Childminder in Nottinghamshire

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 EY294869 Inspection date 23/03/2009 Inspector Yvonne Layton

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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 has been registered since 2004. She is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. The childminder works alongside her husband who is also a registered childminder at the same address. Both childminder's have equal responsibility for the childminding practice. Together they can care for a maximum of eight children. Currently between them they are caring for 11 children under eight years, five of whom are in the early years age group. They live with their two adult children and one school age child in a house in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Children have access to all of the ground floor of the property. The bathroom is on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. Access to the home is via a small step to the front door. The childminder mainly walks to take children to and from school

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Description of the childminding

and undertake local outings. There is a vehicle available to take them on outings. The family have a dog.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. The childminder and her co-worker provide a very varied programme of activities which successfully encourage and support children’s interests and ideas and enables them to make good progress in their learning and development. Inclusive practice is a core part of the setting, each child is respected and their uniqueness is fully supported. She has a very good knowledge of individual children and as a result she is effective in meeting the learning and welfare needs of the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children's welfare and safety is well-promoted as there are robust systems in place to safeguard and protect them. However, some required documentation is not in place and some requires amendments. Effective links with parents and other settings help to build positive relationships and ensure that the needs of all children are well met. The childminder and her co-childminder continue to reflect

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

on their practice therefore continuous improvement is promoted.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the written permission for the administration of non-prescribed medicine to include health reasons for doing so  obtain written permission for children to take part in outings. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 keep a record of the risk assessment identifying aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 13/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children are cared for by a childminder who provides a welcoming and child- focused environment such as, an allocated playroom decorated with posters, photographs and themed window painting. All children have access to a good range of appropriate resources. They are helped to make progress and their development is encouraged as a result of the childminder's understanding about how individual children learn. For example, each child’s individual needs are carefully considered and different strategies are used to promote their learning. She is conversant in implementing all aspects of the learning and development elements of the EYFS. Activities are mainly child-initiated with the childminder supporting learning within the activities by using open-questioning and consistently challenging children to think critically. She promotes children’s development by extending their interests and encouraging them to try new experiences. There is a

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provision

good balance of adult and child-led activities through planned and routine activities and all of the areas of learning are integrated within activities. Children have opportunity to participate in themes such as celebrations and nature. The childminder and co-worker work together both informally daily and with fortnightly meetings to identify each child's progress, achievements and their next steps. The capacity to make ongoing improvement is strong as the childminder and co-worker consistently reflect on their practice in order to identify areas for further improvement. The recommendation from the last inspection has been met.

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provision

Children's emotional and social skills are developing well as the childminder has a focus on them developing respect for themselves and other people. They have full support to make their own choices. All children have their welfare needs met and achieve as well as they can individually. Inclusive practice is exceedingly well- promoted throughout. For example, each child’s heritage is explored and honoured as they enjoy associated activities linked to each individual child. This includes identification of the national flags and activities relating to the countries, cultures, and traditions. Children enjoy looking at their extended family backgrounds and research other countries by using a globe and world maps. This is supported by activities such as food tasting. Children with learning disabilities and/or difficulties are encouraged to progress as the childminder undertakes specific activities relating to their needs. She responds to personalities and ensure all children have

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provision

access to all activities. The whole focus of the setting is respecting and developing children as individuals. Partnerships with parents are well-established and ensure each child's needs are met which helps to create consistency between home and the setting. Consistency in individual children's development is promoted as established links with other providers are in place. Children are protected as the childminder and her co-worker have clear routines and verbal and written procedures which are shared with parents. However, although individual medication consent is in place identified health reasons for the administration of non-prescribed medicines is omitted and consent for outings is not in place. The childminder maintains a robust visual risk assessment of the home and on outings. However, the required written risk assessment is not in place. Children’s welfare is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

protected as the childminder is knowledgeable about the safeguarding children procedures and has a clear understanding of her responsibility.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress and show a positive attitude to learning. They are happy, confident and settled in a setting that is well-equipped, safe and secure. Interactions are good and all children benefit from the care and warmth shown by the childminder. Activities are based on individual children's learning and interests. Planned, focussed activities, such as outings, themes and baking, alongside child-initiated, spontaneous play and daily routine are extensively used to enhance children’s learning. Children make very effective progress towards the early learning goals as the childminder has a clear understanding of them. Extremely valuable play and exploration both in and out of doors ensures that all areas of learning are met. Within child-initiated and planned activities the childminder ensures play is purposeful. She is skilled in supporting and encouraging children to extend and gain from all activities. Extensive use of open-

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

questioning and using varied rich vocabulary encourages children to reason and think critically. Children enjoy many opportunities to learn about the local community through outings and visits to local amenities. Opportunities for them to develop knowledge and understanding of the natural and wider world are extensive, including planting flowers and sensory herbs. They watch and recognise birds and animals in the garden and on outings to local parks and woodlands. The areas of learning are well-integrated within routine and child-initiated activities with the childminder encouraging learning about calculation, communication and colour recognition. For example, children investigate the difference in the seasons. They talk about the colours of leaves in the autumn, collect them and make collages. The strong support ensures that all children are included and receive individual attention so that their needs are effectively met. They develop a sense

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

of self-worth and respect as they are involved in ‘Child of the week’ where they receive points for kindness, respect for each other and eating or trying food. The winner receives a small gift in consultation with parents. The childminder is a good role model and the consistent use of praise, encouragement and positive reinforcement contributes effectively to the children developing good social skills and a sense of belonging to a wider family group.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and safety is well-promoted. The childminder has effective hygiene policies, procedures and routines. Children are beginning to develop and understand personal hygiene practices as they naturally respond to the childminder consistently reminders them to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. She is keen to promote good nutrition for the children by providing fresh fruit for snack and fresh vegetables for meals, including pureed fresh vegetables for weaning diets. She discusses healthy eating food options with parents. Children’s welfare is supported as the childminder has established safety routines and equipment to protect them both in the home and outside such as safety gates and protectors on the piano corners and radiator. They learn about safety through consistent routines and are protected in an emergency situation as regular fire evacuation drills are practised.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 1 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 that required provider to take any action 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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