Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

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 219770 Inspection date 06/07/2009 Inspector Sylvia Crawford

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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 registered in 1992. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband, their two adult children and a 10 year old. They live on a well established estate in Dunstable close to local shops, pre-school, and schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder uses the ground floor for childminding with toilet facilities upstairs. There is a garden available for children's outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder’s registration permits her to care for a maximum of five children, three children may be in the early years age group. She currently cares for seven children, of whom two children are in the early years age group. Children attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are making good progress in a stimulating, safe environment where they are fully included. The childminder knows the children and their interests very well and plans their daily routines and activities so that they all gain maximum benefit. Children learn through the wide range of experiences and resources the childminder provides. The childminder is committed to improving her service and has attended training to support the improvement of outcomes for children in her care. She has taken steps to evaluate the provision and has identified areas for improvement, for example, to develop her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to ensure that planning covers all areas of learning and meets the individual needs of children  develop the observation and assessment process further to identify children's starting points and the next steps in their learning journey  ensure that a written record is kept of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children benefit from the good relationship the childminder has with parents and information is shared verbally to enhance the continuity of children's care. The childminder has some well written policies in place to support her service and she shares these with all parents. Regulatory records are well maintained and include all necessary written parental permissions. These are kept securely to maintain confidentiality. The childminder carries out visual checks on a daily basis to ensure her home remains safe and does a more in depth risk assessment on a regular basis. However, this is not in written form to show when the risk assessment has been completed and the date of the next review.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of safeguarding all children and safety in the home and on trips is a priority. She has completed training in child protection and is aware of the local safeguarding procedures. Consequently, she knows what to do if she has a concern for a child’s welfare. Inclusive practice is effectively promoted by the childminder who is able to provide activities that meet the diverse needs and interests of all children in her care. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge of the EYFS through ongoing training.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes warm and close relationships with children and provides consistent care in partnership with the parents. She provides a designated play room for the children which is decorated with bright posters and children's art work. This promotes their self-esteem as children know their work is valued. Children play in a fully inclusive environment where they have free access to a wide range of resources and enjoy a variety of activities and experiences. They go out on trips to explore the area such as to the Dunstable Downs, to the shops and the local park. They go regularly to the parent and toddler group where children learn about socialising with other children. In the school holidays the childminder organised longer trips, such as to the farm, where children learn about the animals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder is beginning to develop her planning to include all areas of learning and is developing systems for the observations and assessment of children in her care. She makes good use of photographs and the records document each child's learning journey toward the early learning goals. However, she does not always clearly identify children's starting point or their next steps for learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a good mix of adult and child led activities, both indoors and outside, which she uses well to support and develop children's learning. She knows when to sit back and encourage children to solve problems for themselves such as supporting young children to complete a jigsaw. The childminder shows a genuine interest in the children's discoveries and actively encourages them to think by asking open questions. For example the childminder joins in the imaginative This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 play and asks the children if they have put sugar in her cup of tea. The childminder uses all opportunities to support the children in their language and numeracy skills. They chalk together on the blackboard and she draws the numbers and letters as requested by the children and then they copy them. The childminder then asks the children to find the letters on the alphabet poster, for example, after drawing a u

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thrive in a well organised, safe and hygienic environment. The childminder is a good role model and encourages them to learn simple hygiene routines such as washing their hands before lunch and wiping their noses. Safety is a priority and the childminder has in place safety measures such as stair gates and socket covers. The childminder has emergency evacuation procedures in place and she practises these with the children to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and supports children to eat nutritious snacks and lunches. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty. Children enjoy a social occasion at mealtimes and the childminder supports them to eat well and have good table manners. Behaviour management strategies are discussed with parents and there are house rules in place that help children to understand about

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

boundaries. The childminder promotes good behaviour through lots of praise and encouragement. She encourages children to be kind, to respect one another and to share. Consequently, children behave well and know what is expected of them. 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: 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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