Childminder in Luton

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 EY266066 Inspection date 19/02/2009 Inspector Susan Ennis

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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 2003. She lives with her partner, partner's father and two children aged five and seven years in Luton, Bedfordshire. The whole of the childminder's house, apart from the main bedroom, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is a small stepped access to the premises. The family has one dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has made links with the local pre-school and collects children from the local schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides satisfactorily for all children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She provides a secure and enjoyable environment whilst supporting children in their play. Children of all ages are able to participate because the childminder provides suitable activities, which are enjoyable and fun. They make positive progress in their learning and development because the childminder's flexible approach to planning meets their individual needs. The childminder takes some steps to evaluate her practice and is beginning to identify her strengths and areas for improvement. Consequently she is able to make changes to improve the daily care and experiences she offers the children, parents and carers.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment  develop the use of children's starting points, observations, assessments and planning to progress children's learning and development towards the Early Learning Goals.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that evidence of public liability insurance is in place (Suitable premises, environment & equipment) 06/03/2009  conduct risk assessments of the premises, garden and for outings and review them regularly (Suitable 06/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 premises, environment & equipment).

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provision

The childminder has appropriate procedures in place to ensure that all children are well protected. For example, she has increased her knowledge of the protection of children by attending safeguarding training and children are only released into the care of known adults and with the use of a password. When on outings children wear orange wrist straps containing the childminder's name and contact number protecting them should they become lost. They move around the premises easily and with confidence as the childminder takes steps to minimise the hazards and supervises them at all times. However, as full risk assessments of the premises, garden and for outings attended by the children are not presently carried out and evidence of public liability insurance cover is not in place children's safety is compromised.

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provision

The childminder has implemented some systems to improve her provision such as partially completing the self-evaluation form before inspection and therefore identifying her strengths and areas for improvement. She has created a professional and friendly relationship with parents and carers ensuring that all relevant information is shared and therefore involving them in their child's learning. Regular communication both verbally and through a daily diary system informs them on their child's progress and development. Parents are encouraged to share any concerns and are made fully aware of the childminders policies and working ethos through her comprehensive portfolio and welcome pack. The childminder is also forging links with the local schools and nursery ensuring that all relevant information is shared benefiting the children's all round care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well supported by the childminder who offers them a range of inside and outside opportunities which are often based on the children's interests and ideas. They enjoy visits to the local park and mini gym sessions and are able to independently use the toys and resources in the home, which are age and stage appropriate. Although the childminder does not formally plan activities for the children she does offer them a range of different resources and materials to play with. For example, the children thoroughly enjoy making models of 'Elmer the elephant' covering old milk cartons in coloured paper and sequins.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is generally aware of where children are in their learning and knows what to offer them to promote their development. However, there is limited information about the children's starting points and there are limited written observations and assessments completed in order to influence the planning of activities. Therefore, children's individual needs and their next steps are not always met effectively. The childminder adapts the activities provided to support all children and meet their individual needs. For example, when doing cooking This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 younger children will start with making fairy cakes and a lot of hands on support whilst older children will progress to making a Victoria sandwich, weighing the ingredients themselves with more verbal support offered. Children are starting to use their imagination as they pretend to be a flower telling the childminder they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

would like to be 'a pink one like the one your kitchen.' Their creativity is clearly encouraged as they enjoy dabbing the paintbrush onto the paper encouraged by the childminder to be 'quiet, quiet, bit louder, louder, very loud, splat' also developing their language skills. They enjoy this so much that they ask the childminder to swap seats with them and have ago themselves whilst they call out the instructions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children are treated with equal concern and respected individually. Their understanding of the wider world is promoted because cultural awareness is actively promoted. Children are encouraged to use resources that depict different cultures and ways of life such as books, dressing-up clothes and they also participate in celebrating festivals such as Eid and Diwali. The childminder is able to provide care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and promotes an inclusive environment. Children's behaviour is positive. They generally share toys and resources and are given sensitive reminders when they momentarily forget. The childminder effectively uses praise to encourage children to be kind to each other and make the right choices.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and welfare is suitably promoted as the childminder takes steps to minimise the spread of infection. They are encouraged to wash their hands regularly discussing the importance of this with the childminder. They are offered a healthy and nutritious diet and their independence is developing as they are fully involved in this social time, for example setting the table. The childminder has procedures in place for dealing with emergencies; however as permission to seek emergency medical treatment for the children is not in place children's wellbeing is compromised. Overall, the childminder suitably organises their systems to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that is tailored to meet their individual needs. 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? 3 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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