Childminder in Kingston upon Hull

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 EY256543 Inspection date 24/06/2009 Inspector Linda Phillips

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2003. She lives with her nine year old child and three other older children in the east of the city of Hull. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes, with the bathroom being on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time, three of whom may be in the Early Years age group. Currently there are seven children under eight and one over eight on roll. All children attend flexible sessions. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder takes children to the park, farms and toddler groups. She is a member of the local Childminding (Humber) Network and the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a range of appropriate activities and opportunities for children within an inclusive environment and as a result of this, their learning and development is promoted. The childminder is further enhancing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, although some systems are in place to evidence children are progressing. The childminder is committed to working in partnership with parents and they are kept informed and involved with all aspects of their children's care although they are not consistently informed of their learning development. The childminder is introducing a system for self evaluating her practices and is able to identify her own strengths and areas for future development.

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further?

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

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further?

 further enhance records of learning and development  ensure the record of the risk assessment clearly states when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident  ensure persons no longer associated with the provision are removed from any policies and procedures  ensure written parental consents are regularly updated  ensure systems for monitoring and reviewing progress in achieving plans and goals are enhanced.

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provision

The childminder has numerous written policies and procedures which she shares with parents. These are well presented and in the main are kept up to date, with the exception of reference being made to adults no longer associated with the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 setting, and a small number of written parental consents which are in need of updating. Records of development and achievements are still being developed although children do have daily diaries which are informative and include, for example, where children have been and what they have been doing. The childminder also makes good use of photographs which show opportunities undertaken by the children and is helping to monitor their achievements and progress.

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She has attended appropriate training and is fully aware of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. A written policy is shared with parents and she is familiar with reporting procedures. For both in and out of the home, risk assessments are carried out to keep children safe from harm, although records are neither signed or review dates included. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and appropriate actions are taken when accidents and incidents occur. A policy for sick children is in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and records are maintained of medicines administered.

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provision

Children have access to the lounge containing the majority of toys, resources and play materials. As children know what is available to them and can self select, they are becoming independent and confident. With the exception of school runs, daily routines are flexible depending on the needs and wishes of the children.

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provision

The childminder has started to self evaluate her setting and services, which includes her identifying areas for further developing including, for example, she wishes to gain a clearer understanding of implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage to enable her to monitor children's progress more effectively, and to possibly plan activities and opportunities in advance in order to give children additional choices. Parents have the opportunity to questionnaires and have given extremely favourable comments about the care their children receive. Parents spoken to offered no suggestions for improvement or areas of concern, simply that as children are so happy and settled with the childminder they wish hours the childminder works were extended.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are motivated and interested in the range of activities and opportunities offered to them. They are settled and confident in the childminder's care and are familiar with routines. They have access to a wide selection of toys, resources and play materials which are stored at a low-level to encourage their independence and decision making. Children are keen to engage in free play activities, for example, playing in the paddling pool and having access to a sand tray. Children are becoming confident communicators as the childminder continuously asks questions, gives explanations, and reminds them of right and wrong.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides an all-inclusive environment where all children are welcomed and valued. She has good relationships with parents and they are reminded they can talk to her at any time. Children are offered various opportunities to learn about the wider world, for example, they chat excitedly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about nature when birds visit the garden looking for food and drink. They also learn about other cultures and customs through the availability of appropriate books and resources and are becoming aware of disabilities through small world figures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning the importance of healthy lifestyles. They have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise either through playing in the garden, which is a clear favourite, and through accessing larger pieces of equipment at local parks. They are encouraged with their own personal hygiene skills and confidently wash their hands independently. They are encouraged to eat healthily, and although some bring packed lunches, they are none the less offered additional snacks including, for example, fresh kiwi fruit. Children know drinks are available at all times as they are placed within easy reach to help themselves. They are learning about keeping themselves safe, for example, they are involved with fire practises and discouraged from climbing on the fence in the garden in case they fall. They understand, for example, the importance in taking turns on the small trampoline to minimise the temptation to all climb on together resulting in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

accidents. In the main children behave well, and when slight issues arise the childminder is quickly on hand to explain what is right and wrong and diffuse any minor disagreements. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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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