Childminder in Bedford

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 EY372377 Inspection date 13/10/2008 Inspector Diane Mary O'Neill

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and their daughter aged four years in the town of Kempston in Bedfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding plus the first floor bathroom and bedroom for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The premises are easily accessible to all children. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children on the Early Years Register and is also on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder has a pet cat. She supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 adequate care for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Individual needs are catered for by the childminder working closely with the parents to ensure that specific needs are met. Children share a warm and friendly relationship with the childminder and their peers.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The setting is reasonably well organised to enable children to participate in a range of activities. The childminder is beginning to understand concepts of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She takes steps to plan activities for all ages of children, but overall planning and assessments does not clearly identify the next steps in children’s learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure clear guidance for exclusion periods are within the sickness policy  ensure safeguarding policy includes if allegation are made against the childminder  develop planning and assessment to cover all areas of the early learning goals and further challenge children's learning opportunities.

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provision

Children’s welfare, care and safety is suitably promoted because the childminder takes adequate steps to update her professional skills by attending various childcare workshops and training courses.

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provision

The childminder is suitably organised with her record keeping, policies and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures. She ensures these are readily available to parents helping to keep them informed of her day to day practice. The childminder has developed a parent’s questionnaire which enables them to reflect her practice. The information gathered is used to add further improvements towards the care and support she offers children and their families. The childminder is beginning to record children’s achievements. However, the planning and assessment process does not clearly record how children's learning can be further challenged.

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provision

The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure children are protected from harm or neglect. She has all relevant guidance from the Local Safeguarding Children Board. However, her policy does not show procedures to follow if an allegation was made against her. Therefore, there is the potential for children to not be fully safeguarded. All adults living in the home who may have contact with children are suitably vetted, therefore, giving reassurance to parents. The premises and equipment are safe and regular risk assessments endorse this.

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provision

The childminder has recently introduced a system to monitor and evaluate her practice. She uses her skills as a childminder and her experience of working in a crèche to extend the play and learning opportunities for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s welfare, learning and development is generally well supported by the childminder. Children learn about healthy eating, staying safe, good hygiene practice and having physical play opportunities to keep them fit. The childminder works in conjunction with the parents to ensure most elements of her practice is shared. However, children’s health may be compromised as there are not clearly defined exclusion periods for if children are ill. Therefore, there is the potential for cross infection.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children effectively use the space and resources within the childminder's home. They independently access a range of toys and equipment to help them make suitable progress in their communication, language and literacy. The childminder further develops this area of their learning by regularly going to the library to ensure the children have a varied selection of books.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s problem solving, reasoning and numeracy is achieved through everyday play, such as using puzzles, making various shapes out of play dough. Children learn to take turns and share as they each play with the play dough shape making machine. The children are very sociable and enjoy make believe play together. For example, dressing up and pretending to be cowboys riding a horse.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy learning about their world through looking at books, some of which are dual language. They celebrate festivals and the childminder talks with the parents and children about their special celebrations and will include these within activities to help expand children’s learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are made to feel very welcome in this relaxed atmosphere. They confidently interact with their peers and the childminder. They are being to learn This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 right and wrong through good role modelling and explanation from the childminder. Activities are adapted to ensure that all children’s learning and developmental needs are catered for. 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? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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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 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 registration.

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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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