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 EY375006 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Clare Elizabeth Pook

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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 in the village of Caxton. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is fully enclosed garden used for outdoor play. The premises are easily accessible to most users.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children in the Early Years age range of which two are full time. The childminder also minds five children before and after school. The provision is registered on both the Early Years register the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register. The childminder takes and collects children from the school bus in the village. The family have two cats.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and provides effectively so that children are making good progress in their learning. She has a successful system in place for self-evaluation enabling her to focus on areas of development to move her practice forward. The childminder values children's uniqueness and ensures their needs are fully met. Children are content and play happily in the secure environment that is provided for them.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure regular fire drills are carried and details recorded in a log book of any problems encounted and how they were resolved  use assessments to plan the next steps in a childs developmental progress

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provision

The childminder has effective systems in place for keeping records and maintaining necessary documentation. The childminder is able to protect children from harm or neglect as she has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures and signs and symptoms of child abuse. Records of medication and accidents are maintained and shared with parents. A local childminder is on stand by in an emergency situation. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through instruction and following by example. For example crossing the road safely, being told not to walk with spoons in their mouth as they might fall, or being in the kitchen when meals are being cooked. The childminder has emergency plans in place to follow in the event of a fire, but these are not routinely practised with the children and records are not kept.

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provision

The childminder obtains all necessary information from parents which helps This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promote children's welfare and enables the childminder to meet the children's needs. She works closely with parents and ensures she has all relevant information to support children. Routines are followed according to parental wishes regarding sleeping and eating patterns. The childminder exchanges information with parents each day through a daily diary system as well as informal chats. Children's records are shared with parents so they can see the progress their child is making.

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provision

The childminder has an effective system in place to monitor and evaluate her own practice. She recognises her own strengths and is focused on improving her weaker areas. She is keen to develop her practice and takes on board any recommendations. She has begun a diploma in home based childcare to enhance her skills in childcare and to promote outcomes for children. The childminder organises her time and space well. Children's individual routines allow the childminder to spend time with each child on their own. She organises their play space well allowing them freedom to explore and move between rooms. Children learning to walk use buggies and walkers to flow between different rooms. Resources are easily accessible and well labelled so children can clearly see the range of toys to play with.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is successful in promoting children's welfare, learning and development. Good hygiene practices are encouraged and demonstrated by the childminder. They are introduced to healthy lifestyles through balanced and nutritious meals and walks in the fresh air. They take part in a varied and wonderful range of activities and play experiences. The childminder encourages children to explore both natural resources in the form of treasure baskets as well as manufactured toys, such as, the 'v- tech' learning equipment. Children benefit from the different elements that promote the six areas of learning as well providing them with skills for the future.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to self-select resources and are confident to ask for additional resources which promote their independence and self-esteem. The children choose to play with the tea set and rice crispies pouring and spooning them on the plates. They then pretend to feed the babies drinks. Later children move to the play room and look at books, carefully turning the pages. Children's art work is displayed and they are involved in creating number lines which are again displayed. These help promote children's self-esteem. The childminder praises children for taking steps and manoeuvring the buggy. Children smile showing they are proud of their achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children to share and take turns. She sets clear boundaries so that children learn the difference between right and wrong. Children are aware of the house rules and know that they are there to help keep them safe. All policies and procedures are shared with parents and they sign to say they have read them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans activities along side themes as well as what the children enjoy. Different festivals are celebrated throughout the year from different cultures This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and those relevant to the families she minds for. This provides children with opportunities to share in other cultures and learn about the world around them. Some children attend whose parents speak another language. The childminder has introduced German music tapes and is designing a welcome poster with the children showing different ways of saying 'hello' in different languages. The childminder interacts well with the children encouraging babbling and introducing new vocabulary to help their speech. She adapts activities to meet children's needs and uses effective questioning to challenge children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of the six areas of learning and how children develop. She is a very experienced lady and has worked many years in childcare. She plans an exciting range of activities covering all areas and adapts them to the interests of the children. For example, a child wishing to play with the dough has her wishes met and the childminder skilfully introduces shapes which is a learning target for that child, whilst they play. The childminder is skilled in spontaneous play and naturally links learning opportunities to anything children do. Counting the orange segments as she separates them, talking about big and little spoons as they play or colours as they paint. The childminder knows her children well and has started to keep records on the children. Photographs are taken as additional evidence to support observations. These are linked to the six areas of learning and the Early Learning goals. Children's next steps are informal and,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

although, used to influence planning are not easily shared with parents so they can continue their learning at home. 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

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

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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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