Childminder in Nottingham

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 254709 Inspection date 09/01/2009 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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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

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives with her husband in a residential area of Nottingham. The family has a dog. Minded children mostly use the lounge/diner, conservatory and securely enclosed garden. Bathroom facilities are situated on the first floor. There is one step to the ground floor of the home from the garden at the front and rear of the property.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age at any one time. Currently there are five children on roll, three of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification and attends local groups with the minded children.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for children and their families. Effective relationships with parents ensure all relevant information is shared. Children engage in a wide variety of activities and are well supported by the childminder so that they make good progress in their learning and development. She has a secure awareness of children's individual needs and ensures all aspects of their welfare are promoted. The childminder evaluates her practice and continues to develop her knowledge and skills so that the overall outcomes for children are good.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the use of observational assessment to identify where each child is in their learning and to plan for their future learning needs  develop links with others involved in the care of the children to promote continuity in their leaning.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and supports children's learning well. She is beginning to evaluate her own practice and identify areas for development so that she continues to make improvements. She makes use of training opportunities to increase her knowledge and ensure basic qualifications such as first aid are maintained. All of the required records are in place and, together with a good range of policies and procedures, are effective in promoting children's welfare. These include risk assessments that demonstrate how she considers children's safety in the home and on outings. The childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibilities with regard to safeguarding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children and knows how to implement the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures if required to do so.

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provision

Parents are well informed about the childminder's service. For example, the policies and procedures give clear information about her childcare practices and business arrangements. The childminder spends time talking with parents and gathering relevant information so that she can meet children's individual needs and care for them according to parents' wishes. Through the use of daily diary sheets and photographs she provides clear information about children's activities and routines. The childminder understands the importance of establishing links with other providers in order to promote consistency for children whose care is shared. However, this is not yet well established.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop. She uses this effectively to provide free-choice activities that interest and engage the children. The childminder observes children's development and makes assessments of the progress they are making, although she does not use this information to clearly plan the next steps in their learning. Extensive use of photographs provide a clear record of the activities children undertake and begins to show what they can do. For example, photographs illustrate the variety of opportunities children have to learn through going on outings and attending groups in the local community. Children enjoy going to the local library, soft play centres and parks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The organisation of the home actively supports children's progress towards the early learning goals. The conservatory is a child centred environment where resources are well organised and are easily accessed by the children. This means children can make choices in what they do so that their independence and ability to make decisions are promoted. Children move around with confidence and readily choose what they wish to do. For example, they enjoy drawing at the easel and rolling toy vehicles across the floor. Young children are able to choose books from a low unit and enjoy snuggling up to the childminder as she reads them a story. Good use is made of the outdoor environment and children eagerly play in the garden with balls and wheeled toys. They learn that physical exercise is good for them and also that they need to wrap up warm with coats, hats and gloves before going out in the cold.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is effectively promoted through the childminder's good practice. For example, the childminder wears gloves when changing children's nappies and children use individual towels when drying their hands. This contributes to minimising the spread of infection. Children learn about and develop good habits through the daily routines. For example, they look forward to having a banana at snack time and are learning that fresh fruit is good for them. Children's safety is given high priority and they learn simple messages such as why they need to tidy away toys. Children respond well to the childminder's clear and sensitive behaviour management strategies. They receive praise and encouragement which develops their confidence and self-esteem. Younger children are given support to help them This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 share and take turns and as a consequence are learning how to cooperate with

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

others. Overall, children develop the skills to be active and independent learners. 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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