Childminder in Bedford

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 EY225218 Inspection date 09/06/2009 Inspector Kelly Eyre

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and one child aged eleven in the Brickhill area of Bedford. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The property is accessed by a low step and facilities are located on the first floor. The family has two dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder provides care on each weekday during term-time and school holidays. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

Children on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register share the same facilities as those on the Early Years Register. There are currently six children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age range.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's on-going support to children ensures that they are included and benefit from the activities offered. The good use of on-going assessments to inform individual plans for each child is a key strength, meaning that children's interests and current developmental needs are closely reflected in the activities and play opportunities. The childminder's clear procedures for the on-going evaluation of her practice mean that she has a realistic picture of her strengths and weaknesses. She develops plans to continue to improve children's care and ensure that she remains responsive to their needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further opportunities for children to explore the uses of writing and mark-making for a range of purposes  develop the procedures for safeguarding children so that these reflect local procedures.

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provision

The childminder has developed efficient procedures to support the on-going evaluation and development of her practice. These include the use of regular questionnaires to obtain feedback from parents to help her review her work and identify possible areas for improvement. She makes use of this information to develop clear plans for the future, leading to the potential to improve outcomes for children. For example, recent changes have included the introduction of individual plans for each child, ensuring that their needs are clearly recognised and are fed into the overall planning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Thorough risk assessments of the childminder's home and of all outings help to ensure that hazards are minimised and children are therefore able to move around freely and safely. On-going explanations, relevant activities and good daily practice

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provision

promote children's understanding of safety issues. For example, children access role play resources relating to fire safety, encouraging them to explore and discuss this issue. Clear procedures for safeguarding children mean that their welfare is appropriately promoted. However, this area is not fully promoted because the childminder's written procedures do not reflect those of the local authority.

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provision

The childminder maintains good relationships with parents and carers, ensuring that there is an efficient exchange of information and enabling her to offer children appropriate and consistent care. The good liaison with others providing care for the children further supports this area. For example, the childminder is aware of the pre-school's activity plans, enabling her to provide activities to complement these and further promote children's development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children participate in a varied range of activities that support them in making good progress in all areas of learning. Their independence is promoted because they are supported in developing their own play. Activities are planned according to children's particular interests and developmental needs and are securely based on the childminder's assessment of them. The childminder develops individual plans for each child, thereby ensuring that children's needs are clearly documented and they are consistently offered appropriate activities. However, children's development is not promoted to the optimum as they are not always offered opportunities to utilise writing and mark-making for a range of purposes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to explore and are gaining a good appreciation and understanding of their local environment. For example, they feed the ducks, grow sunflowers and enjoy local bus trips. They are encouraged to be active learners and solve simple problems. For example, they act out number rhymes and count objects as part of their daily play and routines. The good planning means that their understanding is further reinforced. An example of this is a topic to look at fire safety; children thoroughly enjoy exploring the resources provided by the fire service, discussing fire safety and the childminder's emergency evacuation procedures as they dress up, read associated books and draw pictures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The accessible resources encourage children to explore and extend their understanding. For example, children playing with the workbench explore the various tools and discuss the functions of these with the childminder. Children's enjoyment is enhanced because the childminder plays alongside them, offering appropriate support and encouragement. For example, children explore the finger puppets and become engrossed as the childminder joins them to act out their favourite nursery rhymes. The thoughtful provision of additional resources further enhances children's enjoyment and learning. Young children thoroughly enjoy exploring the heuristic play materials, showing their obvious pleasure as they discover large beads, wooden cooking implements, shakers and textured materials. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder's efficient planning and organisation mean that children are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

offered regular opportunities to socialise with their peers and participate in a range of activities, for example, through their regular attendance at toddler groups. The good forward-planning also means that children are offered additional activities and opportunities. They enjoy regular visits to the soft play centre and weekly visits to the farm, where they participate in seasonal activities such as feeding the lambs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's understanding and awareness are increased because the childminder makes good use of resources. Their awareness of other cultures and differences are promoted for example, as they utilise the computer and internet to research festivals, using the information to inform activities such as tasting traditional dishes from other countries. Their knowledge of the relevance of healthy lifestyles is promoted as they discuss issues such as healthy eating and the importance of washing their hands before meals and snacks. 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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