Childminder in Rotherham

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 EY331693 Inspection date 29/06/2009 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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

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.

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11 and eight year old twins, in a semi-detached house in a suburb of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, including the first floor toilet facilities, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, at any one time and is currently minding four children of which three are in the Early years age group. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and regularly meets with fellow childminders and is building relationships with other providers of early years care and education. The family have coldwater fish as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of her strengths and areas for development, which effectively contributes to the ongoing improvement of the service. The childminder ensures all children are included and have the same chances to reach their potential. Partnership with parents is exceptionally well established and they are fully conversed in the day to day care and education of their children. Flexible hours of care are operated to ensure children and parents needs are met accordingly. The childminder has forged links with other settings and has informed the local nursery and school staff who are the children she cares for, and that she is on hand for emergencies. Children's progress is carefully monitored through observations, assessments and establishing children's individual needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement a system for keeping a record of when risk assessment takes place and any actions taken.

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provision

The childminder ensures her informal planning includes children's interests, capabilities and activities are age appropriate. Robust assessments are clear, showing children's starting points and their next steps. All relevant documentation is in place and is of extremely high quality, with policies and procedures clearly written and easily understood. The childminder has completed many courses and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 workshops pertinent to successful childminding, and holds a valid first aid certificate and suitable public liability insurance cover. Adult, child ratios are always maintained and children are fully supervised.

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provision

Children have access to a wide range of exciting and stimulating activities that encourage them to work towards the six areas of learning. These are clearly defined and children are making good progress. The childminder uses the self- evaluation document to reflect on her practice and is always looking for ways to improve her setting. The outcomes for children are that they learn to develop into strong and healthy individuals and achieve their full potential. Partnership with parents is excellent. They are fully informed about their children's day, what they do and the activities they access and are very happy with the level of care provided.

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provision

The childminder has forged positive links with local schools, nurseries and other childminders in the area. They regularly share relevant information, meet together for outings and the schools know they can contact the childminder in any emergency. The childminder has begun to establish a method for encouraging parents to help their children's development in the home setting. She is very supportive of their efforts and offers advice and help with activities and interesting places to visit. The childminder carries out her duties to safeguard children in a very positive manner. She has a very good understanding and knowledge of child protection procedures, and has a good system in place for recording any concerns. The risk assessment process she uses is effective and very well managed, to ensure children are safe, secure and well cared for. However, she does not keep a clear record of when this takes place or any action taken.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to be active and understand the benefits of physical activity because they are provided with opportunities to play outdoors, get plenty of fresh air and exercise. They access suitable equipment to keep them active and they are able to rest as required. Children are beginning to understand and adopt healthy habits such as, good hygiene practices, through well established routines and are responsible for their own personal hygiene. They are able to make healthy choices about what they eat and drink, because they are given a well balanced diet of healthy and nutritious food. The childminder helps children to enjoy their learning and make progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points, capabilities and interests. She effectively plans activities and children have access to exciting and stimulating play situations. They use excellent resources and equipment, and have lots of fun to enable them to become active learners. The

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children are encouraged to be creative and think critically, and are spurned on by the childminder to be inquisitive, explore, use their imaginations and input their own ideas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others. They adhere to house rules, know what is, or not allowed, share, take turns, help each other and make friends. The children play together in groups and learn to be tolerant and patient with each other. They are developing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 an understanding of danger and how to stay safe, because the childminder involves them in the risk management of their activities and to try to think about what would be a danger. She talks to them and explains about strangers, not touching stray animals, and to think about their own safety. Children are aware of road safety, because the childminder shows them how to be aware of traffic and use the patrol to cross or with an adult. They are regularly involved in fire evacuation and they are very good about informing her when they see something

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

dangerous. They follow routines, help to clear aware and don't run inside the house. The childminder helps children to make as much progress as they can in technology, problem solving and numeracy through suitable activities that encourage thinking and problem solving. They are freely able to access appropriate equipment and learn how to use the computers, and other technology. They understand the wider world, demonstrated through their play and communications as they learn to care for animals, celebrate other festivals, read about other cultures and countries. Children enjoy singing, dance, listen well to stories and the older children are encouraged to pay regard to younger ones. 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? 3 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

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