Childminder in Kent

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 EY375764 Inspection date 05/03/2009 Inspector Geneen Yvonne Hulse-Brown

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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 August 2008. She lives with her family in a terraced property in Sheffield. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. The childminder has one child aged 18 months.

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Description of the childminding

Children have access to all downstairs rooms including the dining kitchen and lounge, with upstairs access to the bathroom, playroom and one bedroom for sleeping. There is a enclosed area to the rear of the property for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered for the care of five children under the age of eight years and is presently caring for four children in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is an active member of her local childminder support group and is starting to build relationships with other providers of early years care and education.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder plans a wide range of interesting and challenging activities, due to her very good knowledge of the children in her care. She effectively supports them to learn new skills and undertake fresh experiences by providing activities tailored to their individual needs. Partnerships with parents and carers effectively contribute to consistently meeting all children’s needs. Comprehensive assessments of the service offered successfully supports ongoing improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop links with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage  continue to develop planning, observation and assessment systems to support children's learning.

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provision

The childminder’s good awareness of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework enables her to complete descriptive observations and plan challenging activities for the children in her care. A key strength of the setting is her effective use of self- evaluation to reflect on her practice and identify areas for improvement. She is continually reviewing her practice to meet the changing needs of minded children. The childminder demonstrates a keen commitment to personal and professional development, through access to training opportunities and research via the internet to consolidate her knowledge and understanding. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children‘s record books include photographs of them at play, observations and daily routines complement daily discussions with parents regarding their children’s progress. The childminder is starting to use these observations and assessments to

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provision

plan children’s next steps. Parents and carers receive a wealth of information regarding the childminding service, including policies, procedures, contracts and all required completed permission forms. Well-established and purposeful relationships ensure effective and consistent channels of communication are in place. The childminder is an active member of her local support group, meeting together on a weekly basis to review and share practice. She provides care for children attending other settings and has started to forge good links to ensure a consistent approach to supporting their all round development. These systems are still in their infancy and therefore do not clearly show how they will complement each other.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children, which in turn supports their all round well- being. A very comprehensive selection of policies and procedures effectively support working practice. Parents receive copies of all documentation, including regular updates, signing to say that they have read and understood them, agreeing to any changes made.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children laugh together as they enthusiastically enjoy exploring an interesting variety of toys and activities in a stimulating environment, making good progress towards the early learning goals for all areas of learning. Children are effectively supported to be independent learners, as the actively choose what to play with. Floor based activities enable non-mobile children to access toys and resources with ease. Babies enjoy tactile experiences, giggling as they ruffle paper and pompoms tickle their faces. They babble together as they explore simple technology using telephones and musical boxes. Children receive high levels of support from their childminder, as she enthusiastically praises them and uses good facial expressions to develop their self-esteem. They enjoy lots of cuddles and gentle reassurance, as they learn to play together. The childminder interacts very well with the children as she sits with them introducing vocabulary as she talks and reads simple stories to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make marks using magnetic boards as they extend their fine motor skills by moving the pen around the board with increasing skill. They are starting to learn about numbers as they sing songs, and explore simple problem solving as they post bricks into boxes and build towers of stacking cups. Children smile with pleasure as they fit pieces into simple inset jigsaws, looking to adults for praise and encouragement. They show confidence to approach visitors after receiving reassurance from their childminder that it is safe to do so, showing curiosity in what they are doing. The childminder has simple plans in place based on all areas of learning to support children’s learning and development. She clearly differentiates between the age groups considering how the children can participate at their level of development and understanding. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children show delight as they investigate textures in heuristic play and well- resourced treasure baskets. They rub shinny paper across their faces, squeeze soft balls and toys and roll balls to make sounds. Children’s physical development and awareness of their surroundings thrive, as they enjoy numerous outings to the park, woods and toddler groups. They have fun in the ball pool and are well supported as they attempt to take their first unsteady steps. Good photographic evidence shows children enjoying a wide range of activities both indoors and outdoors. These photos are used effectively to support children’s progress and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder follows agreed home routines with the children and demonstrates a good knowledge of childhood allergies and illnesses. Children are encouraged to enjoy healthy snacks, as the childminder is proactive in promoting healthy eating. They enjoy many opportunities to develop their physical skills and get plenty of fresh air on walks and outings. Comprehensive risk assessments containing all required information including review dates ensure a safe and secure environment for children. The childminder is very vigilant regarding safety, she has a visitors book to monitor all visitors to her home and sensitively reminds children to take care as they learn good practice. She uses language appropriate to their ages and level of understanding and devised systems and guidance for older children in her care to manage their own safety. 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.

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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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