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 EY316980 Inspection date 16/03/2009 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged 14 years old and five years old. The family live in North Anston, a large village on the outskirts of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she has a childcare qualification at level 3. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the setting and they are making good progress in their learning. Children's sense of belonging is fostered very well through the warm welcoming, inclusive and homely atmosphere. Expectations are high and through initial and ongoing assessment, the childminder is able to plan effectively, to challenge and encourage children to participate in a wide range of learning opportunities, which keeps them actively engaged. However, documentation used to support the childminder in planning a child's learning journey is in its infancy and the information gathered from other care settings, to further enhance children's learning is not sufficiently explored. Effective steps have been taken to begin to evaluate the provision and future plans are well targeted.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems in place to monitor how children's observations are used to clearly identify the next step in the learning process  build upon the links established with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

The childminder has good knowledge about the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, which she has begun to effectively implement, to help her focus on helping all children make good progress in their learning and development. She makes good use of all relevant documentation to plan, observe and plot for children's progress. However, the arrangements to monitor children's next steps is still very much in its infancy and complex. For example, children's next steps are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identified on personal planning sheets, observation records and planning documentation and may differ, so do not yet clearly identify which next step she is actually focusing on.

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provision

The setting operates well on day to day basis. There is a full range of policies and procedures that are regularly reviewed, shared with parents and effectively implemented, to promote better outcomes for children. This makes the transition from home to the setting an inclusive one and helps to make it a positive experience for parents and children. The childminder has good knowledge and commitment to protecting children. She recognises that this is her first priority and she has comprehensive risk assessments in place and completes visual safety checks daily. She is well aware of her role and responsibilities towards safeguarding children and she has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and the appropriate procedures to follow. Children use a good range of toys and equipment, including every day household items, that are of good quality and safe.

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provision

Parents receive clear and comprehensive information about the setting and their child's progress. The childminder regularly feeds information back to parents and encourages them to contribute towards their child's learning, for example, by sharing progress reports and observation and assessment records. Children's work prominently displayed around the setting, also gives parents an insight into what their child is achieving. However, the links with other care settings who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage is in its infancy and the childminder recognises more could be done, to ensure continuity in the children's learning and care.

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provision

The childminder makes good use of training opportunities, the statutory guidance for the foundation stage and personal reading, to enhance her practice. She has a strong commitment to continuous improvement and has begun to use the Ofsted self-evaluation form, to monitor the quality of improvements leading to a culture of reflective practice. All the recommendations made at the last inspection have been addressed and successfully implemented, to promote good outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing well because the childminder knows how to engage their interest and ensures that activities are interesting, challenging and attractive. For example, children are developing a good understanding of the world around them, as they investigate and explore different materials. They plant cress seeds, using egg cartons and cotton wool. They pour water on to the cotton wool and describe how it has changed. They explore why the seeds need water and place them on the windowsill, to get sunlight to make them grow. Children thoroughly enjoy being creative and they become engrossed in making breakfast, suggesting they make toast and tea and inform the childminder that the tea is hot. They develop an imaginary game of riding on a train. Gathering chairs from around the room, putting them in to a straight line, counting to make sure there are enough seats and that the engine driver is at the front. As a result, children are enjoying their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning and showing positive attitudes towards learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are very proud of what they do and they have formed very good relationships with their peers and the childminder. Their relationship is very warm and caring and they seek out the childminder to share in their play. Babies snuggle in for reassurance in the presence of someone new and older children independently climb on her knee, as she plays on the floor or reads a story. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement and they are keen to impress the childminder and receive her approval. They are valued and feel very secure and confident to initiate their own play and their behaviour is good. This supports their developing independence and self motivation. The childminder is skilled in listening to the children and letting them take the lead. For example, a child

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

suggests they do the alphabet. He looks at a poster displayed in the room and reads out the letter A for apple, G for glove and works his way successfully across to Z. Babies chatter and babble and receive good responses from the childminder. She makes lots of eye contact and uses her facial expressions to show pleasure at a child's success. Toddlers repeat words and they are encouraged to repeat and link actions to words, introducing them to new vocabulary.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is positively supported, by the childminder encouraging healthy eating and by children being helped to understand the need for good personal hygiene. They have plenty of opportunities to take part in physical activities, developing control and confidence and an understanding of how exercise keeps them healthy. They regularly visit local parks, farms, country parks, local woods and the seaside in the summer, to explore and investigate the outdoors. Children's well-being and safety is successfully promoted because they are beginning to be aware of their own and others safety. For example, children understand the need to pick up toys to prevent accidents and not to climb on chairs because they will fall and hurt themselves or others. This results in the environment being safe, secure and supportive. 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 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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