Childminder in Milton Keynes

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 EY357165 Inspection date 24/08/2009 Inspector Sylvia Crawford

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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 registered in 2007. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her child aged eight years. They live on a well established estate in the south of Milton Keynes close to local shops, pre-schools, and schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder uses the whole house except for the main bedroom for childminding. There is a garden available for children's outside play. The childminder takes children to the local pre-school and attends a toddler group on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder’s registration permits her to care for a maximum of five children, two of which may be in the early years age group. She currently cares for six children, of whom one child is in the early years age group. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder holds NVQ Levels 2 and 3 certificates in early years childcare.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The children are making good progress in a stimulating and safe environment where they are fully included. The childminder ensures that she understands the individual needs of each child and plans their daily routines and activities so that they all gain maximum benefit. Children learn through the wide range of experiences and resources the childminder provides. The childminder is committed to improving her service and is proactive in completing training to support the improvement of outcomes for children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the observation and assessment process further to identify children's starting points and the next steps in their learning journey  ensure that the register and accident records carry full details  ensure that policies currently in place are updated to reflect the current provision of childminding

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provision

Children benefit from the good relationship the childminder has with parents and information is shared verbally and in writing to enhance the continuity of children's care. The childminder has written policies in place to support her service and she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shares these with all parents. However, some are not specific to the childminding setting. Regulatory records are well maintained and include all necessary written parental permissions. However, the accident and the attendance records do not always show full details. Records are kept securely and the childminder ensures that confidentiality is kept when she shares information with parents. The childminder completes a comprehensive written risk assessment on a regular basis for her home, garden and outings. She also conducts visual checks each day before the children arrive. These clearly identify areas of risk and the procedures in

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of safeguarding all children and safety in the home and on trips is a priority. She has completed training in child protection and is aware of the local safeguarding procedures. Consequently, she knows what to do if she has a concern for a child’s welfare. Inclusive practice is effectively promoted by the childminder who is able to provide activities that meet the diverse needs and interests of all children in her care. The childminder has an effective system in place to evaluate her service and ensure continual improvement. She is qualified in early years and is committed to extending her knowledge and skills through ongoing training.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes warm and close relationships with children and provides consistent care in partnership with the parents. This means children settle quickly into her home and become fully included within the setting. She provides an attractive, stimulating and fully inclusive environment where children are able to freely access a very good range of resources. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation, for example, she sets out her home with activities so that children can start playing as soon as they arrive. The childminder welcomes all children and is good at adapting activities to enable them to take an active role and develop at their own pace.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder is beginning to develop her planning to ensure it covers all areas of learning and she is making written observations to evidence children's progress. However, she is not identifying children's starting points or their next steps in the learning journey. The childminder provides a good mix of adult and child led activities, both indoors and outside, which she uses well to support and develop their learning. She shows a genuine interest in the children's discoveries and actively encourages children to think by asking them open questions. For example, as they make the puppets the childminder asks the children how the puppet will look when it is finished. The childminder understands when the younger children want to do something else but supports the older children to finish the activity. Children enjoy the fishing game and this supports their fine motor skills. They do

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

jigsaw puzzles together with the older children doing more difficult ones. The childminder uses every opportunity to encourage children's language and knowledge, for example, they discuss the world map puzzles and what is on it. They talk about the experiences they have enjoyed together such as going across the road to the park with the parachute to play games. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children thrive in a well organised, safe and hygienic environment. The childminder is a good role model and encourages them to learn simple hygiene routines such as washing their hands before lunch and after using the toilet. Safety is a high priority and the childminder has in place safety measures such as stair gates and socket covers. She helps children to understand about dangers, for example, she explained to the children they should be careful with the plastic

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

needle from the puppet set. The childminder has emergency evacuation procedures in place and reinforces these through regular practise with the children. She has a good understanding of healthy eating and supports children to eat nutritious snacks and lunches. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty. Children enjoy a social occasion at mealtimes and the childminder supports them to eat well and have good table manners. Children understand the clear rules and boundaries in place and this encourages them to have respect for others and helps develop good social skills. The childminder promotes good behaviour through lots of praise and encouragement. She encourages children to be kind to each other and to share. Consequently, children behave well and know what is expected of them. 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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