Childminder in Cambridgeshire

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 EY384596 Inspection date 24/06/2009 Inspector Carly Mooney

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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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her partner and son aged eight years, in March, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for minding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, parks and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for five children under eight years and is currently minding four children in the early years age range. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is able to care for one child overnight.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment where her inclusive practice is effective in meeting children's individual needs. She provides a stimulating range of activities and resources and is developing good skills in planning, observing and assessing children's progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has built sound relationships with parents and carers which helps children feel settled in her care and encourages them to feel a real sense of belonging as part of a family group. The childminder understands her own strengths and weaknesses and has identified realistic steps for development, which will help to continually improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure regular evacuation drills are carried out with all children and recorded in a fire log book.

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provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for children which enables them to feel secure and settled in her care. She effectively organises her day to ensure daily routines take account of children's individual needs, such as sleep times. Children know the routines well and make independent choices about the activities they want to participate in, as resources are attractively arranged at children's level in the inviting play room.

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provision

Documentation and record keeping is well-organised, with the exception that the childminder has not kept a record of any evacuation drills carried out with the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children. She keeps a variety of comprehensive, written policies and procedures which are effective in promoting children's health, safety and welfare. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to minimise hazards through daily checks and written risk assessments and ensures children are well supervised. She is clear in her knowledge of safeguarding issues and confident of the procedures to follow should a concern arise.

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provision

The childminder has built strong relationships with parents which benefits the children's time at the setting. They receive home visits prior to starting which helps to establish trust and feelings of security between parents, the childminder and the child. Parents receive feedback about their child on a daily basis both verbally and through a daily diary. This constant two-way flow of information ensures children's needs are known and met. The childminder values the opinions of the parents and the children she looks after, to help her monitor and evaluate her setting. This allows her to identify realistic areas for development which helps to improve outcomes for all children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have developed close relationships with the childminder, snuggling up close to her on the sofa to listen to one of their favourite stories being read. She ensures that children enjoy a suitable range of activities that are appropriate for their age and supports their development across all six areas of learning. She has a sound understanding of learning through play and supports children appropriately in activities. Records of children's achievements are in place which include clear next steps in their learning and development. Records and photographs of their child's time at the setting are regularly shared with parents, with some, also contributing their own thoughts and feelings about their child's development at home and in the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are contented and behave well in the childminder's care. They are constantly praised and encouraged which helps to promote their self-esteem and feelings of confidence. Children's work is displayed enabling them to feel valued in the childminder's home. The childminder effectively uses children's interests such as trains, to support a number of areas of learning. For example, identifying each train by it's number and naming shapes when drawing a picture of the trains face. Children have good opportunities to learn that print carries meaning, as there are many posters and signs on the playroom walls and a wide range of books are readily available and used often. Books which promote other cultures, such as French, are also available to help children become aware of and explore ethnicity, language, religion and culture. Children have regular access to outdoor play which offers them the freedom to explore, use their senses and be physically active.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Large static equipment in the garden provides sufficient challenge for young children and they use the local park on a regular basis. A range of activities and resources encourages children's creativity and imaginative skills, such as, role play equipment and art and craft materials.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a safe environment and are aware of some rules and routines which actively help to keep them safe, such as road safety. However, although the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is clear in her evacuation procedures from the setting in an emergency, she has not yet familiarised all her children with these. The childminder has a good awareness of the records that need to be kept should children require medication in her care or if they have an accident, which ensures that their welfare is safeguarded. She holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to offer appropriate care in the event of a minor injury. All meals and snacks are provided by parents, who are aware that the childminder promotes healthy eating in her setting. Children grow vegetables such as sweet corn and carrots which helps to develop their understanding of where food comes from.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Drinks are readily available to all children to ensure they remain hydrated. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure there is a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (procedures for dealing with complaints). 13/07/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the childcare register (procedures for dealing with complaints). 13/07/2009

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