Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 252971 Inspection date 10/12/2009 Inspector Georgina Walker

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 family including an adult son and daughter. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom and toilet upstairs in the childminder’s home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the premises is via two steps. The childminder walks to the local schools and pre-school playgroup to take and collect children. She attends the local parent, carer and toddler and childminder groups and takes children to the local library and park. She shares and seeks information in partnership with other Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings the children attend.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder holds an early years childcare qualification. She supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and children who speak English as an additional language.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

A safe and stimulating environment is created and children are happy and thrive during their time in the setting. An absorbing range of experiences are provided for children and the planning and assessment of learning and development is comprehensive. Positive relationships with parents ensures the sharing of children's progress, discussions about next steps are worthwhile and links are effectively formed with EYFS settings the children attend. The inclusion of all children is a high priority. An extensive range of well-written policies and procedures are shared with parents and the childminder's evaluation of her service has resulted in setting herself a range of targets which include the attendance at more training.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 developing the systems for recording the next steps of progress in each stepping stone. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder's motivation and professionalism contributes to providing an exemplary service extensively above the minimum requirements to ensure children's well-being and the promotion of progress in their learning. Her self- assessment and commitment to improve by attending extensive training and extending knowledge and ideas for activities to do with children are commendable. First aid and safeguarding children training sessions ensure children's well-being is substantially increased. All relevant persons have suitability checks to be on the premises.

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the early years provision

A folder containing qualification and training certificates and the purposeful, well- written policies are given to parents to view. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child's developmental progress when the child initially attends. Visits prior to the commencement of the placement ensure each child integrates at their own unique pace and the childminder has knowledge of where to seek help from other agencies as necessary. Children's activities, plus progress in their learning, are all shared with parents in daily diaries and development folders and partnerships are significantly promoted. Liaison with the playgroup and schools the children attend is worthwhile.

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the early years provision

Written risk assessments are comprehensive and potential hazards are rigorously checked. Assessments for each type of outing, for example to the local parks or on the bus or tram in Nottingham, ensures children's safety is given the utmost priority and the childminder carries with her comprehensive information about each child in case of emergency. The environment is child-friendly with resources stored in boxes where children can access them freely, developing their independence. Older children ask for specific toys or choose for themselves from the storage areas. The living room is used for most activities with messy play, crafts and meals taking place at the table in the kitchen. Children become engrossed in stimulating activities such as dressing dolls developing manipulative skills, and taking them for walks in a pushchair before requesting a story. Excellent hygiene practices are meticulously followed to prevent the risk of infection and children are fully aware

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the early years provision

of why they do not share towels. Healthy option snacks include fresh fruit, and children are informed of the range available before choosing a pear, which is a particular favourite. Drinks of water are easily accessible to meet thirst needs in age-appropriate bottles and beakers. Children bring their own food or enjoy nutritious meals provided by the childminder. She is registered with the local environmental health authority and holds a food hygiene certificate.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children to fully develop their potential. She has a flexible routine which includes opportunities for the children to socialise at a range of groups and learn about the world around them on a stimulating variety of outings. She maintains records which include photographs of the children happily This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 engaged in her well planned activities. To ensure progress for each child, as they all attend on a part-time basis, the observation and assessment is comprehensive. The childminder has tried a number of methods to do this and is aware her current documents do not always include the next steps across all the stepping stones towards the early learning goals. The childminder shares progress with parents and other settings to ensure continuity of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn through planned and child-initiated activities, where they show particular interest in a topic or resources, such as pretending to be pirates, and activities are linked or extended. They develop a sense of caring for and helping others due to the wide age range present. The resources presented are rich in variety and enable children to be self-motivated in making decisions about their play. Crafts started before school are safely tidied away until the children return later in the day. Children develop a positive awareness of themselves and their needs through the support of the childminder. They are encouraged to be active and healthy, using the garden on wet days by playing on the paving slabs to ride or push wheeled toys and learn to negotiate turning around without stepping on the lawn. The children enjoy instigating their own play and confidently share new toys with visitors.

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and outcomes for children

There is a wide variety of craft resources and children write and mark-make with good skills and their creative imaginations are highly active. Language is well developed, often in both English and the child's family language, as the childminder constantly talks to the children, extending their learning and knowledge. Children have access to a considerable library of books which provide positive images of society to enhance their awareness of differences and acceptance. Children are supported to develop problem-solving and other mathematical skills as they play with cars, dolls or do baking. They use tools with dexterity and battery operated technology with considerable skill. This is successfully extended as they learn skills for the future which include the use of a computer. Excellent behaviour is maintained as children are purposefully engaged and eager to play with the exciting learning experiences which are provided.

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and outcomes for children

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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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