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 EY378497 Inspection date 05/05/2009 Inspector Carol Brown

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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 2008. She lives with her son aged 11 years old close to Cambridge city centre. The premises are accessed via a step. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children, three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for one child in the early years age range. The childminder is registered to care for children on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

She walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and attends the local childminding group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats all children with equal respect and concern, this ensures that no group or individual is disadvantaged. The childminder has begun develop systems to self-evaluate her practice, however, this is not always reflective and therefore, does not always identify areas for development. Children are supported to make progress in their learning and development and the childminder has begun to monitor this through observation, assessment and planning to ensure that they make good progress towards the six early learning goals. Clear systems are in place to ensure that children’s safety and welfare are in place; this is further supported through written risk assessments that identify potential hazards to children. Open partnerships with parents, carers and others in the wider context, are used to promote continuity of care.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that a an up to date copy of the current safeguarding policy in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board is available  develop a culture of reflective practice  develop further resources, which promote positive images of the wider community.

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provision

The childminder organises her time, the space in her home and resources to manage her childminding practice effectively in relation to children's learning and development. She is developing systems to promote the learning and welfare This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). These help children to learn and develop in a safe and enjoyable environment. Children obviously enjoy their time in the company of the childminder and the activities provided. For example, the baby enjoys the childminder singing to her and responds with smiles and clapping. The childminder recognises that her capacity to maintain continuous improvement will be further supported through self-evaluative practice to identify strengths and weaknesses in her practice. The childminder keeps her knowledge of current childcare practice up-to-date through relevant training.

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provision

The childminder has developed a range of written policies and procedures, which are shared with and signed by parents, these underpin her care practises. This includes appropriate systems for recording and responding to complaints. She is beginning to develop records to ensure the safe and efficient management of the EYFS to meet children’s needs. The childminder has a written risk assessments of her premises and for outings to ensure children are cared for in a safe and secure environment.

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provision

The childminder spends valuable time getting to know the children and their families well; this helps children feel relaxed and secure in her care. She has developed effective partnership with parents and carers as she advises them on a daily basis of their child’s activities and achievements, both verbally and in the home/childminding communication book.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of the physical and emotional signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of the recording and reporting procedures, however, she did not have a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures. The childminder ensures children are supervised and kept safe at all times. This is further supported as she has current knowledge of first aid techniques, which enables her to provide appropriate care and attention in the event of a minor accident

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals by demonstrating a positive attitude to learning new skills. The childminder adapts plans and activities to meet children’s specific needs and abilities. Parents provide information about their children’s starting points, including likes and dislikes. The childminder observes the children to ensure that she provides activities that motivate and interest them. She plans activities and resources to ensure children enjoy their learning experiences. The childminder is aware of the requirement to make observations and use these to plan for the next steps in children's learning in line with the EYFS. Generally, the activities and toys provided are appropriate for the age and developmental stage of all children. However, resources which present positive images of society are limited and therefore, do not fully support children’s knowledge and understanding of the wider community.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s learning and development are successfully promoted by the childminder. They are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, emergency evacuation procedures are practised to ensure that older children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 aware of how to leave the building safely in the event of a fire.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks provided by the childminder. Children’s health is well-promoted through the childminder providing opportunities for physical play in her home and the safe and secure garden. Children who are suffering from infectious ailments are excluded from the setting; this reduces the risk of cross-infection.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a child-friendly environment, where they have adequate space to play and relax in. The well organised home enables them to independently select from an age appropriate range toys and resources. Children's future economic well-being is met through the provision of activities which promote their understanding of problem solving and the childminder's commitment to ensuring that children's literacy skills are developed 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? 3 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? 3 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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