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 EY225219 Inspection date 19/05/2009 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her family in a semi-detached property in Dronfield Woodhouse near Chesterfield. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. The childminder has three children aged four, eight and 10 years.

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Description of the childminding

Children have access to all ground floor rooms including the kitchen, lounge, dining room and hallway 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She meets regularly with fellow childminders and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder collects children from the local schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder’s good knowledge of the children in her care enables her to plan a broad range of activities tailored to their individual needs and interests. Children undertake and enjoy a variety of stimulating and challenging opportunities to extend their independence and try new experiences. Secure relationships with parents and carers support continuity of care and the childminder is developing links with other providers of early years care and education. Systems are in place for parents to discuss their children’s progress, although they do not have regular opportunities to contribute to ongoing development records. The childminder is starting to assess her working practice and identify areas to develop, however she does not have a method in place to support continued reflection.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further opportunties for parents to add to childrens records  continue to extend planning, observation and assessment systems to support children's learning  develop ways to reflect on practice to improve the outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS) using it to plan interesting activities for minded children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Comprehensive systems are in place for planning, assessment and observations, although they are still in their infancy. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and understanding to support her work, but evaluation of the service provided is not robust. She has a positive commitment to personal and professional development. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place and effectively shared with parents.

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provision

Secure relationships are established with parents and carers, including open channels of communication for sharing information regularly. The childminder makes effective use of photographic evidence to record children’s achievements, consolidate learning and introduce them to the wider world. Opportunities for parents to add to their children’s records are in the early stages. Links with other providers are starting to be developed, as such, it is too soon to see how they will complement each other to support children’s all-round development. The childminder has established a support system, meeting regularly with other childminders.

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provision

The childminder follows agreed procedures for safeguarding children, demonstrating a secure understanding of her role and responsibilities. She completes comprehensive risk assessments for the home and outdoors on a daily basis and takes effective action to address any hazards identified. This ensures children remain safe at home and on outings. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and role models good heath and hygiene practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children settle well, are happy and thoroughly at home as they confidently explore their surroundings extending their independence. They make good progress toward the early learning goals for all areas of learning. Children are proactive as they choose what to do, by accessing freely available quality resources. They make up stories as acting out roles using small world people, cars and garages, extending their imagination. Children concentrate well as they post shapes through sorters and laugh with delight as they hide balls under bowls for their childminder to find. They develop good dexterity as they join small pieces together to make models, use pencils and investigate large equipment outdoors.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children confidently engage in conversations with their childminder and visitors alike as they recall their holiday to ‘Disney’. They sound out letters as they complete the calendar, forming recognisable letters as they write Tuesday on the white board. The childminder skilfully introduces new vocabulary as she talks to the children about the weather, reads, stories and looks at photographs. Children show keen interest as they explore early problem solving, counting how many shapes and if they add two, how many more will there be. They are very comfortable and at ease with their childminder, as they share warm and caring relationships. She sits on the floor playing with them and, supporting them to try new skills and consolidate their learning. They laugh and chatter together, as the childminder listens intently to what the children say, responding well as she makes suggestions that follow their interests. Children are encouraged to think for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

themselves and reason out why things happen when using the computer and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 programmable toys. They receive good support to learn and develop due to effective use of positive praise and encouragement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Comprehensive activity plans based on all areas of learning to aid children’s learning and development. Children are confident in their surroundings, building their physical skills as they move around the home indoors and outdoors. They have great fun on outings exploring in the woods, trying their hand at archery and making igloos in the snow. Children enthusiastically recall activities as they look at photographs where they are investigating in the garden and chatter about growing tomatoes and cucumbers last year. They show interest in the world around them as they watch the rain outside and talk about when the sun comes out. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children learn and is confident in helping them move forward. Realistic experiences and activity build on children’s interests and engage them for long periods. Written observations and assessments are beginning to highlight children’s progress and plan for the next

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to manage their own safety as they negotiate their way around the home with increasing confidence. They have a secure understanding of fire evacuation as they practise on a monthly basis. Children demonstrate good levels of self-esteem, showing respect for others and family pets. The childminder follows agreed routines that the children know and understand. Children find out about healthy eating as they enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables and sit together to develop acceptable social skills. Effective use of topics and regular outdoor time ensures the successful promotion of children’s health and well-being. Children learn to share and take turns, which in turn contributes to them developing appropriate behaviours and respect for 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? 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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