Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 EY285580 Inspection date 23/09/2008 Inspector Anna Davies

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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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and seven years in Huntingdon. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years of age on a full time basis and one child over five years on a part time basis. The provision is also registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, the library, shops and parks. The family have a pet dog and fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a secure awareness of children's individual needs which ensures she is able to provide and effectively support, a good range of activities, enabling all children to feel included and gain the most from their play and learning experiences. Systems to monitor children's progress and achievements are in place, although these have yet to be completely effective. The childminder fosters friendly, working relationships with parents and provides them with generally good information about the activities, care and learning opportunities that she provides. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving the provision for all children, she has effective systems in place to monitor and evaluate her practice and is able to clearly identify key strengths and areas for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of observations so that they help to decide where children are in their learning and development and to plan their next steps  carry out a full risk assessment of each type of outing  develop written permissions from parents so that they are aware of the types of higher risk activities provided for the children, this relates to the use of large play equipment and the spa in the garden.

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provision

The childminder's day and home environment is well organised to help children learn and enjoy the time they spend with her. She demonstrates inclusive practice by valuing and promoting children's cultural backgrounds and varying abilities. Overall, written policies, records and procedures generally promote the safety and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 welfare of children. However, the childminder does not keep a written record of the risk assessments that she visually carries out for any outings that she takes the children on.

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provision

The childminder works in close partnership with parents with regards to the sharing of information. Discussions at the end of each day ensures parents are aware of their children's achievements and the activities they have been participating in. However, there are no written permission from parents giving consent for some of the higher risk activities provided for the children such as the use of the spa or large play equipment in the garden. The childminder has considered how to work effectively with other providers whom may also provide care for the children she minds. She intends to liaise closely with local pre-schools so that she can compliment the care and education offered. A key strength of the childminder's is working with parents to provide a continuity of care between her provision and home. For example, observations that parents make about their children and activities undertaken at home such as trips to the zoo and cooking,

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provision

are shared and further promoted by the childminder.

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provision

The childminder has made many improvements since the last inspection, all of which have had a positive impact on the care offered to children. For example, she has attended numerous training courses including Equal Opportunities which has increased her knowledge and ability to provide an inclusive environment for all children. As a result, children make regular visits out into the local multi-cultural community and the provision of resources that reflect diversity has been further developed so that children receive consistent messages about inclusion and the diverse society in which they live. The childminder has effective systems in place for evaluating her practice. She is able to clearly identify areas for further development and put strategies into place for developing these areas in the future.

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provision

The childminder has attended training regarding safeguarding children's welfare and has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care. She ensures that all hazards to children are minimised, the premises are secure and children are never left unsupervised with people whose suitability has not been checked. This protects and safeguards children from harm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a good balance of planned and child-initiated activities both within the childminder's home and at local groups in the community. This helps them to make good progress in all areas of learning. She has made some observations of children's learning in scrapbooks with photographs and examples of their work. Although the childminder knows the children well, the observations have yet to be used effectively to help to decide where children are in their learning and development and to plan their next steps for use during future activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and comfortable in the childminder's care and they have developed warm and positive relationships. The childminder uses effective strategies to encourage positive behaviour for example, sticker rewards and visual 'thumbs up' This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hand signals to praise good behaviour. As a result, children are well behaved, showing much consideration as they spontaneously use their manners. The childminder provides a secure environment for children where they feel confident to express their own needs. They make their own choices from the good range of toys and resources available and are able to increase their levels of independence as they make decisions about when they wish to have something to eat and drink, selecting, when they feel ready, food and drink situated on a low level table.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking questions and engaging them in conversation to support and promote their language and communication skills. As a result, children are very articulate, and confidently use descriptive language as they act out play ideas for example, with the farm play set. Children have many opportunities for practising their early writing skills and as a result, some are confident in their pencil control skills, competently writing their own names. Children are encouraged to develop their problem solving abilities. For example, they are asked to think of all the possible places their scooter could be when they think they have lost it. Maths is promoted through everyday activities such as wiping their feet a specified number of times, threading buttons and building towers of bricks. Children take an interest in the world around them as they watch the childminder's tank of marine fish and make observations about animals and different

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

types of shelters they live in, during role play. Children are learning about a healthy lifestyle and developing their physical skills as they take walks to the local park, use the large play equipment in the garden and enjoy regular visits to the Olympic Gym where they use trampolines, balance beams and other large equipment. Children demonstrate their creativity through their role play and regular art activities undertaken both at the childminder's house and local groups.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has effective strategies in place if she were to care for children with learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities to ensure that their individual needs are met. All children have equal access to activities and equipment, and as a result, gain the most from the learning opportunities provided. The childminder regularly exchanges information with parents to ensure all children receive the support and care that they need.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder ensures they learn about crossing the road safely and understand about safe travelling in the car. Children begin to understand the importance of good personal hygiene as they wash their hands before eating and observe reminder posters to do this. Their health is promoted through the provision of healthy snacks and the childminder's awareness of healthy eating and providing as many of children's 'five fruit and vegetables-a- day' as possible. Effective records of accidents and the administration of any medication are maintained which safeguards children's welfare. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and those which a parent makes in writing or by e-mail. 07/10/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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