Childminder in Nottingham

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

p.1

Unique reference number 254877 Inspection date 20/04/2009 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her husband, son and daughter in the Sherwood area of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The home is within walking distance of local schools and amenities.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll, three of whom are in the early years range. Of the six school aged children who attend, three are over eight years of age. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and settled and make good progress in their learning and development because activities take account of their individual interests and abilities. The strong partnerships with parents ensure she has clear information to successfully promote children's welfare and meet their individual needs. The childminder has implemented the recommendations made at her last inspection and taken positive steps to implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She actively seeks the views of the parents and children for whom she provides a service and takes on board advice so that her service responds to the needs of the children who attend.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 analyse the observations of children's learning to help plan for their next steps  develop further links with other settings attended by the children to promote continuity in their learning.

p.3

provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has attended recent training that has increased her knowledge of child protection issues. This means she is able to identify any concerns and take the appropriate action needed. She places high emphasis on children's safety and takes positive steps to ensure risk assessments are undertaken. As a result, the childminder identifies potential hazards and takes steps to address these according to the ages and abilities of the children present. The childminder maintains all of the required documentation to promote the welfare of the children and has a range of written policies that she shares with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 parents to explain her working practices. The childminder is an experienced carer who continues to develop her own practice through attending training and meeting with colleagues. She successfully reflects on her own practice, identifies her

p.3

provision

strengths and considers future developments. In doing this, she takes account of the views of the parents and children for whom she provides care.

p.4

provision

The childminder organises her home well so that the needs of all children are met. Resources are within children's reach so that they can choose what they wish to use and develop a sense of independence. She makes good use of her garden and children have the opportunity to play outdoors when they wish. The childminder establishes good relationships with parents and encourages two-way communication so that they share information effectively to support children's care and learning. Where children attend other settings, such as the local school nursery unit, the childminder forms good relationships with the staff so that information can be exchanged although this is primarily based around their welfare needs. Whilst the childminder supports children's learning in other settings, working partnerships are not yet well-established.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn and develop well because the relationships formed with the childminder promote their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder knows all of the children well and therefore knows when to allow children to play uninterrupted and when to step in to extend their learning. She responds to their individual interests. For example, she buys dinosaur cutters for the dough because this is a newly identified interest of one of the children. These are then used to promote children's imagination and knowledge through a familiar type of play. The childminder is alert to spontaneous opportunities to promote all areas of children's learning within one activity. For example, she uses mathematical language, she poses challenging questions and encourages conversation. Children play very well together and know what is expected of them. They help themselves to toys and resources but know that they should replace these after use. Good use is made of

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

the outdoor area and children are generally able to play indoors or outdoors as they choose because this is readily accessible from the rear of the play room. Children enjoy digging in the outdoor sand tray and playing with tunnels and tents. They eagerly check on the progress of the peas they are growing in pots outdoors and recall the vegetables they grew last year. Children's learning is continued out of the home as they attend community groups, visit soft play centres, parks and go on planned outings. For example, an outing to a tramway museum was planned to build on children's interests and experiences of riding on a local tram. The childminder observes the children on a regular basis and uses this information to check their progress towards the early learning goals. She bases her planning around what she knows the children need to learn and their interests, although she does not currently identify clear next steps to fully promote individualised

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing a good understanding of healthy living. They readily help themselves to drinks when they are thirsty and deal with their own personal hygiene routines. They eat a variety of healthy meals and snacks and their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of food is enhanced through the opportunities to grow and pick fresh vegetables from pots in the garden. Children understand when they should wash their hands and do so before the childminder reminds them. They are very active and have plenty of space to move around in their play. There is a good range of equipment available to promote their physical skills and to encourage them to enjoy exercise. Children walk to and from the local school and their explanations of how they cross the roads show clearly how this is supporting their understanding of road safety. Children use a good range of toys and have access

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

to technology through the supervised use of a computer. The childminder has added to her resources that reflect diversity and this enables children to see positive images within the everyday activities. The childminder encourages children to be aware of the needs of others and to treat everyone with respect and as a result, children play well together. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

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.

p.7

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:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep a written statement of the procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 11/05/2009

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 11/05/2009

p.7