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 222978 Inspection date 01/06/2009 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 1999. She lives with her husband and three children aged four, 11 and 14 years in Cambridge. All 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 one dog, one cat, two rabbits, two guinea pigs, a hamster and some fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years. There are currently 13 children on roll, four of whom are in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She 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. The childminder provides effectively for children in the early years age group. Children are making very good progress in their learning and development, enjoying warm and friendly relationships with the childminder. Working closely with parents and other professionals, children's needs are met extremely well. An exceptionally safe environment has been created with most documentation maintained to a high standard to support children's welfare. Improvements have been made since the last inspection and the childminder self- evaluates her provision to improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 complete individual personal detail forms for each child attending.

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provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are promoted through familiar routines. The childminder organises her day so that the needs of the children she cares for can be met. For example, children are taken to the local parent and toddler groups in the morning where they are able to socialise with their friends. After lunch children are able to play with appropriate resources or rest according to their individual needs. The childminder holds relevant childcare qualifications and has updated her knowledge through further training to enhance the care she provides for children and to promote their learning. The comprehensive set of policies and procedures that have been developed help the childminder to carry out her work effectively. This has a positive impact on the care children receive and ensures that their individual needs can be met. All relevant documentation is in place and extremely well-organised. However, siblings personal details are

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provision

sometimes recorded on the same form, which may compromise their care in an This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 emergency as the information could be misread.

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provision

Children are safeguarded exceptionally well as the childminder has a very good knowledge of the procedures to take should she have concerns that any child may be being abused or neglected. The robust risk assessments that are conducted ensures that hazards to children are minimised, promoting their safety very well whether playing on the premises or on outings in the local area. The childminder's self-evaluation helps her to identify the strengths and weaknesses of her provision enabling her to make improvements. This has resulted in improvements being made since the last inspection by practising the emergency escape plan with the children which helps them to develop an understanding of how to say safe. The positive working relationships that are built with parents and the links that have been developed with other professionals delivering the EYFS ensures progression and continuity of learning and care for each child. The childminder seeks the views

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provision

of both parents and children about her provision which promotes a very good two- way flow of information. This enables parents to be involved in supporting their children's learning and development, encouraging them to share what they know about their child.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with appropriate opportunities to help them make progress in all areas of learning and development. The childminder has a good knowledge of the requirements set out in the EYFS and plans activities around the children's interests. Sensitive observations are made on children's progress and recorded in folders which are shared with parents. These assessments are linked to the six areas of learning and include the next steps in children's development giving a clear picture of each child's progress. The childminder supports children in their play, working at their level and extended their learning through encouraging them to try new experiences. Children's independence is promoted very well as they access age-appropriate activities such as shape sorters and role play resources. Babies explore the premises with confidence and toddlers enjoy taking their 'babies' for walks in the doll's carry seats around the home. All children regardless

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

of age have access to art and craft materials, learning to mark make from a very early age. Babies and toddlers enjoy a warm relationship with the childminder sitting on her lap to look at books pointing to the pictures, talking and making sounds. During this time children under the age of two show increasing levels of attention and concentration, enjoying immensely the appropriate physical contact with the childminder. They learn about the world around them by visiting the local amenities and their large physical skills are promoted in the garden where they have access to a wide range of equipment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into an extremely safe and homely environment. Their good health and well-being is promoted through the very good standard of hygiene that is maintained to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder gathers information from parents regarding health issues and is able to take appropriate action should children become ill or hurt themselves. Opportunities to play outside in the garden or walks to the local park also contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Children behave exceptionally well, playing alongside one another, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning to share and take turns. Kind and considerate behaviour management techniques used by the childminder helps children to learn right and wrong. For example, children are given realistic boundaries and intervention or distraction methods are used. Children enjoy their time spent with the childminder because

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

they feel safe and secure which helps them to settle quickly and play happily together. Parents comment on how excellent the care is that is given to their children by the childminder who is flexible and highly professional in her approach. Children state that they love coming to the childminder because she is nice and they have great fun. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 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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