Childminder in Nottinghamshire

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 EY321247 Inspection date 21/07/2009 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16,11 and nine years, in a house in a suburb of Worksop. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, at any one time and is currently minding six children of which, six are in the early years age group. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and regularly meets with fellow childminders and is building relationships with other providers of early years care and education. The family have tropical fish as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a level two and three, relevant qualification in childcare and education.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The provider demonstrates a sound understanding of her strengths and areas for development, which effectively contributes to the on-going improvement of the service. She has effectively organised, and manages her provision to ensure the well-being of all the children and provides an environment that is conducive to children's learning and development. All children are included and have equal opportunity to play and access all available toys and resources. The childminder meets the children's needs effectively, through good support and partnership with the parents and other professionals. Continuous improvement is monitored through self evaluation and a very positive attitude to training and self development.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the fire blanket is suitably sited and easily accessed  devise a system for keeping a record of complaints and any action taken.

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provision

The childminder has made a very good effort to produce a well written and completed self-evaluation document. Her excellent evidence is enforced by her knowledge and understanding of meeting children's individual needs and developing their education. She has highlighted her areas for improvement, what she sees as the way forward, and what the outcomes for the children she cares for are. Documentation is clear, in order, available and relevant, with the exception of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a record of risk assessment and any actions taken. Risk assessment is robust in it's methods and all areas are checked daily. The childminder takes into account any outings, her vehicle, play areas and other places she takes the children to. Family members and herself, have been checked and vetted and she has details of the authorised persons responsible for collecting the children.

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provision

Detailed planning for children's activities, ensures they have a well balanced selection of adult and child led situations, that are exciting and stimulating. The childminder records the children's starting points, makes appropriate observations and assessments to help children develop and move onto their next stage. The childminder has appropriate toys resources and equipment and uses them expertly to help children achieve their goals. For example, there is a varied range of equipment to cover all situations and encourage children's imagination. All the six areas of learning are fully met, supported by photographs and comments, from both the children and the childminder. The good health of children is promoted by appropriate systems and routines, to ensure their individual needs are met. Parents are encouraged to make comments and suggestions and are aware of how their children spend their time with the childminder. The childminder keeps a

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provision

record of children's attendances, has a valid first aid certificate and suitable vehicle insurance cover. She has developed a system for recording who has parental responsibility and for children who self-medicate. However, the fire blanket is not suitably sited and available.

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provision

The childminder has a very positive attitude to training and her personal development, and has completed many courses relevant to childminding practice. She holds a National Vocational certificate in childcare and education, to levels 2 and 3. The childminder takes her childminding seriously and ensures she remains in good health. She works closely with the local partnership and family service support workers, as well as the local schools and play groups. Adult to child ratios are fully maintained and she has suitable arrangements in place for emergency cover, should she be taken ill or indisposed. Partnerships with parents and carers is very well established through, making sure they are fully included and informed about activities, observations and assessments. Shared information ensures parents are aware of what children do and where they go and they receive both written and verbal communication daily. The childminder offers flexible hours, to

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provision

meet families needs and the she is happy to telephone a parent to speak privately if requested to do so. She has developed children's work books for parents, to ensure they are involved in developing children's learning in the home setting, and welcomes any feedback from them. Improvements raised at the last inspection have been successfully met and the childminder continues to evaluate her practice. For example, continuing to access the self-evaluation, identifying any areas for improvement, and by being more positive about her strengths. Outcomes for children are realistic and include; for them to be independent, sociable, friendly, achieve their goals, and develop into responsible adults.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are encouraged to keep safe through, talks about stranger danger, not touching stray animals when out walking, staying on the pavement and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 keeping with the childminder at all times. She has suitable car seats and restraints, ensures the children exit the car on the pavement side of the vehicle. The children regularly take part in fire practice, know what to do and where to assemble outside, with the childminder altering the routes to ensure children know all exits. The children know the dangers to be mindful of in the garden and are very vocal at informing her of any differences and items in the outdoor area. The toys are regularly checked for damage and replaced, children are encouraged to be careful and not to push each other too much when boisterous play is accessed. They help to tidy away toys they have finished playing with and are aware of the rules of the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners, through constant supervision, good examples from the childminder and her family and following basic house rules. Children are encouraged to be kind, considerate and help each other. The childminder challenges unacceptable behaviour through, appropriate discussions, taking into account children's ages and levels of understanding. They are able to share, take turns and be considerate of others. Children are able to join in and make friends as they socialise with other children and adults in the community. The childminder encourages the older children to take responsibility for their own actions and how these can affect others. Children respond well to each other and are learning to differentiate right from wrong. They are able to make reasonable choices about what they do, play with, and where they go, through discussions as a group and making their needs

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

known to the childminder. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of physical activity as they visit local play areas and parks, to access larger equipment to promote gross motor skills. Children have opportunity to skip, jump, climb, balance, run, play sports games and have fun. Children are able to develop good habits to encourage personal hygiene skills as they are taught how and when to wash hands properly. They are provided with healthy and nutritious foods and drinks, and have discussions about what foods keep us healthy and help us to grow.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures children enjoy their learning and has a very positive attitude towards learning and development. She plans age appropriate activities for all the children, taking into account their interests, capabilities and the early learning goals. Children access a wide range of experiences and play situations, they are encouraged to initiate their own play, use their imaginations and have a great time. They have stories, look at books together, join in songs and rhymes, learn about number, colours, shape, size and are encouraged to recognise their own names and some familiar letters. They talk about each other, their families and their own experiences outside the childminder's home. Children play together well as a group and they have time alone when feel the need to do so. They go on outings, meet with other children and adults and are beginning to build positive relationships with each other. Children are aware of using technology and access

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the computer and technical toys. Everyday activities includes maths, problem solving and communication, and children are inquisitive, want to learn and are eager to show the childminder what they are capable of. They are beginning to understand and learn about the world we live in through, communication, stories, role play, talking about the environment. They grow plants, feed the wild life, learn This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about creatures and their habits, look at weather patterns, the seasons and how to dress for such occasions. 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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