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 EY356666 Inspection date 09/07/2009 Inspector Carolyn Gifford

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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 and three children, aged three years old and twins who are seven years old at Maltby in Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding, which includes a lounge, dining room, kitchen, playroom and downstairs toilet with hand washing facilities. The premises are accessible via a level path and one step to the front door. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

Local schools, play areas and shops are within walking distance.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years old at any one time. There are currently six children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group. Children attend for varying days and times.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Maltby Childminding network. The childminder works in partnership with other settings providing the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has the knowledge and expertise to successfully provide for and meet children's individual needs. She recognises the uniqueness of each child and welcomes all children into the setting, providing appropriate support to enable them to achieve their maximum potential regardless of age, ability or background. She is beginning to utilise skills in linking observations and assessments to inform her planning, which means that children are progressing well in all areas of learning. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of her own development needs, and is committed to maintaining continuous improvement by accessing further training to enhance her childcare service.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop skills in linking observations and assessments to the planning of challenging experiences for children.

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provision

The childminder offers a fully inclusive service, and has devised clear and well written policies and procedures that underpin important elements of the childcare. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 These are implemented well and shared effectively with parents, which means that parents are fully informed and involved with the setting. The childminder finds out about children's interests, their individual needs, likes and dislikes as she discusses these important areas with parents when children first start. This effectively contributes to the childminder's planning of appropriate activities and routines for the children.

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provision

The childminder establishes very positive links with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, which contributes well to children's overall learning and development. For example, she discusses children's progress with nursery teachers and parents, and consolidates their learning elsewhere, such as, introducing activities linked to the 'letter of the week' promoted by the nursery. The childminder plans a varied range of activities and outings showing clear links to the six areas of learning, and is beginning to link observations and assessments to the planning of challenging experiences for children. The childminder evaluates and reflects on her childcare service and has a very good rapport with the children who relate well to her and are happy and confident in the environment. She has addressed the recommendation made at the last inspection, and now has systems in place to record complaints, concerns or compliments, which demonstrates her

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provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children, and has completed relevant training. Guidance materials are readily available at the setting should she have any concerns about children in her care. The childminder maintains a very clear focus on children's general safety and has completed risk assessments that effectively contribute to ensuring children's safety and well-being. She also helps children to learn to keep themselves safe as, for example, she talks to them about road safety when on routine outings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a clean, safe and secure environment where effective measures are taken to protect them from the spread of infection and to ensure their safety. The childminder discusses individual children's dietary needs with their parents at the admission stage and ongoing as necessary. She actively encourages children to make healthy food choices by offering a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, which effectively contributes to children learning about which foods are good for them. Children learn about the importance of fresh air and exercise and have daily opportunities to enjoy outdoor play, which effectively contributes to children developing a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children show a strong sense of belonging and interact well with each other and with the childminder. Behaviour is good and the childminder's high expectations and effective use of praise and encouragement ensures that children develop a very positive self-esteem, feel valued and learn right from wrong in a caring, supportive environment. Children's welfare, learning and development are successfully promoted by the well organised and flexible approach of the childminder. There is a good balance between adult led and child initiated This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities, which helps children to progress in all areas of learning. The childminder uses good questioning techniques to help children develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills. For example, when children initiate a role play activity of 'going on a car journey', the childminder asks appropriate questions, such as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

'what do you think you will need', and 'where shall we go'. Children respond enthusiastically and decide they will 'go to feed the ducks', and use descriptive language very well when talking about their 'journey' and what they might see.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Although the childminder does not have experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, she has a good understanding of the areas to cover to ensure that she continues to meet the needs of all children attending. She plans activities, including specifically chosen television programmes to help children to develop an awareness of diversity and to respect each other's similarities and differences. Resources are readily accessible, and the childminder adapts activities to ensure that they are suitable for the age and abilities of the children attending. 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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