Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 EY296507 Inspection date 25/02/2009 Inspector Clare Elizabeth Pook

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and four of their five children. The children are aged seven, 10 and the older children are in their middle to late teens. The family live in Bar Hill near Cambridge. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding six children in the early years age range on a part- basis. These children also attend other settings that provide for children in the early years. The provision is registered on both the Early Years register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register. The family have a cat.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She creates a warm, welcoming environment for children and parents, as a result, children's welfare and learning is promoted well. The uniqueness of each child is valued, respected and children are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder evaluates her practice well, clearly highlighting her strengths and areas for development. She is committed to improving outcomes for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the next steps to inform planning for children on an a individual basis  work in partnership with parents involving them in their child's continuous learning and development.

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provision

The childminder has effective systems in place for keeping records and maintaining necessary documentation. The childminder is able to protect children from harm or neglect as she has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and is booked on training courses to extend this knowledge. She has robust risk assessments in place for the both the premises and for outings ensuring hazards to children are minimised. Effective policies and procedures reflect the childminder's practice accurately. These are shared with parents providing them with a good insight into the care their children receive.

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provision

The childminder obtains all essential information from parents, which helps promote children's welfare and enables the childminder to meet the children's needs. She works closely with parents and ensures she has all necessary consents This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and personal details to support children. Children's scrap books showing photographs of their children having fun are shared with parents, however the more detailed observations and next steps are not yet shared. The childminder values parents' views and seeks these through questionnaires. Some children attend other settings. The childminder has established good communication between these to assist children in a smooth transition and support any areas of development.

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provision

The childminder has started to evaluate her childminding. She is successful in highlighting weaker areas and setting herself actions and goals to bring about improvement and ensure that children will benefit. The childminder has addressed all previous recommendations set very well and has continued to develop her own professionalism by accessing further training. The knowledge gained from these courses is cascaded into her practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is successful in promoting children's welfare, learning and development. The children learn about how to keep themselves safe by having regard for road safety and not going too far away from the childminder. She allows them freedom within set boundaries when playing at the park as this is an open space for them to explore. The childminder is s a good role model and children learn about good hygiene practices from her. They are provided with healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and breadsticks and benefit from fresh air and exercise through walking to pre-school, which contributes positively to healthy lifestyles.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A local visit to explore the hedgerow provides a wonderful opportunity for children to pick and taste blackberries and learn about their local environment. They learn about other communities and different countries through topic work and special celebrations such as Chinese New Year. The childminder uses this celebration to show children where China is on the map and how far away it is from England. The children enjoy colouring the animals related to the year of their birth. Children have space to move about freely and during better weather are able to free flow between the house and garden. They develop their climbing skills and learn to bounce on the trampet.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is well organised and ensures children's records are kept up-to- date. The childminder sets out the room ready for children on arrival. The toys and resources are linked to the particular theme for the week and any additional ones can be chosen from the photograph album or by self selection. The childminder allows children to make their own decisions about what they do and effectively supports their play. Children choose to play with 'Bob the builder' and the childminder asks the child about what Bob is wearing to encourage language.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children turn knobs to make the musical television work and press the keys on the electronic computer listening to the letter sounds and animal noises they make. They listen attentively to stories and enjoy talking about the pictures. Children build towers with bricks and count backwards. They learn to problem solve as they find the correct piece of puzzle to fit, all of which provide children with skills for the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 future.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses positive strategies to avert unwanted behaviour. Any challenging behaviour is dealt with effectively and is appropriate for the ages and stages of development. Children's self-esteem is promoted through praise and encouragement. The childminder naturally praises children as they play and sensitively encourages them to try new things. They see themselves in the photographs taken and share in the joy of the inspector recognising them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans activities along themes as well as what the children enjoy. She clearly covers the six areas of learning well through both adult-led and child- initiated play. The childminder keeps records on the children. These clearly show what they have learnt and how it links to the six areas of learning and the early learning goals. Next steps are identified following an evaluation, but are not yet used to inform future planning or shared with parents. Photographs are taken as additional evidence to show the fun they are having and provide a keepsake for parents. 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

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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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