Holmes, Dawn Helen

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 317834 Inspection date 28/11/2008 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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Type of setting Childminder 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. 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 1997. The childminder lives with her family in Sprotborough, near Doncaster. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding and there is a securely enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under eight years and is currently minding two children in the early years age group. The childminder 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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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a caring, welcoming environment for children, with a secure routine in which they feel happy and settled. The childminder understands that children learn through play and she is beginning to link with other settings to promote their learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Partnerships with parents and carers positively support children's development and agreements mostly set out the expectations of the setting. The childminder fully supports parents in their role, offering flexible care to meet the individual needs of parents and children. Children's safety and security is mostly given good priority and many systems enable them to stay safe. The childminder recognises the need for continuous improvement and she has some informal ways of evaluating the quality of her provision. The recommendations from the last inspection have been fully addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop systems for evaluating the quality of the provision  further develop links with other providers to promote the next steps in children's learning  develop children's understanding of fire safety, for example, through practising emergency evacuation.

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provision

All necessary documentation which underpins the childminder's practice is in place. Policies and procedures comprehensively show how children's health, safety and welfare needs are met and the childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder plans for children's learning and assesses their progress, recording observations and photographs in their individual scrap books to share with parents. Children proudly help to complete This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 these scrap books and they eagerly show lovely examples of their artwork and photographs of what they have been doing. The childminder is committed to her own professional training and development to enhance the quality of care for the children. She knows the strengths of her practice and the areas which she would like to improve upon through informal evaluation of her service.

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provision

The childminder offers a flexible, supportive service for the families she cares for, For example, she adapts the hours of care to suit the parents' needs and she offers a drop-off and collection service. Written agreements with parents show that they trust the childminder to use her discretion for the care of their children. Information is exchanged with parents verbally and a diary of information is available showing detailed aspects of their care. Secure and trusting relationships are fostered with the children so that their individual needs are fully met.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a very clear knowledge of the signs of possible abuse and a good understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a concern or allegation. All safeguarding procedures are readily available along with relevant contact numbers and the childminder understands the need to record all accidents and existing injuries to children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning and development because they have warm and trusting relationships with the childminder who understands their individual needs. Children clearly feel happy and at home in the setting and they are consulted and involved in what takes place, for example, children are introduced to the inspector and simple explanations are given to inform them about the inspection. Children know the consistent routine that is in place to promote their feelings of security and they enjoy a good variety of well planned play based experiences, indoors and in the wider community. Children confidently access the resources they need to support their play and the childminder joins in to enhance their learning and extend their language skills, for example, children choose large floor puzzles and the childminder offers appropriate support by using open questions, helping them to count the pieces and identify colours. Children are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

aware that numbers carry meaning and excitedly say they have three candles on their birthday cake. Children recognise simple and more complex shapes, such as stars and the childminder praises their achievements. Children approach the childminder easily to make their requests known and she responds promptly and affectionately to answer questions, give cuddles or initiate a new activity, such as a Christmas craft activity. Children enjoy small world play and they happily engage in conversations with pirate figures and the pirate ship. They are curious in their play and the childminder involves them in activities, such as recycling household waste. The childminder understands how young children learn and she ensures daily opportunities are fun and challenging for their development across all areas of learning. They enjoy regular visits to local places, such as toddler groups and soft play centres, enhancing their opportunities to develop their social skills with other

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children. The childminder has connections with other settings that provide the Early Years Foundation Stage and is beginning to develop links to enhance children's learning and build upon what they know. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy a healthy, balanced diet and the childminder fully understands their individual dietary needs. Children eat a good range of fresh fruit, such as oranges and they are helped to understand their own needs through discussion, for example, the childminder asks them if they are thirsty and suggests they have a drink. Details of children's food intake are shared with parents and sample menus illustrate the range of food available. Very young children are helped to identify their own physical needs, such as when learning to use the toilet and the childminder offers plenty of praise and support. Children's personal hygiene needs

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

are met very well and their independence in the bathroom is promoted. for example, they confidently wash their hands and they discuss with the childminder why this is important.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The environment is very safe and secure for children. Risk assessments effectively identify any perceived hazards and clear procedures ensure only those authorised to collect children may do so. Appropriate equipment is in place to ensure children are safe and the childminder ensures all resources are safe and suitable for their use. Simple explanations help children to learn about their own safety, for example, children sit on tall stools to do a craft activity and the childminder reminds them to sit nicely. Fire safety precautions are mostly in place, although children do not practise emergency evacuation to help them understand how to keep themselves safe. The childminder's calm and caring approach enables children to learn safe boundaries for their behaviour and she uses positive language, eye contact and facial expressions as well as giving praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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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