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 222123 Inspection date 24/07/2009 Inspector Deirdra Keating

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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 1986. She lives with her partner and two adult children in Bottisham, Cambridge, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding and one upstairs bedroom. She has a cat as a pet.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) years. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a homely and welcoming environment in which all children feel safe and valued. Children are engaged in activities that stimulate and interest them and progress well towards the early learning goals. The childminder has developed an effective partnership with parents and other providers. She is committed to improving her practice and has reflected this in her self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 identify training needs and update knowledge using training made available by the local authority and other sources  use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child.

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provision

Children are cared for well by an experienced childminder who has organised her home effectively to accommodate children's needs and enable them to become increasingly independent. The childminder works closely and cooperatively with parents, sharing information with them verbally on a daily basis. Additionally, good communication systems have been developed with other early years provisions to ensure that the childminder can take relevant information back to parents and promote good continuity of care. Parents have provided positive written feedback about the childminder's practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are cared for in a safe environment where all adults in the house have undergone checks to ensure they are safe and suitable to be with children. The childminder understands her roles and responsibilities in protecting children from

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provision

potential harm and has relevant information available. Written policies and procedures are maintained to ensure children's ongoing welfare and care. Minor accidents are all recorded and all written consents are sought to ensure children's ongoing health and safety prior to admission.

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provision

The childminder has attended some basic training courses, however, these do not cover all aspects of her practice and this has been highlighted through a self- evaluation of practice as an area for improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are warmly welcomed by the childminder who provides a reassuring family home environment, which is homely and comfortable. All children are valued by the childminder who is committed to anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder knows children well and has developed trusting relationships with them, she uses encouraging, friendly and lively approaches to increase their motivation. The house has been organised well to help increase children's independence and enable them to freely access a section of the garden. Resources have been set out to enable children to make choices according to how they feel. There is a broad range of play equipment and children can also use a range of media, which encourages them to demonstrate their unique creativity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy healthy home cooked meals and are involved in the planning of these. For example, they go shopping with the childminder who enables children to help according to their abilities and ages. Children are able to choose fruit and vegetable at the supermarket and this encourages them to try out new healthy foods. The childminder promotes fresh air and exercise by taking children to the local green to play ball games and encourages outdoor play in her garden. Children are taught about safety, including, fire and road safety, to help them develop an awareness of danger.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a good balance of activities covering all areas of learning. Regular observations are used to record children's progress in their individual records and ensure that all children can make good progress in their learning. Observation is used as a tool for recording children’s progress, however, these do not include children's next steps in learning. Parents are involved in children's learning and regularly see the records of learning. The childminder ensures she is aware of children's abilities and matches activities well to other provisions that the children in her care attend. Consequently, children are motivated to learn and make good progress towards the early learning goals. 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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