Childminder in Derbyshire

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 207395 Inspection date 22/04/2009 Inspector Karen Ann Byfleet

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

This childminder has been registered since 1991. She lives with her family on the outskirts of Chesterfield. All of the ground floor areas are accessible to the children. The ground floor is split into two levels, with steps leading from the lounge to the hallway and the kitchen. The toilet is situated within the hallway. There is a secure rear garden for outdoor play and the family have a pet rabbit and some goldfish.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She provides care all year round and there are currently 11 children on roll who attend various sessions throughout the week; of these, two are in the early years age group. The childminder regularly attends local children's groups and undertakes outings within the local community. She holds a relevant child care qualification, attends regular training and receives support from the local authority.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. Positive, professional relationships are built with parents that ensure the childminder can support them and provide continuity of care for all children. The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), as she provides effective and purposeful activities for the children. The childminder has a good understanding and awareness of the six areas of learning and how she undertakes observations and assessments of children's learning and development around these. However, she has not yet fully established her planning of activities to take account of the next steps in children's learning. Through her self-evaluation the childminder is proactive in evaluating her provision and has clear ideas on how she intends to maintain continuous improvement. The childminder's home is well-organised, ensuring children have sufficient space to move around in comfort and safety.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further the planning of activities to take full account of children's next steps in their learning

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 implement a full risk assessment for outings and review before embarking on each specific outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 01/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder is well-organised and has a portfolio of policies and procedures, which she shares with parents and implements successfully to ensure that all of the children in her care are safe and well-cared for. She attends various training courses through the local authority, which enable her to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. The childminder gathers all relevant information from parents, which enables her to plan effectively and provide care and learning that meets children's individual needs and she is proactive in ensuring the inclusion of all children in all activities.

p.4

provision

Positive relationships with parents are formed. For example, settling-in periods are individual to each parent and child to enable them to feel secure in the care provided and there is a valuable exchange of information between the childminder and the parents to ensure consistency of care. Links with other providers of care for children in the EYFS take place on a regular basis which ensures children's development is effectively monitored to help them make good progress.

p.4

provision

The childminder has a clear and comprehensive procedure for safeguarding children's welfare and is fully aware of her responsibilities in this area. There are comprehensive and clear procedures for conducting daily checks to make sure that any hazards highlighted through the risk assessment for the premises are minimised. However, risk assessments for outings have not been put in place. The childminder is proactive in seeking ways to enhance her provision for the children and has used the Ofsted self-evaluation form to reflect on what she does well and areas where she intends to make further improvement.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's welfare, learning and development. Children are helped to learn how to keep themselves healthy as they have frequent opportunities for both physical and outdoor play activities. They routinely follow good hygiene practises, such as washing their hands after using the bathroom and before eating. A healthy, nutritious menu for snacks and meals is provided for all the children. This includes fresh fruits, meat and fresh vegetables. Fresh drinking water, fruit juice and milk are available to children throughout the day and with their snacks and meals. The childminder supports children's understanding of a sense of safety as she talks to them about holding hands when out walking and road safety. An emergency evacuation plan is in place and practised with the children, helping to raise their awareness of staying safe within the home. Play spaces are organised well, enabling children to independently choose and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

participate in a good range of stimulating activities that meet their play and development needs.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Information is gathered from parents about the children's likes, dislikes and the things they can do, and the childminder uses this as a basis on which to build their learning. Observations and assessments of children's learning have been implemented well and the childminder clearly links these with the six areas of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning and records the information in children's individual learning records. However, the observations made are not fully used to plan the next steps in children's learning. Younger children are able to experiment with a variety of resources. For example, the childminder adapts craft and baking activities to ensure all children are able to participate.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to a wide range of age-appropriate toys, games and resources which promote their development and progress through all six areas of learning such as, for example, jigsaws, books, board games, role-play, creative and construction activities. They enjoy all-round creative activities such as painting, model-making and baking. The childminder offers support but allows the child to be independent in their tasks. Their art work is attractively displayed, giving them a sense of belonging and helping to raise their self-esteem. Their knowledge and understanding of the wider world is enhanced through books and activities which show positive images of a diverse society, and children have opportunities to plant outdoors and nurture what they grow. The childminder ensures she plans activities which help develop children's knowledge and skills in mathematical concepts such as when they weigh out ingredients for a baking

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

activity and talk about shapes. 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