Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 303128 Inspection date 01/12/2009 Inspector Lynn Rodgers

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult children in an end-of-row townhouse, in a suburb of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, along with the first floor toilet facilities, 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 nine children, of which two are in the early years age group. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group, regularly meets with fellow childminders, and is building relationships with other providers of early years care and education. The family has a large dog. The childminder has a level three qualification in childcare and education.

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Description of the childminding

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

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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

The provider demonstrates a good understanding of her strengths and areas for development, which effectively contributes to the ongoing improvement of the service. Children are welcomed, valued and respected, and their individual needs are well met through shared communication, observations and clear assessments. The childminder is always looking at ways to improve her provision and has a very positive attitude towards training, new legislation and acting upon any areas for improvement. She attends relevant courses which enhance the provision and sets high standards for childcare. There are some issues regarding documentation and recording the children's next steps appropriately.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop system for keeping a record of any existing injuries  ensure the next steps refer to the children's stages of development and not the activities provided.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a comprehensive safeguarding policy, which contains details of serious injuries and who to contact. She has completed relevant training and has a good understanding of the procedures to follow. She is confident to discuss concerns with parents, has informed them of her duty towards children and has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the ability to act on her findings. However, it is not clear where such information would be recorded. There is a clear system for carrying out risk assessments. Daily checks ensure all areas children access are safe and secure and any hazards are duly noted and the action taken. The childminder strives to improve her setting and has developed parental questionnaires, welcomes feedback and suggestions from parents, and talks to children about their ideas and needs. Most required documentation is in place and available for inspection. The childminder has begun

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the early years provision

to self-evaluate; she has completed the booklet and is intending to submit this online and use it as a working tool in the future. The childminder is keen to extend her personal development through accessing training to a level four qualification and taking the advanced safeguarding course. Her aims for the children are for them to reach their full potential and do well.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses her extensive resources effectively. Children get to choose as well as participate in more structured activities. Resources are well presented to the children; family members help her to produce imaginative ways of doing this. The wide range of toys, resources and equipment is in very good condition, age- appropriate and fit for purpose. The childminder effectively promotes diversity through establishing relevant information about what the children can do, their likes and dislikes. She takes their interests and any other needs into consideration and welcomes them warmly. The childminder takes time to get to know the children well, and uses this information to meet their individual needs. Shared information ensures all parents feel as if they belong. They receive good verbal and written communication, daily feedback and flexible hours of care, and the childminder listens to what they have to say. Positive praise, encouragement and

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the early years provision

manageable behaviour methods ensure children are respected and they know what they are allowed to do. Partnerships are formed through positive links with local schools and nurseries; they share information and support each other and the children. Complaints are dealt with immediately, and parents know who to contact if they cannot settle the issue amicably.

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the early years provision

Children’s information is established and recorded at registration, and the childminder establishes who has parental responsibility, including permission for a partner to collect children. The childminder has strong views regarding administering medication and prefers to only administer medication where a child's life is threatened. Parents fully support her on this issue. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate, suitable public liability insurance cover and demonstrates a clear understanding of keeping all records and documentation up-to-date. The childminder engages with the children in a very positive way; she listens to them, plays with them, encourages them and helps them to become independent and confident. Her family has been checked and vetted by the regulator and she is aware of the importance of never leaving children alone with any visitor. There is a clear procedure for lost or uncollected children and the childminder keeps a record

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the early years provision

of any other authorised persons. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder plans suitable activities to ensure children achieve and enjoy. She uses the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance and the practice cards to ensure children are reaching their stages of development. She includes the six areas of learning. However, although the childminder records children's next steps, these are sometimes more focused on the activities than what the children need to develop. Each child’s care and learning are established through discussions and recognising the children's individual interests. Children are making sufficient progress and this is monitored through observations and daily achievement records. Assessments are carried out and there is a thorough system giving very clear examples of what children do. The children's starting points are recorded at the initial visit and then re-looked at after they have had time to settle in. The childminder shows positive interaction with the children, and they are very friendly,

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and outcomes for children

get on well, and respond to the expectations of the childminder. They share, take turns and help each other as they play together harmoniously.

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and outcomes for children

The children's physical development is fostered through everyday activities, both indoors and outside. They have access to building with construction and are able hold pens correctly during mark making. There is a very good selection of resources to promote gross and fine motor skills and children access fresh air and exercise most days. The childminder ensures children have many opportunities to be creative. They mark make and are involved in role-play sessions, to extend their imaginations. Children are beginning to appreciate the local environment as they 'people watch' and note different types of houses. They help to plant seeds and are involved in growing activities. Other festivals are celebrated when the children visit the toddler group and the local children's centre. There is an excellent range of toys and resources reflecting diversity. Children show very good communication skills; they are articulate, join in, make friends on outings and show they are

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and outcomes for children

interested. They recall what they do at home, and the childminder encourages them through language games, discussions, and writing for a purpose.

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and outcomes for children

The children are beginning to develop skills in problem solving and basic mathematics as they access everyday activities. They can fit things together during construction and jigsaws, recognise some numbers, colours and shapes, and older children can sequence for size. The childminder is very positive regarding the safety of the children and takes time to talk to them about obvious dangers. She fully supervises the children and supports them outdoors, reminding them about steps and dangerous items. The childminder believes children should be confronted with danger to help them to become aware of how to deal with this. She reassures them, talks about strangers and stray animals and encourages road safety, and they help to tidy up. Children are beginning to adopt and follow a healthy lifestyle. There are routines to foster personal hygiene skills and they are provided with food that is healthy and nutritious. The childminder keeps a record

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and outcomes for children

of any allergies and religious requirements and is mindful of respecting parents' and the children's wishes. 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 3 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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