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

p.1

Unique reference number EY227747 Inspection date 16/03/2009 Inspector Christine Hands

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and three children in Newark, Nottinghamshire. Entry into the house is up two steps to the front door. Minded children have access to the ground floor, and additional toilet and sleeping facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family pets include rabbits and a dog. The house is within walking distance of local facilities which include shops, playgroup, schools and parks.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder works at times with another childminder and also an assistant and is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She currently cares for 19 children; two of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder takes and collects children from local playgroups and schools.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, and attends a variety of local groups.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and confident in this warm and homely environment as they experience a wide range of exciting activities both inside and outside the home promoting both their enjoyment and development. Through the close partnership with parents and daily exchanges of information the childminder gains an understanding of the needs of individual children and provides a fully inclusive environment where children thrive. The childminder is continually updating her training to extend her knowledge to further develop her provision and provide children with greater opportunities. The childminder uses a process of self-evaluation to help her identify and build on her strengths as well as recognising any weaknesses.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop the use of observations to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child

p.3

provision

Children's care, safety and welfare are well promoted through the comprehensive documents and procedures in place to safeguard children as well as the childminder's commitment to undertake further training. This is extremely varied and helps her to pre-empt situations that may arise in the future. For example, to help promote inclusion she has attended a Polish class and workshops for baby signing and hair care for Afro-Caribbean children as well as Early Years Foundation This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Stage training (EYFS). These have given her a great insight into how she can meet children's individual needs by valuing them as individuals and providing the support needed to develop their self-esteem. The recommendation made at the last inspection has been addressed and this has had a positive impact on children’s welfare. Through completing a self-evaluation form the childminder identifies areas

p.3

provision

she wishes to develop which will further promote the care and education of children.

p.4

provision

Children's safety is considered to be of paramount importance with the childminder risk assessing any new ventures as well as undertaking general risk assessments in the home. The contents of first aid boxes are checked regularly and smoke detectors are maintained in good working order. Children enjoy the freedom of being able to move around the home and having the space and resources to enjoy a wide range of activities. The playroom is particularly inviting for children, having been decorated and furnished with them in mind.

p.4

provision

The childminder works both by herself and also with another childminder on days when more children are cared for and both have formed a strong partnership with parents as is evidenced from some of the letters and questionnaires available at the visit. Parents are provided with a good range of information both verbal and in written form containing full details of the childminding service as well as reminding them to update their children's records as needed. These discussions as well as introductory visits enable the childminder to fully understand the uniqueness of each child. Children’s assessment records are shared with parents and they are encouraged to become involved in their learning. The childminder is aware of others who share the care of the children she is minding and discussions between her and other carers enable children to be cared for in a holistic way.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in all areas of their development because the childminder has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and how children learn and develop. She provides a wide range of exciting and stimulating activities both inside and outside the home that both captures children's imaginations and keeps them actively engaged. For example, singing sessions that are complemented by dressing-up in animal hats when singing 'Old McDonald' and using bean bags and musical instruments with others engage children’s interests and hold their attention. A planting activity involves children using their creative skills as they decorate a plant pot before filling with compost and planting seeds. This extends as they learn how to care for living things including pet rabbits and the latest addition, a puppy which the children take great delight in taking for a walk. Chinese New Year festivities give children the

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

opportunity to learn some of the background to this celebration as well as the opportunity to practise eating with chop sticks. They use their creative skills as they make a dragon and gain an understanding of number through counting the tassels. Through such activities and the resources available children are gaining an excellent knowledge and understanding of the importance of recognising difference and how this enhances the world in which they live. Children enjoy a variety of other activities, such as going to toddler groups, playing outdoors, imaginative play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and baking which all offer plenty of opportunities for them to learn across the whole curriculum. Through discussions with parents as well as her own observations the childminder is building up a picture of children’s current abilities and interests in order to plan for their future development. However, this is still in

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

its early stages and does not clearly show planning for the next steps in their learning. Assessment records, although linked to the six areas of learning do not show which stepping stone the children are on, therefore their progression cannot always be followed.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thrive in this warm and homely environment where they become very much a family group in themselves. Relationships with the childminder and others who work with the children are excellent as are their relationships with each other. The playroom is very child orientated with easily accessible resources, child-sized furniture and a comfy sofa to curl up on as well as interesting displays around the walls. They are learning how to keep themselves safe as they regularly take part in evacuation practises, and learn about safety when going for walks and also when riding in the car. The childminder is very aware of the importance of giving children the knowledge they need to keep themselves safe and allows them within a controlled situation some freedom to make mistakes, such as a small child climbing on a chair is given time to work out how to do this successfully. By doing this children are able to develop and use their reasoning skills to stand them in

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

good stead for the future. Children's understanding of health issues is very good, all (very little ones supported) are aware that they each have their own flannels and towels and each time they are used they are washed. A young child informs the inspector 'I have washed my hands', and when asked why says 'to wash all the germs off so they won't make me poorly'. Mealtimes are very much a social occasion as all sit together around the kitchen table to eat. A time for discussion and conversation as well as learning about important social skills. Food is nutritious and well presented with children being able to choose for themselves at snack time from a selection of fruits on offer. Children spend time in the fresh air on a daily basis with ample opportunities for differing forms of exercise, such as using large equipment, dance and movement to music. The childminder promotes good behaviour by concentrating on the positives and using praise and encouragement

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

as well as other appropriate strategies, consequently children behave well.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The partnership with parents and carers is particularly strong with daily exchanges of information to ensure that children's changing needs can be met at all times. The childminder has experience of caring for children with additional needs, children who speak English as an additional language and those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. To ensure she can meet these needs fully she attends regular training sessions enabling her to provide the support and guidance needed to provide an inclusive environment where all children are valued. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8