Childminder in Cumberland

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 316905 Inspection date 19/11/2008 Inspector Carys Millican

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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 1989 and lives in Brampton, Cumbria. The whole of the ground floor is registered for childminding use with the exception of the utility room. The bathroom and rear bedroom are used on the first floor. The paved area of the rear garden and the grassed front garden are used for outdoor play. Shops, schools and play parks are all within walking distance.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder either works alone or works with an assistant. When working alone the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children in total. When working with an assistant, jointly they are registered to care for a maximum of seven children aged under eight years. There are currently 10 children on the roll, of which five are in the early years age group. Most children attend part-time. The childminder cares for children who are aged over eight years. She provides flexible care from approximately 07.30 to 17.30, Monday to Friday throughout the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of Carlisle and District Childminders group and the National Childminding Association. She is registered on the Early Years Register, Compulsory and Voluntary Childcare registers.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the welfare requirements. She successfully promotes the many aspects of children's learning and development following their individual needs and interests. Children are valued, treated with respect and kindness within an inclusive environment. The childminder is committed towards developing and enhancing her own skills for the benefit of the children. She has a clear vision of her own practice and the action required to further promote positive outcomes for children. Most documents are kept up-to-date and well organised to ensure children are effectively cared for in safe, secure and stimulating environment.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information regarding individual children's starting points to establish the development already attained in order to inform planning, observation and assessment  establish links with other settings attended by early years children in order to compliment the learning taking place  update written policies and procedures in line with the guidance stated in the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance, especially with regard to the Safeguarding policy and the Equal Opportunities statement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder maintains all the required documentation for the safe and efficient running of her childminding provision. Written policies and procedures are effectively implemented, however they require updating in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance. Comprehensive written risk assessments ensure children's safety and welfare. The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection and is proactive in attending refresher training courses. The childminder records all accidents and incidents to further enhance children's safety.

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provision

Although there are no formal systems in place to self-evaluate her provision the childminder is clear on her strengths and areas for improvement. She is committed to accessing further training to constantly improve her knowledge and understanding of early years issues to enhance the good quality of care she provides for children. Previous recommendations have been completed since the last inspection and her ongoing motivation and enthusiasm, to improve the service she provides parents, is a strength in itself.

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provision

The childminder has established effective working relationships with parents. She offers a flexible service by adapting the hours of care to suit the working patterns of parents. Parents are provided with detailed information about her childminding service and the routines and activities children undertake with her. The childminder gathers information about children's individual routine and care needs, to enable her to provide continuity and individualised care. However, some children attend other settings where links are not formally established to enable her to compliment the learning already taking place. Daily routines are planned to incorporate the needs of all children and a good range of equipment and resources are available to support their learning and promote independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides an interesting and stimulating environment where young children’s learning is well supported. She makes full use of her indoor space to extend children’s learning through many practical experiences. Children enjoy helping with snack time by preparing the fruit and confidently wiping the table. Children are provided with a varied range of activities based on their interests, in order to encourage their developing skills and abilities. The childminder covers the areas of learning skilfully in children’s free play and adult directed activities. Planning, observation, assessment and identification of children’s next steps in their learning are in the early stages of development. Children’s initial starting points are not collated therefore it is not clear the stage of development already attained. The childminder keeps records of the daily activities and care routines undertaken by the children and encourages parents to add comments to ensure

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

individual needs are met and continuity of care is maintained.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to access age-appropriate resources to investigate and explore. These are organised to promote inclusion and include books, musical instruments This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and a selection of dolls to celebrate diversity and other cultures. She supports children‘s development well and skilfully challenges them as they play. Children learn about the environment around them. They collect leaves on their way home from school and discuss how the leaf colour has changed before using them in their craft activities. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe whilst out with the childminder and when playing indoors. Their behaviour is managed consistently, supported by positive praise and encouragement. Children learn to take care of their resources. For example, by helping to tidy them away and through the gentle reminder of why not to throw them. Children enjoy themselves

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and have fun. They look at books and play knock down games with building bricks. Children are confident and enjoy the company of the childminder and other children. 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 or the last inspection.

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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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