Childminder in Cumberland

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 317050 Inspection date 19/05/2009 Inspector Diane Roberts

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 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

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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and one grown up child on a dairy farm near Egremont, Cumbria, with shops, schools and public transport links in nearby villages. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and children have access to a bedroom and family room on the first floor. There are toilet facilities available on both floors. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play separate to the farm. The family has three pet dogs and a cockerel.

p.3

Description of the childminding

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and attends a number of carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder is a member of West Cumbria Childminding Group and the National Childminding Association. She has nursing and midwifery qualifications.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and settled in this homely setting. The childminder's extensive knowledge and experience of child development together with her perception of each child's individual needs ensures an inclusive environment. Care, learning and children’s safety are given the utmost priority to help each child reach their full potential. Observations of children are mostly used to plan a full range of activities. Strong partnerships with parents means children’s well-being is safeguarded and they make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. Regular self-evaluation and a commitment to personal development by the childminder help to identify ongoing improvements to promote good outcomes for children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 further develop the use of observations to identify learning priorities for each child and inform planning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder dedicates her time to the children in her care and providing an inclusive environment. She is highly committed to improving her practice and updating her knowledge to ensure children receive the best of care and education. Records, policies and procedures, required for safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and to ensure the needs of all children are met, are mostly in place. The childminder has developed a system to use observations she makes of children to inform her planning of activities but as yet this is not routine.

p.4

provision

The childminder puts great emphasis on encouraging children’s independence and promoting self-esteem to enable each child reach their full potential. This means a wide range of inspiring resources are readily available for children to safely choose. Safeguarding children is given the highest priority and regular risk assessments are routinely carried out. Partnership with parents and others are a significant strength of the provision. Parents are provided with very good information on the childminder's policies and procedures, and their child's development. Daily discussions and written observations are shared making sure parents are well informed about their children’s achievements and progress. Parents say they are, 'fully happy' with the service and the 'outdoor opportunities' children have. They like the 'friendly atmosphere' and enjoy reading about what their child has done in the day. Parents believe their children have made 'huge progress' whilst being at

p.4

provision

the childminder’s and she demonstrates ‘genuine affection’ towards their children.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy in this family environment often glowing with pleasure as they are genuinely praised for their achievements by the childminder and other family members. Children are most at home with a childminder who encourages free expression and greatly values each child's contribution. This means children are highly motivated with positive attitudes to learning. They are effectively supported in gaining independence to support their development. For example, they play with toys, such as dolls with clothes with different fastenings, to practise skills which will help them in dressing themselves and develop fine motor skills. Fully engrossed they have plenty of time to learn and enjoy their play. Children talk about wearing ‘high heels’ when dressing up and how these make one 'taller'. When washing up or climbing the stairs, children count along, stating how many dishes or stairs there are. This means children are using mathematical language

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

and developing knowledge through everyday activities. The very good balance of adult-led and child-led activities results in children being active learners, creative and able to think critically. The childminder supports learning very well. A delivery of sand for a newly developed outdoor sand pit causes great excitement as the childminder carefully explains the purpose of it to the children. Skilful questioning by the childminder helps to extend children’s knowledge and understanding of the world and encourages their ability to reason. There are extensive opportunities for purposeful play and exploration, both in and out of doors, such as trips to the beach or the maize maze. Children learn about the wider community as they learn This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about the benefits of recycling certain materials. The childminder’s interest in music means children often enjoy singing along to her piano playing or dance and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Information from observation and assessment is mostly used to ensure that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities. Daily diaries are shared each day with parents and planning is linked with the five Every Child Matters outcomes. The childminder is presently further developing her use of observations and assessments of children to give a clearer picture for planning and to fully ensure that each child receives an enjoyable and challenging experience across the areas of learning. The childminder’s planning is firmly based on each child’s interests with clear links to EYFS and adult support highlighted along with next steps for learning. The childminder’s ethos of treating each child as an individual and her skilful modelling of respectful behaviour encourages children to share, care, and praise and achieve a positive outlook on life.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's health is maintained and the spread of infection is minimised. Children take part in daily health promotion routines, such as washing their hands before eating and drying their hands on paper towels to avoid cross contamination, thereby helping them to learn good hygiene procedures. Through age-appropriate explanations children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe. Children benefit from the childminder’s promotion of healthy eating. Close liaison with parents ensures that individual dietary needs are met. 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? 2 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? 2

p.6

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?

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

p.7