Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

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 EY362223 Inspection date 16/10/2008 Inspector Susan Tuffnell

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and three in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the bathroom and a bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The premises are accessible by a low step at the front entrance.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care every weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for one child on the Early Years Register, two of whom currently attend on part-time and flexible contracts. The childminder currently provides care for one child on the Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR) and all the children share the same facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The family have tropical fish in a tank and the chickens live in a fenced area of the garden. The childminder holds the Cache Level 3 qualification in childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides very well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She offers a safe and welcoming environment and provides the children with good support. Children are valued because the childminder understands diversity and equal opportunities and uses this knowledge to provide some resources and activities that promote positive awareness of a multicultural society. Her self- evaluation clearly shows that she has looked at the strengths and weaknesses of the setting and has set priorities for improvements in the future.

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further?

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

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further?

 plan activities to ensure that each child receives an enjoyable and challenging experience across all the areas of learning  ensure that information about children's starting points is collected from parents and carers to inform planning for each individual child  ensure that children's identified learning needs are carried forward, implemented into future planning and evaluated to give a clear picture of progress  ensure that any vehicle used to transport children has appropriate insurance.

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provision

The childminder effectively manages the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision. Children are protected because the childminder has a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of safeguarding procedures. She has began to initiate systems to evaluate her work with the children and her self-evaluation clearly shows areas where the childminder intends to improve. The results of a recent questionnaire show that parents are happy with their children's care and education and comment forms are available by the attendance records to encourage regular feedback. Further improvements in the quality of activities are in place such as planning the six areas of learning through topics and themes and introducing more information technology.

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provision

Children's individual needs are managed very well. The childminder provides an inclusive service that promotes children's welfare requirements. Close relationships with parents and carers ensure that children's care is consistent and their development promoted. Children benefit greatly from the professional attitude of the childminder who has devised very good policies and procedures to ensure that their needs are met.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with some opportunities to help them make progress in their learning and development. However, activities are not planned to ensure that each child receives an enjoyable and challenging experience across all the areas of learning. Children are supported well as they access a very good range of interesting and challenging play materials and equipment, some of which are stored in low-level boxes and shelves. Children are welcomed into a bright and stimulating playroom with colourful posters and attractive displays of children's work. The childminder observes children during their play and has begun to link activities to the EYFS and plan for further development. For example, physical development is encouraged to help young children with coordination. However, there is not a systematic approach to using observations to track children's progress through the areas of learning and to ensure that their identified learning needs are carried

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

forward and implemented into future planning. Information about children's starting points in not collected from parents and carers and used to give a clear picture of progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Effective organisation of resources ensures that children have opportunities to make choices and instigate play opportunities. For example, young children are encouraged to explore their environment as they move freely around the playroom. Children are encouraged to listen and join in with a musical learning book as they practise the various music keys to access different learning programmes. They are supported well as they begin to identify colours, shapes and numbers and manipulate materials such as construction toys. Children enjoy regular planned outings to the toddler world play centre, local parks, library, farm and zoo visits. Children's understanding of the wider world is developed as they visit the airport to watch planes and talk about holidays and transport. They join in with the shopping and choose the fruit to make fruit kebabs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment because the childminder has a good knowledge of this area. Regular risk assessments are carried out and cover all areas of the home, garden and outings. However, records of appropriate insurance This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the vehicle used to transport children is not in place. Effective policies are in place to protect children. For example, procedures are shared with parents about the collection of children and their safety on outings. The childminder has a clear understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and has all the relevant information and contact details to hand. 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. 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? Satisfactory 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: 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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