Childminder in Derbyshire

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 207339 Inspection date 04/08/2009 Inspector Geneen Yvonne Hulse-Brown

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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 registered in 1992 and lives with family in a semi-detached property in Dronfield Woodhouse, in Dronfield. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance.

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Description of the childminding

Children have access to all ground floor rooms including the kitchen, lounge, playroom, hallway and downstairs toilet, with upstairs access to the bathroom and three bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed area to the rear of the property for outdoor play. Premises are accessible via a small step to the front door.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, and is currently minding five children under five years old. She also offers care to children aged over five years to nine years old. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She meets regularly with fellow childminders and attends local toddler groups.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder’s very good knowledge of the children in her care enables her to plan a wide variety of stimulating activities personalised to their individual needs. Enjoyable and challenging experiences effectively support children to learn new skills and extend their independence. The childminder has established effective partnerships with parents, carers and other providers to ensure that she successfully meets all children’s needs. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her strengths and areas for improvement, which in turn effectively contributes to the ongoing improvement of the service.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop ways to reflect on practice to improve the outcomes for children  continue to review policies and procedures to meet changes to requirements.

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provision

The childminder uses her good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework effectively, to complete realistic observations and plan challenging activities for all minded children. Simple assessments backed up with photographs reflect on children’s progress as the childminder plans the next steps in the learning process. She is fully committed to improving her practice, effectively addressing previous recommendations. The childminder has developed a simple This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 format for self-evaluation based on outcomes for children, recognising the need to continue to develop reflective practice. Strong commitment to personal and professional development consolidates her existing knowledge and understanding. She makes effective use of the internet for research, improving practice and extending children’s learning.

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provision

Well-established relationships with parents and carers effectively support consistent sharing of information regarding children’s progress and achievements. The childminder has produced a wide range of information about the service offered including policies, procedures and contracts, and all required permission forms. Consistent sharing of all documentation ensures that families are well informed and enjoy numerous opportunities to share what they know about the children, which in turn effectively supports children’s learning and development. The childminder meets regularly with fellow childminders and is taking positive steps to establish links with other settings to support continuity in children’s learning, however, these links are less robust.

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provision

Children are well cared for, safe and secure in a stimulating and supportive environment. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children successfully promoting their all round well- being. Children receive many opportunities to develop their understanding of safe practice, making simple risk assessments as they play. This is due to the childminder offering suggestions and sensitive reminders, such as taking care when climbing. Effective implementation of all required policies and procedures promote children’s welfare. Comprehensive risk assessments identify hazards both indoors and outdoors, with effective action taken to address issues that arise. The childminder's good judgments regarding safety ensure that children remain safe at her home and on outings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children settle well, are relaxed and are at ease as they confidently explore their surroundings. They make active choices from easily accessible quality resources, as they receive high levels of support to plan their own play and become independent learners. The childminder plans a broad range of activities, introducing new experiences that effectively support children to make good progress towards the early learning goals for all areas of learning. Written observations and assessments are starting to successfully chart children’s progress and identify areas for support. The childminder's good understanding of how children learn supports children to make progress and undertake realistic challenges. Children are very confident as they engage in conversations with adults and children alike. They talk about friends going to Greece on holiday, and excitedly chatter about going on an aeroplane to Tenerife. Children enjoy warm

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and supportive relationships with their peers and adults, with babies receiving cuddles and reassurance when tired. The childminder and her family engage well with children as they play at floor level, fitting together alphabet jigsaws and sticking toys to the windows. Children are effectively supported to try new skills as the children listens to what they say, and encourages them to explore and experiment. They sound out letters as they complete the alphabet puzzle correctly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identifying which letter comes next. The childminder demonstrates a very good knowledge of the children in their care, planning and providing a wide range of resources appropriate to children’s ages and abilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very curious as they investigate early problem solving, using number and mathematical language in everyday games. They sort and count shapes as they match objects and make patterns. Babies giggle as they sit at the table to explore early mark making, whilst older children carefully draw out plans for a fire station to make later. All children show interest in books and stories, supported by the childminder to extend their vocabulary and recall familiar events and outings. Children are interested and curious as they explore simple and more complex technology, through ‘cause and effect toys and the family computer. They enjoy many opportunities to develop their physical skills through outings to the park, mill and local country house. Children excitedly recall climbing on large apparatus, seeing horses, goats and baby pigs as they look at photographs on the computer of the previous week’s outings. They make choices between playing indoors and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

outdoors, due to the childminder’s effective planning and organisation of activities and resources. Children are actively encouraged to broaden their understanding of the environment and the world around us as they engage in recycling, feed the fish and look for minibeasts. Nature topics introduce children to the life cycle of frogs as they see them grow from tadpoles. Children happily explain that they have brought wood from home ‘to make something’ at their childminders as part of helping to understand about recycling. Children have great fun as they build and extend their imagination using a variety of resources. They are well motivated, learning to respect others as they follow the good role models set by the childminder. Consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder ensure that children thrive, developing high levels of self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children follow agreed and well understood routines that effectively support their feeling of security and well-being. They enjoy healthy meals and snack provided by the childminder, making choices of hot or cold food and requesting pasta for lunch. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of nutrition, planning healthy meals and encouraging children to eat a varied diet. Drinking cups are easily accessible for children to help themselves when they are thirsty. The childminder demonstrates a high commitment to creating a safe and secure environment where children can play, learn and extend their independence. Children learn how to cross the road safely on outings, and can clearly explain what to do in the event of fire as they practice evacuations regularly to allay fears. 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

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