Childminder in Nottinghamshire

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 EY318699 Inspection date 20/07/2009 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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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 registered in 2006. She lives with her family in the Gedling area of Nottingham. Minded children use the ground floor, with toilet and sleep facilities available within this area, and also have access to the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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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 years at any one time and is currently caring for five children, all of whom, are in the early years range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, and regularly attends childminding support groups.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a broad range of interesting activities in the home and in the wider community, which support all areas of children's learning. She recognises and meets children's individual needs and works in partnership with parents so that all children are valued and included. Arrangements to promote children's health and safety are mostly robust. The childminder evaluates her practice and takes positive steps to enhance the service she provides, demonstrating a good capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the observations of children to identify their next steps in learning and to inform planning  review the arrangements for children to dry their hands in order to minimise the risk of cross-infection.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn through play and knows how to engage children's interest and when to offer support. She plans her routines carefully to ensure children have a broad range of experiences in the home and wider community, whilst ensuring the arrangements meet their welfare needs. The good partnership with parents is based on effective communication where information is readily exchanged. The childminder recognises that parents know their children best and collects comprehensive information, including their preferences, needs and care routines, at the time children start. This information is used effectively to plan for each child's individual needs. Parents express their high This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 level of satisfaction with the service and the progress their children make. Documentation is well-organised and ensures appropriate records are maintained

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provision

The childminder takes positive steps to promote children's safety. She maintains high levels of supervision and uses risk assessment successfully to ensure all hazards are minimised. The environment is planned well so that children can choose what they wish to do and access a good range of safe and suitable toys and equipment. Toilet facilities close to the play area means children are developing a sense of independence. However, the provision of a shared towel for children to use when drying their hands does not fully protect them from the risk of cross-infection and weakens the otherwise high standards of hygiene used at all times. The childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities towards safeguarding children and understands the correct procedures to follow if she were concerned about a child. The childminder further protects children, as she keeps all of her training up-to-date. For example, she has renewed her first aid certificate,

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provision

attended safeguarding training and holds a food safety award. Overall, the childminder demonstrates a high level of motivation and desire to do her best for the children in her care. She has implemented the recommendations made at the last inspection and as part of her ongoing self-evaluation is beginning to identify ways to further enhance her practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They are happy, confident and eager to involve the childminder in their play. For example, they are keen for her to read a favourite book to them and they truly benefit as she gives them time to talk about the story and to tell parts of it themselves. Children happily say what they want to do, with ideas as diverse as playing shops with real money and items from the store cupboard to making jellyfish from craft materials. At each suggestion the childminder assists the children to find what they need and through her interaction supports children with their learning. For example, she encourages counting and helps them to develop the skills needed to use a tape dispenser. Children behave well and demonstrate an ability to play cooperatively with others. During a game of snakes and ladders the children take turns fairly and follow the accepted rules. Children readily recognise the number of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

dots on the dice and count as they move their tokens across the board, delighting as they move up the ladders and down the snakes. With the childminder's support they remain focussed and complete the game happily, showing an ability to remain on task.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides many opportunities for children to learn through activities within the wider community. For example, they regularly attend childminding groups, soft play areas and groups run by Sure Start. The childminder recognises the value of each of these experiences for the children and uses these in positive ways to enhance their learning. For example, children learn to mix with others, join in singing and dancing activities and gain an awareness of a variety of celebrations. The childminder records in photographs what the children do and is building a useful record of their achievements, which she is beginning to link to the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 six areas of learning. However, as yet she does not clearly identify what each child needs to learn next so that this can be incorporated into her planning. Therefore, opportunities to maximise children's progress are missed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe and healthy. An opportunity to see a fire engine up close and speak with firemen builds on the routine evacuation practises they complete with the childminder and raises their awareness of this aspect of safety. They understand why it is important to wash their hands, and recognise foods that are good for them. Meals and snacks are healthy and nutritious and meet children's individual dietary needs. Children enjoy being in the fresh air and have good opportunities to play outdoors by using the childminder's secure garden. They happily chase bubbles that they create using a bubble machine and kick a ball aiming it between the goal posts. They use their imaginations as they wash the outdoor wheeled toys pretending it is a car wash. Such valuable experiences allow children to learn as they play and to develop the skills needed for the future. 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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