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 506387 Inspection date 18/05/2009 Inspector Karen Cockings

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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 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 1993. She lives with her husband in a market town in the Bassetlaw district of North Nottinghamshire. The childminder works with her daughter, who is also a registered childminder. The house is within walking distance of local schools, parks and other amenities. Minded children have access to most areas of the ground floor, with toilet and sleeping facilities provided in this area. The house was built with wider internal doors to make it more accessible where there are mobility problems. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. When working with her co-childminder they may care together for a maximum of 11 children under eight years. Currently they are caring for seven children in the early years age range and five older children. The childminder is also included on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Both childminders share responsibility for the childminding practice.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the nearby school and attends local children's groups on a regular basis. She is an active member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the Children Come First childminding network. She has a level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are highly motivated and enjoy a wealth of stimulating play experiences in this inspiring setting, where particular attention is given to the use of the outdoors to promote learning. The childminder makes excellent provision for children's physical and emotional well- being. She and her co-childminder have developed a highly effective partnership where they complement each other very well and where they provide a wide range of stimulating resources to support and extend children's learning. Excellent partnerships are established with parents and with other settings. The childminder and her co-worker carefully evaluate their practice and constantly strive to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to explore further ways of inviting parents' contributions to children's development records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children are very much at the heart of this provision, where the childminder and her colleague work together extremely effectively to support their safety, health and well-being. They are very well organised and professional in their approach, with a firm commitment to the continuous development of their service, which is already of exceptionally high quality. The childminder has a wealth of experience but nevertheless she constantly enhances her practice by attending a wide range of training and making excellent use of support networks, relevant websites and professional literature. The childminder and her co-worker fully recognise the importance of critically reflecting on what they do in order to further improve outcomes for children. For example, they have been focusing their attention on developing their outdoor area to provide a natural and magical space for children to play and learn.

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provision

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded because the childminder has an excellent understanding of her role and responsibilities in relation to child protection. She and her colleague have recently attended training to update their knowledge and they ensure that their policy is clearly shared with parents. The childminder demonstrates a sensitive awareness of possible indicators of abuse, together with a firm commitment to keeping children's welfare paramount. Thorough risk assessments and daily checking systems help to maintain a secure environment for children, where their safety is given the utmost priority. The arrangements for joint working ensure that children are well supervised at all times, while enabling them to make choices and try new challenges. Importantly, children play an active role in helping to keep themselves and others safe as they play and as part of daily routines. For example, younger children help to set out cones in the garden to

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provision

mark out safe boundaries and they are all involved in learning how to cross roads safely. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly with children, who have taken part in a Risk Watch programme, organised by the local fire service. Records, policies and procedures are maintained effectively and very well organised, contributing to children's safety and welfare.

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provision

The childminder builds exemplary partnerships with parents and with other settings involved in children's care, working very closely with them to meet children's individual needs. Excellent communication systems are in place, including attractive displays of important information around the home and the use of questionnaires and newsletters to supplement the ongoing dialogue with parents. Their views are sought on their children's starting points and parents' comments included in children's records. Resources are often shared to promote continuity of learning. The childminders identify the development of additional ways for parents to contribute to children's records as an area to build on. An effective partnership has been established with the local school, where the headteacher comments very positively on the excellent support the childminders give to children towards facilitating a 'seamless transition' between settings.

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provision

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 thrive in this richly resourced provision, where the childminder maintains a clear focus on their needs and development. They particularly benefit from a stimulating outdoor environment, which is used to the full by childminders who understand the value of outdoor learning. The childminder's emphasis has been on the provision of natural resources as much as possible, such as logs for climbing and balancing, a wooden weaving frame and secluded seating areas where children can build dens or just sit quietly reading a book if they wish. They relish being outdoors and play outside in most weathers, with raincoats and wellingtons available for them if needed. They love to steer their tricycles along the paths that weave in and out around the garden. They go on hunts for mini-beasts with their 'little explorer' bags containing magnifying glasses, clipboards and containers. They match socks and hang pictures and number friezes along their own child-height

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

washing line. Visits to local parks and to gym sessions at a nearby centre also help to nurture children's enjoyment of active play while developing physical skills and confidence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the support of caring and attentive adults who have an excellent understanding of the early learning goals and are committed to the promotion of a happy learning environment. An extensive range of interesting resources is provided with extra thought being given to making materials stimulating and appealing to children. For example, they mould and pat dough that is scented like gingerbread and chocolate, shine dragon fly torches around the dark corners of their tent and watch with fascination as the caterpillar puppet changes into a butterfly. There is a wide range of creative materials and natural objects, such as glass beads, pebbles and shells for them to explore. Lots of interesting books and toys are on display to reflect the current mini-beasts topic.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing good communication skills and use language well in their interactions with adults and with each other. They ask questions and talk readily about themselves and events at home, such as going shopping to buy a new headband. They love books, access them independently and listen attentively to stories. There is a special little reading chair that they like to use, sometimes pretending to be 'teacher' as they read to the others. They use their imagination and design skills as they create a puppet theatre, by draping shiny material over boxes and hiding behind to put on a puppet show for their friends. Children are encouraged to become active, independent learners, eager to take part in activities and to practise new skills. Sensitive observations help the childminder to discover more about children's interests and abilities and to guide future planning. The childminder takes a lead role in this area, although both she and her colleague

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

take responsibility for compiling children's records. Children have their own attractive learning journey folders, which include assessments, photographs and examples of their work, effectively charting their excellent progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Meticulous attention is given to children's health and well-being. The childminders effectively protect children from the spread of infection, by following safe hygiene practice themselves and setting an excellent example to children, who develop a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 very good understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. They have their own colour coded towels and have made laminated posters to hang in the bathroom as reminders about hand washing and pulling the flush. The childminders reinforce these messages through books and stories. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of healthy eating patterns and children enjoy lots of fresh fruit and vegetables as part of their daily diet, gathering some fruits themselves from the garden.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The setting is welcoming and inclusive to all, with very sensitive attention given to the support of children with additional needs or those experiencing traumatic changes within their families. Children behave very well and are encouraged to show care and concern for others and to develop a sense of responsibility. They become actively involved in worthwhile projects, such as saving used postage stamps in aid of a horse sanctuary and collecting items to make gift boxes for children in a Rumanian orphanage. Within the setting, children show concern for each other as they help younger ones with their outdoor clothes and comfort children who are upset. Children are consulted about what they want to do and know how much they are valued. This all contributes to a very happy, caring and stimulating environment, which is thoroughly conducive to children's learning and development. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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

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