Childminder in CambridgeshireOfsted inspection, 5 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 222523 Inspection date 05/05/2009 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 1996. She lives with her husband in Cambridge. The ground level of the home is used and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools where she is developing links to support the care she provides for the children. The family have no pets. 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 age range. 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 satisfactory. The childminder provides appropriate care for children in the early years age group, as they enjoy warm relationships with her and her family. Whilst children enjoy a suitable range of activities to promote their development, the childminder recognises her weaknesses in delivering the educational programme. Although a safe environment has been created, some documentation and resources require updating. Children benefit from the relationships that the childminder builds with their parents and other professionals ensuring that the needs of children can be met.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve knowledge of the early learning goals and educational programme set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage  ensure that the first aid box has appropriate contents  ensure that all record keeping is accurately maintained, paying particular attention to medication recording, children's personal details and risk assessments.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a daily record of the hours of attendance of the children looked after on the premises (Documentation). 29/05/2009

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provision

Children's welfare is promoted through familiar day-to-day routines where they are made to feel at home in the childminder's care. Written policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, inform them of the service that is provided and help the childminder to carry out her work. Resources are rotated on a regular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 basis ensuring that children have access to a full range of opportunities. Risk assessments are completed, which helps to minimise hazards to children, but they do not include the date that they are conducted. Children can be safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow should she have concerns that a child might being neglected or abused.

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provision

The childminder has made improvements since her last inspection, for example, she has attended further training to update her knowledge on safeguarding children. She is also seeking advice to enable her to self-evaluate her provision, so that outcomes for children can be improved. All children are included in this warm, homely environment where they are able to play safely. Parents state how pleased they are with the care the childminder provides for their children, who benefit from the friendly relationships that are being made and the links made with other professionals to ensure continuity of care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a range of opportunities to help them make satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has attended training to familiarise herself with the learning and development requirements set out in the EYFS. Daily diaries completed for all the children in her care form part of the assessments and are shared with parents. However, these assessments do not cover all of the early learning goals because the childminder is not yet fully conversant with the educational programme. Children access resources that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Babies freely choose from activity centres, small ride on toys and large building blocks. They enjoy making noises by banging the blocks together to make 'music'. Children approach adults with confidence passing items to them and waiting for them to be returned. Times are set aside for listening to stories, planting seeds in the garden and messy play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Many opportunities for enjoying outdoor play helps to contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Whilst attention is given to keeping children safe, some of the childminder's record keeping is not always accurately maintained. For example, children's hours of attendance are not completed daily, which means that they cannot always be accounted for. Children's medical needs are sometimes compromised because the medication recordings are not always dated and the contents of the first aid box are minimal. Positive and appropriate techniques used by the childminder when dealing with behaviour management ensures that children learn about right and wrong. The warm relationships that the childminder and her family have with the children supports their emotional security and helps them to play happily. 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? 3 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? 3

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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? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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 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

 take actions as stated in the Early Years Register (Records to be kept). 29/05/2009

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