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 EY364071 Inspection date 16/06/2009 Inspector Carly Mooney

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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 2007. She lives with her husband, another registered childminder and child aged five in Yaxley, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The premises are situated close to local schools, pre-schools, parks and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years when working alone and 11 children under eight years when working with another childminder. She is currently caring for six children in the early years age range. The provision is also registered on 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 childminder provides a stimulating range of activities to help children make good progress in all areas of learning, although skills in observing and assessing children are still developing. The childminder has built sound relationships with parents and carers which helps children feel settled in her care and encourages them to feel a real sense of belonging as part of a family group. The childminder is committed to continually improving outcomes for children and has implemented effective systems to monitor and evaluate her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of assessment records to promote children's learning, with regard to identifying the next steps in children's development.

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provision

The childminder organises her home and play resources effectively to meet children's needs, she has a good understanding of children's individual abilities and this enables her to provide interesting play experiences and activities to support each child's development. Children play in safe and secure surroundings as the childminder identifies and minimises hazards through robust risk assessments and daily checks of the premises. Extra precautions have been put in place to keep children safe as both herself and co-childminder carry laminated cards with their own and the children's contact details on, should this knowledge be required in the event of an emergency. Children also wear fluorescent jackets when on outings so they are clearly visible to the childminder at all times. The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children and this knowledge is underpinned by a clear written policy. She has attended training in child protection

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and is clear about the procedures to put into practice to protect children from harm or neglect.

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provision

Documentation and record keeping is clear, concise and organised to a very good standard. Comprehensive written policies and procedures which are effective in promoting children's health, safety and welfare are kept and made available to parents. The childminder works well in partnership with parents and carers to ensure children’s individual needs are fully met. She gathers useful information from parents about their child's care needs and starting points for their learning, which she uses effectively to help children settle and feel secure. Written information and verbal feedback ensures parents are informed of their child’s time at the setting and the progress they are making.

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provision

The childminder is keen to improve outcomes for children and attends training on a regular basis in order to update her skills and knowledge. Effective systems for self-evaluation have been implemented, including gathering the views of parents to identify realistic areas for improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that children engage in a stimulating range of activities which they enjoy and also enables them to make good progress in all areas of learning. She provides an inclusive environment where each child is valued, she consistently praises their efforts which enhances children's self-esteem and confidence. Children independently choose their own resources from clearly labelled boxes and explore their environment at their own pace. Systems for observing and assessing children's progress are still in their infancy but are beginning to identify some individual next steps in children's learning. Therefore planning of future activities for individual learning is also developing.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is kind and caring and spends quality time with all children at their level, engaging them in activities they are interested in such as the cars and garage. She is mindful of children's individual routines for feeding and sleeping and gently soothes and reassures children when laid down for their nap. Children's numeracy skills are encouraged as they count, supported by the childminder, the number of cars they have placed in a row. Through routine activities such as snack time, children learn about shapes and colour as they choose a coloured plate to eat from and recognise that their biscuit is a circle shape. The childminder ensures that all children have daily opportunities for physical exercise, for example, they have access to a range of garden equipment such as a trampoline and slide and regularly use the static equipment at the local park, which is very close to the setting. Growing plants such as sunflowers and tomatoes helps children to learn

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

about the importance of caring for living things and to understand where their food comes from. Children spend valuable time in the community where they socialise with others at local groups or visit garden centres and farm parks to engage with the animals. A range of activities and resources encourages children's creativity and imaginative skills, such as role play equipment and art and craft materials.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good awareness of the records that need to be kept should This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children require medication in her care or if they have an accident, which ensures that their welfare is safeguarded. She holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to offer appropriate care in the event of a minor injury. Children's health is effectively promoted and they enjoy a range of healthy foods at meal and snack times. A drink is available to children at all times to ensure they remain hydrated. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they learn about road safety when out and participate in regular fire practices. 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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