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 259640 Inspection date 25/02/2009 Inspector Margaret Elizabeth Roberts

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 11 years, in Cambridge. Access to the childminder’s home is via a step. All of the home is used for childminding, and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools where she is developing links to support the care she provides for the children. The family have two hamsters. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years. There are currently four children on roll, three of whom are in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder supports children with English as an additional language. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides sensitive and appropriate care for children in the early years age group. A safe environment has been created, with most resources available to support children's welfare. Whilst children enjoy a suitable range of activities, the method of assessment is not effective in identifying and promoting the next steps in their learning. The childminder has begun to self-evaluate her provision and is continuing to further develop the recommendations set at the last inspection to improve the outcomes for children. Children benefit from the relationship that the childminder has with their parents and the local school ensuring that the needs of all children can be met.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the use of observation and assessment to ensure that children are making progress towards the early learning goals and to identify the next steps of learniong for individual children  ensure that the contents of the first aid box are appropriate to meet the medical needs of children

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provision

Children's welfare is promoted through familiar routines where they enjoy visits to the local parent and toddler groups that the childminder organises. The comprehensive set of policies and procedures that the childminder has developed informs parents and carers of the service that is provided and helps the childminder carry out her work. Systems have been started to monitor and evaluate the provision to promote better outcomes for children, although further This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development is required to improve the observation and assessment of children's progress. This is to ensure that the next steps of learning for each individual child are used in the planning of purposeful play and exploration both indoors and outside.

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provision

The childminder has accessed relevant courses to improve her knowledge of childcare. This results in the safety of children being promoted well, as the childminder has an understanding of safeguarding issues and is able to respond appropriately should concerns arise. Risk assessments are conducted which cover anything a child may come into contact with, therefore minimising hazards to children. Parents write to say how pleased they are with the care the childminder provides for their children and they are given regular daily reports of what their children have been taking part in and their routines during the day. Parents and carers also take the opportunity to share relevant information with the childminder by writing in their comments in the child's daily diary. This regular two-way flow of information enables the childminder to meet the needs of the children in her care. Links with the local school that have been developed, allow for the continuity of

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provision

care for older children who are looked after.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a range of activities appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder supports children in their play, asking simple questions to extend their thinking skills. Children as young as two are able to match numbers together, they speak clearly and join in with conversations. Activities are planned around what children wish to do, allowing children freedom of choice. Children enjoy having stories read to them whilst sitting closely to the childminder enjoying a warm relationship. They explore their surroundings often using props such as torches to see what is at the end of the tunnel that they crawl through. Opportunities are given to children to use crayons and paint which help to promote their early writing skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into an environment that is safe and secure where they enjoy playing alongside one another. They are beginning to develop an understanding of how to stay safe through gentle reminders by the childminder to be careful when using the resources. Their health is promoted through the very good standard of hygiene that is maintained throughout the home, which helps to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder ensures that she can take appropriate action should children become ill whilst in her care, however the contents of the first aid box are minimal which could result in a child's medical needs not being met. Children are able to play in the garden and walk to the local school to collect older children which helps to contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave very well as they follow the childminder's good example. They are taught to be kind to one another, to share and take turns. They are able to make choices and decisions as they choose freely from the activities presented, which are rotated weekly to give children different experiences. They make friends at the childcare groups that they attend with the childminder, which helps them to learn to respect each other. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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