McGregor, Debra Jane

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 04/12/2014 02/04/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 1 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 1 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 1

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This provision is outstanding

 The quality of teaching children receive is outstanding, enabling them to make rapid progress in all areas of learning.  Children display excellent levels of literacy because the childminder places a high priority on developing their communication and language skills.  The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles exceptionally well, enabling children to develop good physical skills and thrive.  The childminder maximises learning in all areas of development through the provision of extremely interesting and age-appropriate activities.  The nurturing environment and strong attachments the childminder forms with children enables them to become confident, active learners.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children engaged in activities with the childminder, indoors and outdoors.  The inspector looked at a sample of policies and children's records.  The inspector spoke to the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of written comments from parents and the provider's self-evaluation.

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Information about the setting

The childminder lives with her husband and two school-age children in a detached house in a residential area of Plymouth. The family have a dog and two rabbits. The childminder uses two downstairs rooms for childminding. Children also have access to the kitchen and the bathroom upstairs. They have direct access to a secure garden. The childminder takes children to local schools and lives near to parks and a library. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She currently cares for two children in the early years age group.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 enhance the range of information shared with parents and other settings children attend regarding children's activities so that it is even clearer how they can work together to promote children's learning.

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who attend

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how children learn. She uses this, together with very effective teaching techniques, to enable children to make consistent and rapid progress. Children display high levels of skill in communication, language and literacy. For example, the childminder encouraged children to sequence a story using pictures and props as she involved them in reading a book. Children were deeply involved and talked excitedly about the characters. The childminder skilfully encouraged children to identify letters and numbers, to predict what might happen next, and relate it to their own experience. She continually and sensitively interacted with children, developing vocabulary and language exceptionally well at every opportunity.

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who attend

The childminder gathers comprehensive information from parents when children first attend. She observes children to get to know them well. She makes accurate and insightful observations as they play. This enables her to have a precise focus on planning learning experiences, which motivate children. As a result, children are fully involved in activities, which enable them to make the best possible progress in their learning. Children enjoy daily visits to gymnastics sessions, toddler groups, parks and the local library. This enables them to get to know their local community and socialise with other children. This also extends the range of learning opportunities available to them, so that they develop extremely well and thrive. The childminder ensures consistency for children by actively involving parents in children's learning and development. Parents write about what children are learning at home. This is

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who attend

included in children's learning journeys, which are comprehensive and informative. The childminder shares information about children's next steps for learning with parents. Although, she does not always fully provide parents and other settings children attend with detailed information about how she will carry this out.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder forms strong affectionate bonds with children and provides a secure, nurturing environment so that they become confident learners. She is highly sensitive to the emotional needs of children and understands when they need to relax and reflect upon their experiences. For example, following an action rhyme, when children were being energetic, they relaxed and enjoyed looking at photographs together. The childminder expertly encouraged them to remember what they were doing, to talk about their families, and valued what they had to say. As a result, children develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem, preparing them well for future learning. The childminder is a very good role model and constantly but gently reminds children about being considerate to others. Consequently, children's behaviour is exemplary.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder promotes healthy lifestyles by providing nutritious, healthy snacks and children are encouraged to help themselves, developing physical skills and independence. She constantly gives encouragement and praise for children's achievements, which helps them as they move on to school. The children's high levels of communication and language are extended at snack time as they sit and talk to the childminder about the different foods they are eating. She uses snack time to develop their knowledge of other countries and cultures. For example, as it was nearly Christmas, they tasted a cake, which the childminder explained is from Germany. They looked at pictures of Germany on the computer and the childminder explained some German traditions. As a result, children develop an excellent understanding of the world around them. The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language extremely well by ensuring that they

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

are able to see, hear and use their own language in play. This facilitates their acquisition of English and means that they are able to make very good progress overall.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder ensures that children enjoy fresh air and exercise every day. The garden is full of interesting areas for climbing and planting fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy feeding and caring for pet rabbits and the childminder maximises learning through these opportunities. Consequently, children develop an excellent understanding of the natural world.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. She is highly committed and reflects continually an all aspects of her provision. The childminder has addressed the recommendation raised at the previous inspection and improved the monitoring and promotion of children's learning. The childminder is currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Early Years, which contributes towards developing her practice and self-evaluation. She seeks advice from outside agencies when necessary and keeps up to date with paediatric first-aid training. Consequently, she is continuously improving outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder places the utmost priority on keeping children safe and secure. She has a clear safeguarding policy and is confident about the referral process to the Local Safeguarding Children's Board, should any issues arise. The childminder regularly assesses risk and takes sensible precautions to keep children safe around her home and on outings. She effectively ensures children understand how to stay safe by reminding them about safety as they play.

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provision

The high standard of assessment systems in place enables the childminder to monitor children's progress very effectively. As she works in close partnership with parents and other settings, she is able to notice when children need extra support, and provide it promptly. The childminder works very effectively with external agencies, such as speech and language therapists to ensure children reach their full potential.

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provision

Children become familiar with local pre-schools and schools through visits and settling sessions. As they approach the time for moving on to school the childminder shares books with them and ensures they are very well prepared socially and emotionally. Overall, partnerships with parents are exceptional. Parents are very happy with the service the childminder provides. They value her care, professionalism and dedication. They comment that they are extremely happy with the care their children receive.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We re-inspect nurseries and pre-schools judged as requires improvement within 12 months of the date of inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or

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Grade Judgement Description

is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY371949 Local authority Plymouth Inspection number 829253 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 2

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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