Childminder in Rotherham

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 EY301254 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in a detached house in Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the house, plus first floor toilet facilities, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, at any one time and is currently minding 11 children of which four are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and regularly meets with fellow childminders. She is building relationships with other providers of early years care and education. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has recently completed a relevant level 3 qualification in childcare and education. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The provider demonstrates a sound understanding of her strengths and areas for development, which effectively contributes to the ongoing improvement of the service. She recognises diversity and promotes a positive role model for children, by giving them good examples to follow. The childminder challenges any derogatory remarks and unkind behaviour and carefully explains why this is not acceptable. She provides suitable activities for children to promote diversity, such as, role-play, and they have meaningful discussions about other people and countries. The childminder meets children's individual needs very well through the provision of planned, age appropriate activities and outings, and ensures they are all included. She continually looks to improve her service and encourages parents and children to make comments and suggestions about what they do.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to reflect on practice and regularly share details of planned activities with parents.

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provision

The childminder has begun to use the self-evaluation document as a way of reflecting on her practice and appreciates the benefits of using this for future reference. All documentation pertaining to childminding practice are in place, clear, very well written and shared with parents. The childminder carries out robust risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments on her premises, outings, modes of transport and other areas where children have access. There are clear and precise indications of any hazards and the action taken to address them sensibly. Children are fully supervised at all times and the childminder has made suitable arrangements for emergency cover if she is taken ill. Children’s information is clearly recorded, along with any specific needs. The system for keeping a record of any medication administered and dealing with accidents is good, with details clear and signed by parents.

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provision

There are good examples of planning for children's activities that includes their starting points, how they progress and their next steps. The childminder has developed a workable system that clearly shows the early learning goals and how they link to her detailed observations. Outdoor activities are included as well as outings and visits. She is beginning to develop learning journals for the younger children and uses the practice cards for ideas to meet the ages and stages of children's development. The childminder regularly assesses the children to ensure they reach their learning goals and develop naturally.

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provision

The childminder has a valid first aid certificate, to ensure she is competent to administer any emergency first aid treatment and has appropriate public liability and vehicle insurance. The childminder has a very positive attitude to training and her personal development. She has completed a level 3 in childcare and education and has attended many courses and workshops, pertaining to childminding practice. Child to adult ratios are fully maintained and the areas for improvement highlighted at the last inspection have been met accordingly. The childminder has positive outcomes for the children and aims for them to continue to make progress, reach achievable goals and be happy and independent.

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provision

Working with parents and carers is very positive as the childminder verbally feeds back to them, makes herself available to talk privately if necessary and encourages parents to express their views. She regularly reviews contracts, passes on relevant information, copies of policies and procedures, and informs them of any changes to times and holidays. The childminder ensures parents are fully informed what their children do, however, she does not regularly share details of children's activities. She is beginning to develop a method to encourage parents to share learning in their home environment. She forged positive links with other settings through discussions about what children do, and informs the staff of any special interests or problems the children may have.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures children have access to appropriate opportunities to help them to make as much progress as they can in technology, problem solving and numeracy. They are able to count, match shapes, use mathematical language, recognise number, colour, name some shapes and construct. They are developing good habits as active, inquisitive learners, as they initiate their own play and problem solving. Children are beginning to understand the wider world, demonstrated through their play and communications, because they are taught to access information about other countries, such as, maps, atlases, world globes, stories and books. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder helps children to enjoy their learning and make progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points and interests, through careful monitoring, assessing and observing what they can or cannot do. She plans

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities around children's interests and capabilities. She encourages them to be active learners, to be creative and think critically, as they access well-planned and structured age appropriate activities. Children are able to work independently and with each other, because they have time to join in discussions and be on their own if they wish.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very active and understand the benefits of physical activity through regular fresh air and exercise. They have access to an extremely wide range of resources and equipment to promote physical play and the children take part in outings and walks. They are beginning to understand and adopt healthy habits such as good hygiene practices, as the childminder encourages them to be responsible for their own personal hygiene. They follow her good example, by making healthy choices about what they eat and drink because they are given appropriate choices from healthy and nutritious foods to try. The childminder respects parents’ wishes and only serves approved foods to the children that meet their dietary and religious requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder teaches children to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others because she encourages them to share, take turns, respect each other and play harmoniously. They help each other and are generally kind and considerate. There are house rules the children have helped to establish. They are developing the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners and learning to recognise their own needs and those of others. The childminder challenges any derogatory remarks, explains why this is unacceptable and children are encouraged to apologise and be responsible for their own actions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to respond to the expectations of those who work with them through appropriate strategies and methods for the safe handling of a wide range of behaviour. They help to tidy up and know not to leave things lying around that may cause an accident. They are able to make choices and decisions and develop an understanding of danger. They know how to keep safe, because, they have good examples to follow. Children take part in road safety procedures, follow the well-established routines and take part in regular fire drills. 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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