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 252529 Inspection date 06/02/2009 Inspector Alison Putnar

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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

This childminder registered in 1987. She lives with her family in a detached house in Carlton, close to the local amenities. Minded children have access to the ground floor, where provision is made for sleep and rest, with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden with separate patio and grassed play areas. The premises are accessed by a step. The family has a dog and cat as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends toddler groups with minded children. She is registered to care for six children under eight years old at any one time. There are nine children on roll attending part-time during the week, four of these are in the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder effectively provides for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children make good progress in all areas of learning as they access a broad range of activities. The childminder monitors their progress generally well. She recognises that all children are individual and promotes an inclusive and supportive environment for all. She communicates with parents effectively to ensure individual needs are met and their wishes are accommodated. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving her childminding service as she has implemented effective systems to monitor and evaluate her practice and the provision overall.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the observations of children's development to highlight, with parents, some next steps for children's learning and use these to plan some activities to help children to progress towards these steps  extend the written risk assessments to ensure they consider anything with which a child may come into contact with, such as the stairs  expand the written procedure for dealing with complaints.

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provision

The childminder organises space and play resources effectively to meet children's needs and enable them to make independent choices about their learning. The home is clean, safe and comfortable. All required records and documentation are in place and are well maintained to promote children's welfare and meet their individual needs. The childminder has developed some policies and procedures to guide her practice, these are shared with parents, ensuring they are aware of how the setting runs. She demonstrates a secure understanding of safeguarding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures and has implemented a clear written policy regarding her responsibilities to protect children from harm or neglect. Children's safety is further promoted as risk assessments are undertaken which include most areas of the home and some details about trips.

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provision

Parents receive a good range of information about the childminding service and their child's care and education. The childminder takes time to get to know the families she supports and ensures that relevant information is recorded to ensure she caters for individuals needs. This enables children to settle well and to access a range of activities appropriate to their stage of development. Daily discussions ensure information is shared and that parents are informed of their children's progress. The childminder creates 'Special books' which include photographs, examples of children's work and some written records about their development. These begin to show how children are making progress, but, do not yet identify next steps for children to work towards to maximise their potential for development. These records are periodically shared with parents providing a personal record of their child's time with the childminder.

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provision

The childminder involves parents in reviewing her provision through informally gaining feedback. She has an approachable nature and provides systems for parents to communicate any issues. Examples of parents' comments show that they value the good level of care and education offered to their children. The childminder monitors and evaluates her provision ensuring she is always making improvements to benefit the children. She has addressed recommendations raised at the last inspection showing a commitment to continuous improvement. This is also evidenced through additional training courses and workshops she has attended to extend and enhance her skills and knowledge.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in all areas of learning because the childminder has a secure understanding of the EYFS. She plans an interesting range of activities both inside and outside the home to support their learning and development. A flexible approach to play ensures children make choices sustaining their interest. Children develop close relationships with the childminder; they are very confident to engage in play, ask for further activities and cuddle up with the childminder on the settee to share a story. Positive techniques are used to support children's social skills and encourage good behaviour. They are beginning to share and take turns and co- operate with each other during play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children are included and supported. They develop a sense of belonging as the childminder takes time to talk and listen to them. She values and celebrates children's individuality, encouraging those that are able to speak different languages. Opportunities are created for children to explore similarities and differences in positive ways, through using books, toys and providing activities for a good variety of cultural festivals. Children look at photographs of themselves and recall when they dressed up in Easter bonnets, and show pride as they talk about their birthday cake. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The very young children confidently use a range of language skills and learn new words as they are effectively supported by the childminder. During a painting activity, they mix colours and learn about words for different shades, taupe and brown for example. Many craft activities are provided helping children develop

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their creativity and imagination, also developing early skills for writing as they experiment with a range of tools and writing implements. Children recognise letters in the alphabet and those in their names through planned activities. They develop knowledge of mathematical concepts as the childminder incorporates these into play, counting beads they have threaded, singing number songs and talking about shapes. A child correctly observes, 'I made a circle with the cars'.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health and hygiene is promoted as the childminder helps them to understand and adopt good hygiene practices. They enjoy regular opportunities to engage in physical activities and play outside in the fresh air. Children are well- supported to make healthy choices at snack and meal times as they enjoy fresh fruit and homemade cooked meals. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that dietary needs are catered for. Children are supervised at a level to keep them safe whilst promoting their independence. The childminder helps them to consider their safety through gentle reminders to sit carefully on chairs to prevent falls. Children take part in fire evacuation drills and receive a certificate as reward. 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 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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