Childminder in CambridgeshireOfsted inspection, 14 May 2009

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 222011 Inspection date 14/05/2009 Inspector Margaret Elizabeth Roberts

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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 1993. She lives with her husband in Milton, Cambridgeshire. All of the home is used and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children from local pre-schools where she is developing links to support the care she provides for the children. The family have two dogs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years. There are currently three children on roll, all of whom are in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder supports children with English as an additional language. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts 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 provides sensitive and appropriate care for children in the early years age group. They are happy and settled in this homely environment where changes have been made since the last inspection to improve outcomes for children. Whilst attention is given to ensure that their health is promoted through relevant procedures, some improvements are required. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which helps them to make good progress in their learning and development. Children benefit from the relationships that have been built with their parents and other professionals ensuring that their needs can be met.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the recordings of all accidents are maintained accurately  ensure that the contents of the first aid box are appropriate  improve awareness of food hygiene legislation including registration with the relevant Local Authority Environmental Health Department.

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provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are promoted very well through familiar routines. Children enjoy visiting their friends in the local area who are cared for by other childminders, which helps them to socialise and mix with their peers. The childminder holds appropriate qualifications and has attended further training to update her child care knowledge, which has a positive impact on the care children receive. Resources are rotated to ensure that all areas of learning are promoted over a period of time. Children are kept safe because they are supervised at all times, with the childminder having the skill to allow them to also become independent as they access activities and facilities on their own. Risk assessments are conducted which helps to minimise hazards to children and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is able to respond appropriately to safeguard them should she have

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provision

concerns that they may be neglected or abused.

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provision

The childminder has begun to identify her own strengths and weaknesses and has met any recommendations made at previous inspections. For example, children now take part in the emergency evacuation plan which helps them to have an understanding of how to keep safe. All relevant documentation is in place, however, accident recordings are not always accurately maintained and the first aid box has minimal contents which could compromise children's health. Extremely good relationships have been built with parents and other professionals delivering the EYFS which results in continuity of care for each child being looked after. The excellent two-way flow of information that is exchanged between the childminder and the parents keeps them fully informed about their children's progress and what they have been taking part in during their time spent at the setting. They have access to their own children's folders and the daily diaries that are

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provision

completed, which parents make comments in, ensures that they are involved in supporting their own child's learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a good range of opportunities to help them make steady progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has a good knowledge of the requirements set out in the EYFS and plans her day accordingly to ensure that children are motivated to learn. Children choose freely the activities that they wish to play with, either accessing those presented in the home or by asking the childminder if they may have other resources. Children play well together sharing and taking turns, often engaged in the same activity. They use appropriate cutting tools and utensils competently when playing with the dough. They initiate their own role play when using the train track, making up stories about the trains. Children have warm relationships with the childminder, cuddling her around the neck and showing great enjoyment by laughing when they lift their legs off the floor to balance on her back. Babies are interested in what is

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

happening around them often joining in with older children's play. They reach out and grasp objects to help them move around, secure in the knowledge that the childminder is there to support them. Children have opportunities to play outside where they ride tricycles confidently and play ball games. They help with the planting and growing of vegetables which they then eat at meal and snack times. Sensitive observations are made on children's progress which are then used to plan for their next steps in learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into a safe and welcoming environment where their good health is promoted through nutritional meals that are prepared and cooked by the childminder. Whilst good hygiene practices are in place the childminder does not hold a food hygiene certificate and she is not registered with the relevant authority. Children learn about healthy habits such as good hygiene practices through the daily routines as they wash their hands regularly. They are able to go for walks on a daily basis, often making visits to local attractions such as the country park, which helps to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Children behave very well, following the childminder's good example. They are helped to learn right from This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 wrong through the positive behaviour management techniques that are used by the childminder, with praise given to develop their self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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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