Childminder, Out-of school day care 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 EY216350 Inspection date 24/03/2009 Inspector Alison Putnar

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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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 family in a detached house in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire. The property is within walking distance of the local park, shop and schools. Minded children mainly use the ground floor of the house, with access to toilet and hand washing facilities within these areas. There is an enclosed rear garden which is available for outdoor play. The premises are accessed by a low step. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years old at any one time. She cares for children outside of school hours. There are currently two children in the early year’s age range attending part-time during the week. Children over the age of six also attend. The childminder is registered on the early years register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare register.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provision is good overall with some outstanding aspects. The childminder is expanding her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and implementing methods to assess and plan for younger children's progress. The flexible system of planning activities successfully involves children and their parents and ensures that all children enjoy their time and make good progress. An impressive commitment to promoting inclusion is evident. A safe and welcoming environment is created and children benefit from the range of activities that help them to consider their own safety. The childminder is aware of strengths and areas for improvement within the setting and works alongside parents and children to extend and improve experiences.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop methods for recording children's starting points when they first attend. Along with parents and through links with other professionals providing for children in the early years foundation stage identify children's next steps for development; enabling all to work together promoting continuity in children's learning and development  expand the assessment arrangements to show how children are making progress towards all six areas of learning equally and use the information gained to inform planning helping children to make as much progress as possible in relation to their starting points.

p.3

provision

The home is effectively organised providing very spacious areas for children to access a wide variety of resources and activities both indoors and outdoors. A range of written policies and procedures are used to guide and support the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effective practice in protecting children's health and welfare. These are shared with parents demonstrating the professional service and enabling them to feel secure in the childminder's safe practices. Records required for the efficient running of the setting are completed in partnership promoting continuity in children's care and ensuring they are cared for in line with individual requirements and parents' wishes. Systems for communicating about children's progress are emerging to fully enhance children's learning opportunities.

p.3

provision

Highly secure methods are in place for keeping children safe and encouraging them to consider safe practices. In-depth risk assessments are conducted to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Older children themselves take part in reviewing the home as a safe environment and have made labels for cupboards with more hazardous equipment. All children take part in topics on road safety and practise evacuating the house ensuring all can manage this calmly in the event of an emergency. Activities such as cooking enable children to explore risks and use equipment in a controlled and safe environment. These activities are used to support an understanding of the importance of balanced meals. The childminder has a very secure understanding of issues relating to safeguarding children and of procedures for reporting concerns should the need ever arise. Household members are appropriately vetted.

p.4

provision

Systems for monitoring and reviewing the service are generally effective and take account of children's and parents comments through regular verbal communication and written questionnaires. An example of this is the installation of a notice board following the children's request to display their art work and record comments for future activities, meals and celebrations. The parents of children in the EYFS are new to the setting; as a result they have yet to contribute to this process. The childminder is very committed to improving her knowledge base and providing a high quality service. She attends a wealth of training events, network meetings and has recently completed relevant childcare qualifications.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good methods are in place for helping children to settle and feel welcomed, they complete an 'all about me' record which includes their likes, dislikes, interests and favourite activities. The childminder uses this information to provide activities that she knows the children will enjoy. Sensitive settling in processes enable children to become familiar with the setting and aid them in forming relationships with the childminder, her family and others who already attend. The childminder discusses some aspects of children's development with parents and is beginning to implement methods to observe and record individual's progress. The childminder is establishing links with other settings the children attend to promote continuity in children's learning and development.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress due to the variety of activities and learning opportunities provided in this relaxed environment. Children and parents contribute to the planning process by being asked their opinion of activities and how they can be developed. Consideration is given to the fact that children attend after school and an appropriate emphasis is placed on children's choice. Some eagerly begin a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 game of football in the garden developing physical skills and control of their movements. The range of outdoor activities and the walk home from school provide good opportunities for children to benefit from fresh air and exercise. Children competently manage there personal hygiene at meal times. Tea time is a positive social occasion, here children demonstrate their personal and communication skills as they confidently engage in discussions and take

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

responsibility for clearing the table. Meals and snacks promote a healthy diet and take account of children's individual needs.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's individuality is respected and celebrated. A range of topics including St Patrick's Day, Chinese New Year and Pancake Day provide opportunities for them to positively explore their own customs and beliefs and those of others. During these events they try different foods, explore a variety of languages and how written text varies in other countries. Importantly the childminder values children's ideas, providing resources for them to expand their interest in making dens, being princesses or creating a huge train track with signs around the lounge. These activities enable children to explore their creativity and imagination, practice problem solving skills and work together with others sharing a similar interest enhancing social skills. Children behave well and use good manners. Children over the early years age range develop house rules showing their understanding of the need to respect others and the environment, acting as a positive role model to the

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

younger ones. 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? 1 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? 1

p.6

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? 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