Childminder in DerbyshireOfsted inspection, 20 Aug 2009

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 EY367492 Inspection date 20/08/2009 Inspector Sheena Gibson

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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 2008. She lives with her partner in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire. The whole of the downstairs of the house is used for childminding with toilet facilities and a bedroom used upstairs. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time.

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Description of the childminding

At present, there are two children on roll, both of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder attends local toddler groups on a regular basis. She walks to schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority. The family has a cat, two hamsters and fish as pets.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children's needs are met effectively because the childminder recognises their individuality. She obtains detailed information from parents about the children in order to help her to support them so that their welfare is successfully promoted and they make good developmental progress. Most systems and documentation effectively support children's welfare and learning. The positive relationship that the childminder has with parents results in consistency for children. She has an effective ability to evaluate her practice and plan for future improvement, which supports the overall outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve systems for identifying children's next steps for learning and any gaps in learning opportunities  update records of risk assessments to include all potential hazards and dates of when the risk assessment took place.

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provision

The childminder has developed a good range of policy documents, including a complaints procedure, all of which are shared with parents to help them to understand her statutory obligations and practice. Policies are well-maintained and periodically reviewed and updated. She provides detailed information for parents about the provision on a noticeboard where they can find, for example, the activities planned for the day. This valuable information-sharing with parents results in consistency for children's welfare and learning. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 completes a self-evaluation form to help her identify the strengths and weaknesses of the provision, which she then uses to make plans for future improvements.

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provision

The children are safe and secure within the home environment and on outings. The childminder is very conscientious about safety and makes daily checks on the environment, including toys and equipment. She undertakes a whole house, garden and outings risk assessment, which are periodically reviewed and recorded. Although the childminder has identified all potential hazards and taken any required action to minimise risk to children, some are not listed on the current record and records are not consistently dated. The childminder has a sound awareness of safeguarding issues and a very clear written procedure that is shared with parents. As a result, children are safeguarded as the childminder knows what to do should she have any concerns about a child.

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provision

Good hygiene practice ensures the risk of cross-infection is minimised, for example, hand washing before meals and children use paper towels for hand drying. The childminder encourages healthy eating by, for example, using a 'fruit and vegetable' chart to assist in encouraging children to eat healthily, which has a positive affect on their diet and therefore their well-being. This also helps children to learn about a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children progress well in their learning. The childminder has a lovely interaction with the children that comforts and reassures as well as supports their development. She gets to know children well and so is able to use their interests to engage them in play activities that help them to progress. Children are not hurried and are given time to play, making their own decision about when they want to do something else. The environment is bright and child-focussed. A wide range of resources are stored within the room in, for example, shelving units, enabling children to make their own choices and encouraging active learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes plans and organises activities considering children's interests and capabilities. She carries out observations on the children, which provide valuable information in relation to how they are progressing. However, current systems used for monitoring development do not effectively identify children's next steps for learning or any gaps for learning, which potentially impacts on progress. Even so the children have some very good opportunities to learn through play and to develop skills. Younger early years children are confident in making their wishes known through non-verbal communication and gesticulation. Books are a clear favourite and children focus on a story that is animated by the childminder. They try to copy the animal noises and enjoy feeling the textured pages, successfully supporting their communication skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are distracted by the kitten and the childminder uses this to talk to them about the cat and using words like 'ahh' to help young children to realise that they should be gentle with pets. Early walkers are cheered and clapped when they make tentative steps to further their abilities and enjoy listening to the childminder counting '1,2,3' as the pop-up toys leap out of the box, which makes them smile This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and giggle. There are opportunities for children to learn about other people in the world through activities and toys that are readily available. They are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe through, for example, a road safety activity; younger early years children are gently reminded about safety, for example, when moving through the home. 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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