Childminder in Rotherham

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 303165 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Maralyn Chiverton

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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 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 has been registered since 1993. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years old. She currently cares for four children on the Early Years Register on a part time basis. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently caring for three children over the age of five years old.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her husband and one adult daughter in Wickersley, on the outskirts of Rotherham. All ground floor rooms are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The house is within walking distance of local amenities, such as schools, the library, shops and parks. She takes children to and from school as well as to places of interest. The childminder supports children with additional needs.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of care is good. The childminder's thorough knowledge and understanding of the uniqueness of each child in her care ensures that children's individual needs are met and their welfare and learning promoted. Children are provided with an inclusive, caring and child friendly environment. They are kept safe and secure, and make good progress in their learning through the constant interaction of the childminder. The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents and other carers which are used to promote continuity of care. The childminder has started to self-evaluate her practice, but this is in the early stages and does not cover all areas of her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop the procedure for self-evaluation to clearly identify the settings strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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provision

All mandatory documentation is in place. The childminder has introduced a range of policies and procedures, such as, health and safety and equal opportunities which further enhance children's safety and welfare, ensure the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework as well as the smooth and efficient running of the provision. Toys and resources are effectively deployed and easily accessible to allow children to be creative independent thinkers and learners. Furniture, equipment and toys are developmentally appropriate, safe and suitable. The childminder ensures both indoor and outdoor areas are kept secure, and has a secure understanding of her role in keeping children safeguarded. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Although the childminder is beginning to self-evaluate her provision the identification of strengths and priorities for development for all areas are not yet

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provision

fully in place; this does not lead to clear identification of targets for continuous improvement. The childminder has addressed the recommendations given at the last inspection, which has a positive impact on children's safety and learning. She has further developed her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, through attending training and children have access to a suitable range of resources and activities which reflect diversity. Fire evacuation procedures are carried out which raises children's awareness of what to do in such an event.

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provision

Inclusive practice is promoted well through the childminder's clear understanding of working in partnership with parents and other providers. This helps to ensure that children's individual needs are met to promote achievement regardless of background. Parents receive good information about the childminder's provision and their child's care. All policies and procedures are shared and discussed with parents at the initial visit. The childminder spends time talking to parents and gathering information before a child starts. This enables her to find out about children's interests and starting points, she is then able to plan and provide appropriate activities and resources to support each child.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are highly valued and respected as individuals. They are well supported in their learning through effective interaction, and the childminder's very good understanding of how to promote areas of learning through planned activities and resources which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. An equal balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities allows children to independently further their learning and development. The use of open-ended questions offers appropriate challenge and help children think and reflect. For example, children are asked if they can remember what was inside a coconut when it was opened. The childminder knows the children well and plans activities both indoors and out, linked to children's interests.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children plant sunflowers and take responsibility for their care. Younger children are becoming independent and beginning to develop self-confidence and belief in themselves. They are able to use tools and materials for particular purposes. For instance, they use coloured pencils for drawing and musical instruments to accompany their singing. Children engage in role-play based on their own firsthand experiences using dolls, prams and a small well-stocked supermarket trolley. They make regular visits to the local library where they enjoy listening to stories and choosing a book for themselves. Younger children's awareness of number is promoted through singing familiar number rhythms', and being encouraged to count in everyday situations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Alphabet posters depicting positive photographs of children from other cultures, as well as disability promote children's awareness of diversity. Older children build their own obstacle course using hula hoops and tunnels, which allows them to develop an enjoyment of exercise. Although there is no formal procedure for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 planning activities, children are provided with a very good range of activities to ensure they receive an enjoyable and challenging experience across all areas of learning. The childminder has introduced individual books to assess and record children's progress and uses written observations linked to areas of learning which include next steps.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well cared for in a welcoming and safe environment where they feel confident to choose their own activities and express their own needs. They are encouraged to keep themselves safe through following set boundaries in the home. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection through an effective written sickness policy. Children are offered regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and are provided with a healthy well-balanced diet, which includes fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. The childminder uses lots of praise to raise children's self-esteem which encourages children to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. 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

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