obvious affection to the childminder. She listens intently to what they say, engaging them in age appropriate conversations to develop language and support their efforts. They share a range of age appropriate books as they sit on her knee joining in phrases and lifting flaps in favourite stories.

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and outcomes for children

Age appropriate skills in technology are enhanced with supervised access to a computer and children have planted and tended 'produce' in pots in the garden. They enjoy physical activities in the garden with a range of outdoor equipment, including a swing and supervised access to the trampoline. They also visit a variety of community groups with opportunities for extended creative and physical activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children understand the importance of personal hygiene routines to minimise the spread of infection. They know to wash their hands before meal times. They enjoy healthy food including fresh vegetables and fruits. Water and diluted fruit juice are readily accessible if they become thirsty. Procedures including sickness exclusion and diligent hygiene routines minimise the risk of cross infection.

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and outcomes for children

Detailed observation and development assessments record activities and what children can do. Photographs confirm their involvement as their achievements are recognised and valued to produce a compilation of their time with the childminder. 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 3

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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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