Childminder in Derbyshire

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 207718 Inspection date 06/07/2009 Inspector Diana Pidgeon

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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 1991. She lives with her husband and teenage son in a residential area on the outskirts of Derby city. The home is within walking distance of shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a rabbit and guinea pig as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of six children under eight years. Currently she has eight children on roll, three of whom are in the early years range. Of the five school age children, three are aged over eight years.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder knows the children she cares for well and takes account of their individual needs and interests when planning her time with them. This means children are happy because the activities and outings interest them and keep them purposefully engaged. Close relationships with parents means that information is exchanged daily to support children's care needs and to ensure their welfare is promoted. Most aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage have been successfully implemented but, although the premises are safe and secure, the record of the risk assessment has been overlooked. The childminder has taken positive steps to implement the recommendations raised at the last inspection and through her self-evaluation has recognised future training she wishes to access and areas she intends to improve.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure children's next steps are clearly identified to further support their ongoing learning  analyse the observations and assessments of children's learning to show more clearly their progress towards the early learning goals.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 keep a record of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out and the date of any review (Documentation). 27/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder promotes children's welfare and development successfully. She uses her experience and knowledge of child development to ensure children's individual routines are respected and that the planned activities meet their needs. Children receive good levels of supervision and attention to ensure they remain safe as they play, rest and eat their meals. The home is welcoming and the childminder provides a stimulating range of toys that children can choose to use. She gives careful consideration to her arrangements for taking children out of the home and all regular outings are fully risk assessed to minimise any dangers. Whilst the childminder takes a range of practical measures to promote safety in the home, such as using a fixed fire guard, safety gates and making daily checks, she does not keep a record of her risk assessment for the premises, which is a requirement. However, the impact on children is minimal as all hazards are

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provision

identified and minimised appropriately. Children's safety and well-being is further promoted through the maintenance of records and ensuring all relevant parental consents are held. The childminder shares her policies and procedures with parents to ensure everyone works with the children's best interests at heart. For example, a clear policy sets out when children who are ill should not attend the setting and this helps to keep all children healthy. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities towards protecting children from abuse and neglect and understands what to do if she were to be concerned about a child in the future. This ensures children's welfare is safeguarded.

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provision

The childminder develops good relationships with parents, which enables her to share information effectively. She gets to know the children before they start with her so that their interests and individual needs are fully accommodated. She talks with parents daily to inform them about their children's day and to discuss any changing needs. Children's activities and achievements are recorded in their own progress books using photographs and examples of work. These build into a valuable memento for parents and illustrate the range of activities the children undertake. The childminder strives to make improvements in the service she provides. For example, all of the recommendations made at previous inspections have been addressed positively. She keeps her essential training up-to-date, for example, by renewing her first aid certificate in a timely manner. She shows a real commitment to taking on board changes brought about by the implementation of

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provision

the Early Years Foundation Stage and is keen to further her knowledge through training. Her initial evaluation of her practice gives her a clear view of her priorities for further development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and enjoy warm, friendly relationships with the childminder and her family. Toys are presented at low level so that all of the children move around and freely choose what they wish to do, so promoting their independence. The childminder plans her activities with each child in mind, responding to their particular interests and considering how to further their development. She is beginning to make good use of her formal observations and assessments to guide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her practice, although a system to identify children's individual next steps is not yet well established in order to maximise their learning. Systems to illustrate children's development are in place, with photographs and examples of work showing what they can do. However, as these are not linked with the areas of learning, they less effectively monitor children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder devotes her time to playing with the children and helping them to learn. She sits on the floor with them and responds to their requests for stories when they bring books to her. They explore some books that make sounds and the childminder encourages the children's communication skills as she asks questions and gives them time to reply. Children are learning to play cooperatively with others and with the childminder's fair and consistent guidance they are beginning to understand how to take turns and share the toys. For example, when one child tries to take a toy from another, the childminder quickly intervenes and explains that the child must wait and that they will have a turn because the first child will be kind and share. Daily and weekly routines ensure children engage in a wide variety of play opportunities in the home, garden and wider community. They clearly enjoy lots of first-hand practical experiences that allow them to explore and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

create using all of their senses. They benefit from opportunities to mix with others and to share special times, such as birthdays, with their friends. Through outings, stories and the use of a suitable range of play materials the children develop an understanding of their own cultures and the lifestyles and cultures of others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to keep themselves safe through practising the fire evacuation procedures and talking about road safety on the walk to and from school. Young children attempt to fasten their own harnesses as they sit in high chairs and on booster seats to eat their meals, showing that this is normal practice. They make healthy choices at snack time because the childminder allows young children to decide which fruits they wish to eat and presents them each with an attractive bowl containing sliced or segmented fruits of their choice. Young children's care routines are prioritised so that they rest when they are tired. Their health is supported through good hygiene practices in the home so that the risk of cross- infection is minimised. 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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