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 EY371036 Inspection date 26/11/2008 Inspector Emma Bright

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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 two children aged one and 10 in Ely, Cambridgeshire. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time, two of these can be within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are currently two children on roll, both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family has one dog.

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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

Children enjoy their time in the childminder’s, she provides a warm and welcoming environment for children and they enjoy a broad range of activities which effectively meets their needs and helps them to make good progress. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and makes sure she promotes inclusion throughout her practice. The childminder is aware of the strengths and areas for improvement of her provision. She has begun to evaluate her practice to ensure continual improvement and demonstrates a commitment to improving her service for children and families.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop children’s assessment records, ensuring that parents have regular opportunities to contribute  continue to develop closer links with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, to further support children’s learning and development.

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and carers to ensure children’s individual needs are fully met. Good information is gathered from parents about their child before they start so that the childminder knows children's individual interests and needs, and this means they settle readily and feel secure. Written information and verbal feedback ensure parents are informed of their child’s progress. The childminder actively seeks feedback from parents and children and uses this information along with her developing self-evaluation process to reflect on her practice. She demonstrates a clear commitment to continual This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 improvement to develop her provision further. The childminder has a positive attitude to liaising with other providers delivering the EYFS, however she has not fully developed the system to make closer links with these settings.

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provision

The childminder has very well organised and comprehensive documentation which is used effectively in order to promote the welfare of children. A good range of policies and procedures are in place to safeguard children; thorough written risk assessments are carried out by the childminder to identify any hazards and she makes sure children understand how to stay safe. The childminder has attended training in child protection and this knowledge is underpinned by a clear policy which is shared with parents. She has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children and is clear about the procedures to put into practice when necessary and this means children are kept safe from harm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual abilities and interests which enables her to provide experiences and activities to support each child's development. Some of this knowledge is gained through children’s questionnaires which mean the childminder can incorporate children’s favourite activity in her planning. This enables them to make good progress across the areas of learning and development. The childminder has begun to carry out regular observations of the children as they play and these are added to children’s individual assessments. However, parents do not contribute to these records to help build on what children know and identify the next steps in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive environment where each child is valued; she consistently praises their efforts, which enhances children's self-esteem and confidence. Children’s independence and confidence is promoted because the childminder ensures that toys and resources are organised so that they can make choices about their play. Children play together happily and have developed good relationships with each other; the childminder encourages them to share toys and games and offers positive praise when they behave well. Children enjoy messy activities such as gluing and sticking and they particularly enjoy making patterns with ‘bingo dabbers’. They are prolific artists producing drawings and pictures to represent their ideas which they eagerly take home to share with their parents. The childminder interacts well with children and stimulates their thinking through conversation and questioning. They particularly enjoy discussing a map which

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

shows the different creatures from around the world. Children confidently point out Australia and explain that their favourite is the ‘tuna fish’. The childminder extends children’s learning by introducing mathematical concepts such as counting and number recognition in their play and when out on walks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder establishes and maintains a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment for all children. The childminder gathers clear information from parents about children’s dietary requirements and this ensures children can eat safely. Children's good health is promoted by sensible hygiene routines and young children competently wash their own hands after using the toilet. The childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities to safeguard children. She helps children to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 gain an awareness of how to keep safe, both in the home and on outings. The childminder ensures she can respond appropriately if a child becomes ill or has an accident and she has completed a relevant first aid course. 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 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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