Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY321073 Inspection date 11/09/2009 Inspector Karen Cooper

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2006 and works with two assistants. She lives with her partner and children aged five and seven years in the Swadlincote area of Derbyshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for five children. Three of the children attending are within the Early Years age group and all of the children attend on a part time basis. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy to be left with a dedicated, caring childminder and develop good relationships with her and her family. The childminder's practice is inclusive and she gets to know children and their families very well so that she has a good awareness of their individual needs. Children make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder has a secure understanding of how young children learn, although, some improvement is required to ensure children are covering all areas of learning. The childminder's practice is underpinned by a number of written policies and procedures to ensure children's safety and wellbeing is effectively promoted. Good practice is sustained through the childminder’s commitment to improvement, ongoing training and evaluation of her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further methods of assessment and link these to planning in order to ensure that children progress to the next steps of learning and development at a pace suitable to their individual needs  improve resources with regard to promoting children's understanding of diversity with particular regard to people with disabilities.

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the early years provision

Children are protected because the childminder has a good knowledge of the possible signs of child abuse and she is aware of the procedures to follow if she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has concerns about a child in her care. Children receive care in a home that is safe and secure because the childminder has identified and minimised or eliminated all hazards. Detailed written risk assessments including a record for each specific outing are in place and are updated regularly. There is a full range of policies and procedures, including one for complaints. These are well organised, frequently reviewed, updated and shared with parents.

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the early years provision

Children thrive because the childminder is committed to updating and improving her practice through ongoing training. For example, she has completed a Level 3 childcare qualification and has attended workshops for; raising quality through partnership working, behaviour management and food hygiene. The childminder regularly evaluates her practice and has completed a self-evaluation document which she uses to identify future areas for development.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from continuity of care because the childminder has formed excellent relationships with parents and ensures that she works in close partnership with other Early Years Foundation Stage providers who share the care of her minded children. Comments received from parents include how very pleased they are with the service offered, how well settled their child is and how caring and thoughtful the childminder is towards the children. When the childminder takes on the care of a new child she finds out detailed information from parents about their daily routines and their particular likes and dislikes so that they settle quickly with her. She provides detailed written and verbal information when parents collect their children and this includes information about their welfare as well as activities undertaken and what they have been learning. Regular newsletters are sent to parents informing them of any significant events, change in legislation and new

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the early years provision

policies to ensure that they feel involved in their child’s activities and of the service provided. Parents are able to see children's individual progress files at any time.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder organises toys and resources in her home so children can choose to access areas and resources offering different activities to extend their play. She ensures that she has a good range of resources for the children she is minding so children of all ages remain interested and stimulated. Although, children are helped to consider and value diversity, for example, cultural backgrounds, resources are limited with regards to developing positive attitudes towards people with disabilities. Children use the conservatory as the main play room and the lounge for quieter activities, both of which appeal to children. The conservatory in particular provides a wealth of exciting learning opportunities which inspire children’s imagination and encourage them to learn in a fun way.

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and outcomes for children

Children become independent because the childminder has developed a good balance between adult interaction to extend their learning and development and allowing them time to initiate and explore toys and resources for themselves. Children are developing early literacy skills as they look at books and take part in mark making activities and enjoy using aqua pens and mats to develop pencil control. These activities also support children's development of skills for the future. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children take part in a variety of craft activities such as painting, play dough and frequently join in cooking activities. They are learning simple mathematical concepts as they count spontaneously whilst playing with the trains and bricks. The childminder further enhances children's learning by giving them time to develop their ideas and interests, enabling them to expand their knowledge and

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and outcomes for children

understanding of the world in which they live. For example, they enjoy looking at insects and making a home for the caterpillars they find whilst walking along the canal.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a close relationship with the childminder and also enjoy the company of other members of her family. They are valued and the childminder helps them to feel good about themselves by frequently providing positive support, praise and encouragement, while managing behaviour well. This helps build children’s self-esteem. The childminder's knowledge of children's development and personal preferences ensure that their individual needs and routines are well met. Her flexible planning develops through the interests and play preferences of children and ensures that they are able to participate in a range of activities which sustain their interest. She observes and notes children’s development as they play and has compiled individual books of children’s work, photographs, observations and comments to share with parents. As a result, children make good progress in almost all aspects of their learning. However, systems to assess children’s progress

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and outcomes for children

towards the next steps of learning are not yet fully effective.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe, for example, they know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency which the childminder ensures is regularly practised. There are good procedures in place to care for children who are ill, which are shared with parents. Outdoor play activities and regular trips to the local park provide children with fresh air and opportunities to experience equipment such as bikes, push-a-alongs and slides which they are learning how to use safely. Children are learning about their own personal hygiene through daily routines and are beginning to understand that washing their hands before eating helps to keep them healthy. Children choose their own snacks including a variety of fresh fruit and benefit from a range of food which is freshly prepared. Drinks are available at all times to ensure children remain hydrated. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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