Childminder in Luton

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 EY380662 Inspection date 06/01/2009 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 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and five years in the town of Luton, in Bedfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding except for the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The premise is accessible by a low step to 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 three children on the Early Years Register (EYR) and no children are currently attending. The childminder currently provides care for three children on the Compulsory Childcare Register (CCR) and all the children share the same facilities. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for two children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds the NVQ Level 2 qualification in childcare. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and works in partnerships with parents, carers and other professionals.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder has created a generally safe and welcoming environment and provides children with effective support. Children are valued at the setting because the childminder has a clear understanding of diversity and equal opportunities. For example, the childminder has completed training on anti-bias practice and has updated her equal opportunities policy. The childminder is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision. Her self-evaluation shows that she strives to improve her practice for the future and has attended the Early Years Foundation Stage training.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure regular evacuation drills are carried out and details recorded in a fire drill log book.

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provision

Children are protected because the childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and shares this policy with parents. She has systems in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of her work with the children and has identified some strengths and weaknesses in her self-evaluation. Policies and procedures have been extended to ensure security for children as they are arrive and depart from the childminder's setting. The childminder adopts a very positive This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attitude to feedback from parents. For example, she works in partnership with parents regarding children's dietary needs. Children's individual care needs are managed effectively. They benefit from a close relationship with the childminder who has daily routines in place to meet their needs in relation to food, rest and activities. She is making positive links with parents, carers and schools to ensure

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provision

that children's care is consistent and their development promoted. An excellent portfolio for parents contains good information about the setting. The childminder continues to extend her knowledge and understanding of childcare and education with appropriate training courses. For example, courses on Safeguarding Children and the Early Years Foundation Stage training have all been completed recently.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a satisfactory range of opportunities and resources to help them make progress. They have free choice of the activities and are able to access a range of interesting and challenging resources. Children are supported by the childminder as they talk about their first day back at school after the Christmas holidays. They discuss the work sheets they are colouring and their individual interpretation of the pictures. Children help each other to select colours and clearly enjoy doing the activity together. Effective organisation of resources ensures that children are able to make choices and instigate play opportunities. For example, children are encouraged to select resources from the low-level storage units and boxes. The childminder organises group games, art and craft activities and baking for the children attending after school. She is a positive role model and supports the children's learning well. For example, she provides children with a healthy diet

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and plenty of fresh air and exercise. She encourages the children to try unfamiliar food and arranges activities such as food tasting. Children enjoy outdoor activities in the garden where they are able to practise physical skills on a range of equipment such as the climbing frame and trampoline. Children also walk to and from school each day and visit the local parks. Children are encouraged to value and respect each other. They show good manners, share and take turns with the resources. As a result, children are relaxed and confident and are able to express their feelings and wishes. Their self-confidence is promoted because the childminder gives praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Weekly activities are planned and are appropriate for the school-age children currently being minded. The childminder plans more in-depth activities for the days during school holidays when there is more opportunity to spend time with the children. Ideas and suggestions from the children are incorporated into the planning of activities to ensure that they are fully involved. The childminder observes children during their play and records information in the daily diary to share with parents.

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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. For example, the route children walk to and from school has a very thorough risk assessment and this is updated when the route changes to collect different children. Children have a good understanding of their own safety and the safety of others as they practise road safety when out This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 walking. Smoke alarms are tested regularly and there is a fire blanket in the kitchen. However, regular evacuation drills are not carried out or recorded in a fire log book to ensure that children are confident in a real life fire emergency. The childminder has a clear understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and has all the relevant information and contact details to hand.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 3 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? 3 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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