Childminder in Derby

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 205849 Inspection date 18/06/2009 Inspector Sally Ann Smith

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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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and children aged 10 and 13 years in Chaddesden, Derby. The whole of the ground floor along with an upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. Access to the first floor may pose problems regarding accessibility for some children. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. At times, the childminder works with an assistant. The family has a rabbit and two chickens

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. When working with an assistant, she may care for 10 children at any one time. The childminder currently has 22 children on roll, all of whom, attend on a part time basis.

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Description of the childminding

She attends local childminder and parent and carer toddler groups, and is an accredited member of the Derby city, Early Years Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) to receive nursery grant funded children. She holds an early years qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of provision is good. The childminder provides a warm and caring environment where all children are included and make good progress in their learning and development. Planning ensures that children experience a wide range of stimulating and enjoyable activities, taking into account their preferences. Parents are consulted and included in all aspects of their child's care and very positive relationships are established. The childminder has clear aspirations for the continual improvement and quality of care, learning and development provided for the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 support further opportunities for children to develop their understanding of problem solving, reasoning and numeracy in a broad range of contexts  develop further understanding of safeguarding procedures in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder  clarify further the procedure for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

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provision

The childminder is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and the importance of her role in protecting children. She has a clear policy outlining her procedures should she have any concerns. The childminder has some understanding as to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 what would happen should an allegation of abuse be made against herself, but her written policy does not reflect this. Risk assessments are very thorough and take account of the indoor and outdoor environment, so that hazards are minimised. In addition, risk assessments include any outings that the children undertake.

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provision

The childminder is proactive in accessing training on a regular basis to update her knowledge and improve practice. A recent course 'Helping boys through transition' has prompted the childminder to evaluate her practice and incorporate the useful suggestions and ideas gained from the training. As part of her own evaluation, the childminder has completed a very comprehensive self-evaluation and identified areas for improvement, which she feels are, and should be, continually ongoing. The childminder works closely with colleagues and other early years professionals for further advice and support.

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provision

Partnerships with parents are strong as the childminder values their contributions and keeps them informed about all aspects of their child's development. Parents receive exceptionally good quality information about the childminder's provision and receive a range of comprehensive policies and procedures. This enables parents to see how the setting is effectively managed, to fully promote all aspects of their child's welfare and learning. However, whilst there is a procedure should children need urgent hospital attention, this lacks clarity. The childminder uses parent's observations and information gleaned from completed 'All about me' forms, so that she can plan for children's learning accordingly.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

From the moment children and parents enter the childminder's house, they are made to feel welcome. Information is displayed for parents and walls are covered with displays of children's work. Resources are stored within reach so that children can help themselves and initiate their play. Children are able to freely move between the indoor and outdoor play areas and enjoy spending time in the garden, weeding and tending to their vegetables. They use compost that they have made themselves to help their plants grow. They happily introduce the hens 'Mabel and Zoe' and collect the eggs that are laid. However, they also knowledgably tell anyone that is listening, that the hens can't come in the garden too often 'cos they eat all the plants'. The childminder is developing a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and therefore effective systems are in place to ensure that children generally make good progress across all areas of learning and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

development. However, there are less opportunities for children to develop their problem solving, reasoning and numeracy, although the childminder recognises this as being a weakness.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses EYFS observation and assessment sheets to monitor and record children's progress and identify next steps for their learning. She plans and adapts activities according to children's individual needs, so that each child reaches their full potential. Planning is in place, but flexible, enabling the childminder to respond to children's interests, so that they are purposefully engaged and happy in their play. Children help themselves to a construction set and begin to assemble and join the pieces together to make a house. They work out that the straight and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 rigid pieces form the foundation for their house, whilst the bendy pieces help to make the roof. As time goes on the children begin to develop their imagination and link the tubes together to make a hose. One child exclaims excitedly 'I'm a fireman and I'm going to put the fire out'. The children go to the dressing up box

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and select appropriate hats to wear. All the time, the childminder observes, engages and talks to the children, encouraging them to express their thoughts and ideas. For example, children realise that their hose is not long enough to reach the fire so the childminder says 'well what do you think you need to do then?' The children say 'get some more'. The childminder listens intently to children and is genuinely interested in everything they say and do. As a result, children vocalise and express themselves well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's independence is fostered well and wherever possible they are encouraged to do things for themselves. They put on their boots, shoes and coats and learn how to manipulate zippers, poppers and buttons. They learn how to keep themselves healthy through the foods they eat, partaking in regular exercise and good hygiene routines. They brush their teeth after meals and know that they must wash their hands after using the toilet or handling animals. The childminder always supports children if required and establishes very caring and trusting relationships, ensuring that children feel valued and included. 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? 1 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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