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 302880 Inspection date 19/06/2009 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 1992. She lives and works with her husband, also a registered childminder, and their two adult children in a semi-detached house in a suburb of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, including first floor toilet facilities, is used for childminding and 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, when working alone, and 12 children when working jointly with her husband. She is currently minding 13 children, of which, seven are in the Early Years age group. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and regularly meets with fellow childminders and is building relationships with other providers of early years care

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Description of the childminding

and education. The family have a cat and a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary part 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. The childminder ensures all children are included and have access to all toys and activities. She gathers all relevant information regarding their dietary, religious requirements and their individual needs. Children are treat as individuals, with equal concern and she spends equal amounts of time with them. The childminder respects parent's wishes and provides children with a well balanced range of healthy food. Continuous improvement is addressed through good communication with parents and the children and being open to suggestions and comments.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement a lost or uncollected children policy in writing rather than verbally  obtain access to the self-evaluation and address the issues in this document to compliment reflecting on practice.

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provision

Improvements raised at the last inspection have been fully addressed and dealt with in a positive way. The childminder has yet to complete the self-evaluation document, but sees this as a very good way of reflecting on her practice and that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 it will help her to highlight any strengths and weaknesses. Children's needs are met very well. For example, through establishing as much information from the parents and children, and observing the children at play. The childminder uses this information to enable her to provide challenging activities and play situations. Partnership with parents is very good, with a two way flow of information and communication. They are fully informed, both verbally and in writing, what their children do and how they are progressing. Some parents are happy to continue their children's learning at home, but this is still in it's infancy. The childminder is

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provision

keen to get them involved, which in turn will benefit the children. Links with other settings are established and they share information about the children. The childminder works in partnership with her husband, who is a registered childminder, they are very organised, share the roles and responsibilities of the setting and compliment each other's skills and knowledge

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provision

The childminder has implemented a very good system for written, planned activities for the children, which clearly identify the six areas of learning. She carries out and records observations and assessments about the children, clearly indicating the next steps in their overall development, and has written details of the children's needs and other relevant information. There is a robust system for carrying out risk assessments, which includes details of outdoor play and outings. All documentation, pertaining to childminding, is in place, up-to-date and regularly reviewed, however, she has a verbal lost or uncollected children policy and has not obtained a copy of the self-evaluation document. There is suitable insurance cover and the childminder has a valid first aid certificate. She obtains all the necessary permissions from parents in writing, and is very methodical and organised.

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provision

Child to adult ratios are maintained at all times and the childminder fully supervises the children to ensure they are kept safe and secure. The childminder has a positive attitude to safeguarding children and takes all the necessary steps to ensure their well-being. She has a very good knowledge and understanding of the procedures to follow, has informed the parents of her duty to report any concerns and has implemented a suitable method for recording any existing injuries and concerns. All safety requirements are met and in place, and children are encouraged to be aware of danger. For example, through discussions, fire practice and being encouraged to put discarded toys away.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Encouragement is given to children to help them develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. They are beginning to recognise their own needs and those of others, through basic house rules, learning right from wrong and playing harmoniously. The children know what they can and cannot do, and are able to make choices and decisions and respond to the childminder and each other. The childminder helps them to make as much progress as they can, using technology, problem solving and numeracy. For example, they count, recognise shape and colour, use the computerised toys and have access to numerous types of construction. Their creative skills are fostered by means of excellent materials that encourage and excite them. For example, being involved in model making, and using a variety of painting techniques. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Structured planned activities help children to make progress towards the early

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning goals in relation to their starting points, capabilities and interests. The childminder provides the children with a wide range of age appropriate and stimulating play situations that stretch their imagination and capabilities. They have access to activities they like and enjoy, and make full use the excellent range of toys and equipment. This encourages them to use their imagination, promote the ability to problem solve, be active and join in. Children show they have the ability to work independently and with each other, because they are encouraged by the childminder to play as a group, share, take turns, help each other and be kind and considerate. They have time to read books and have meaningful discussions about the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to adopt a positive attitude to keeping themselves safe, through good examples set by the childminder and being involved in discussions and practices. They behave well through clear guidance and take their responsibilities seriously when they tidy up and on outings. The premises are secure and safe, regular fire drills are practised and the childminder teaches children how to cross the roads safely. The childminder ensures the children are active and enjoy the many opportunities to play outdoors and inside. They take part in music and movement, use equipment that promotes both fine and gross motor skills and have access to plenty of fresh air. Children are encouraged to learn personnel hygiene skills through good routines and a sensible approach to cleanliness. They are able to make healthy choices about what they eat and drink, from a healthy and nutritious range of foods, that meets their dietary and religious

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

requirements. 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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