Childminder in Nottinghamshire

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 258740 Inspection date 11/11/2008 Inspector Janice Walker

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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 2001. She is registered on the Early Years Register and also on the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and their two school-age children in a rural village close to Bingham in Nottinghamshire. The home is within walking distance of local facilities including shops, parks and schools. It is accessible with car parking available at the front of the house. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with bathroom and sleeping facilities available within this area. There is a safely enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two guinea pigs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, at any one time. She provides care all-year round. She does not currently have use of a vehicle but walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder works closely with parents and other professionals, ensuring that all relevant information about each child is shared. She then plans daily routines and activities which take into account their individual needs. Children are therefore happy and settled and share warm and friendly relationships with her. She organises her home and uses time effectively to enable children to participate in a wide range of interesting activities which effectively support their learning and development. Documentation to promote children’s welfare is in place and mainly contains an appropriate level of information. A recent self-evaluation has supported the childminder in identifying her strengths and areas to improve and she actively seeks information from a range of sources to support the continual improvement of her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop assessments of children's progress to ensure they make maximum progress across all areas of learning.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that the record of the risk assessment clearly states when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation). 25/11/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has clearly established systems in place which support the smooth running of her business. Policies and procedures are discussed with parents during the admission process so that they are clear of her routines and practices. The home is well organised to enable children to comfortably eat and rest with ample space for them to explore their play materials. Daily routines are organised around children’s individual needs so that they are cared for in line with those they have at home. The childminder has attended required training and is developing systems for monitoring the quality of her provision. A recent self-evaluation facilitated her in identifying strengths and any areas for future development. She has a positive attitude to striving for improvement and regularly meets other local childminders to share information and makes effective use of the internet and of government publications. She reflects on what children have been doing at the end of each day

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provision

and makes ongoing minor changes to improve.

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provision

All required documentation is in place and children’s records contain detailed information which enables the childminder to meet their individual needs. The childminder exchanges information verbally with parents on a daily basis and maintains a written record of daily routines and activities, including photographs of children engaged in these. Parents are therefore well informed about the progress children are making whilst in her care. She has established effective links with the local pre-school, exchanging relevant information to enable her to support children’s learning within the home and to ensure that they enjoy a range of activities across their day.

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provision

The home is safe and secure and clear procedures have been considered to ensure that the childminder can respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies. She undertakes daily safety checks of all areas prior to use by children to identify and minimise possible risks and ensure appropriate safety equipment is in place. The risk assessment however, does not yet contain all the required information. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection and has a written procedure in place and relevant contact numbers readily to hand if needed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of how children learn through play. She observes and monitors what they can do and makes effective use of her records to evaluate their progress and to plan activities to support their continued learning. She plans a wide range of interesting activities which take into account children’s interests and topical themes, but tracking systems are not yet fully effective in ensuring that children make maximum progress across all areas of learning. Children have warm relationships with the childminder, demonstrating their affection for her though cuddles and shared laughter. The childminder gives high levels of attention and support, encouraging children’s language skills though communication, story and singing times. Well-planned activities such as baking and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

water play provide opportunities to weigh and measure. The childminder seizes opportunities for learning as they arise, for example, children made kites one windy day and had great fun designing their own kites and then flying their creations in the garden. The childminder plans regular activities outside of the home where children gain an awareness of their local environment and enjoy visits to the park to practice their physical skills. Children have many opportunities to select their own resources and play purposefully with a wide range of toys which support all areas of their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children’s welfare. She maintains very high standards of cleanliness within the home and this, along with her good hygiene practices and clear arrangements for the care of children who are unwell help to prevent the spread of infection. Robust procedures for dealing with accidents and illnesses ensure that she can respond effectively to these and share appropriate information with parents. Children learn the principles of a healthy lifestyle through routines such as daily walks in the local environment, regular outdoor playtimes and healthy meal times. Effective steps are taken to ensure children’s safety. The childminder makes appropriate use of safety equipment and monitors the premises, toys and equipment on an ongoing basis to ensure they remain suitable and safe, enabling children to play and explore safely. Children develop an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe through discussion and safe

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

practices such as crossing the road and staying within sight when outside of the home. Through the childminder's high levels of support and effective use of praise, children learn to share and take turns. Clear and consistent messages help to support young children to begin to learn the difference between right and wrong. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary 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

 devise a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 25/11/2008

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary 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

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 25/11/2008 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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