Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY321377 Inspection date 28/01/2010 Inspector Sally Ann Smith

p.1

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 0300 123 1231, 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.

p.1

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

p.2

T: 0300 123 1231 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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and children, aged four and two years, in Mickleover, Derby. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time.

p.4

Description of the childminding

She takes and collects children from local schools and takes children to local libraries, parks and shops.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage mean that children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder is proactive in ensuring that the individual needs of all children are met through ongoing and regular dialogue with parents. A comprehensive self- evaluation provides the childminder with an accurate appraisal of her effectiveness and identifies steps for further improvement in order to maintain consistently high standards.

p.4

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 ensure that information is obtained about who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promotong children's welfare). 19/02/2010

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further opportunities for children to complete simple programmes on the computer and use a mouse and keyboard to interact with age appropriate computer software.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder ensures that children are protected from harm as she has a sound awareness of child protection, signs and symptoms of abuse, and the action to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 take if concerned. All adults in the household are vetted to ensure they are suitable to have contact with children. Risk assessments are thorough, ensuring that children are cared for in safe secure environments, whether this be indoors, outdoors or on outings. Regular fire drills are practised so that children know how to keep themselves safe in an emergency. Policies and procedures are detailed to accurately reflect the care, routine and daily practice. These are shared effectively with parents to ensure they are fully informed about the setting. Most necessary consents are in place, although the childminder has not obtained information as to who has legal and parental responsibility for children in her care.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder develops warm relationships with parents and carers, and time is taken at the beginning and the end of the day to share information. Parents contributions are valued and they are encouraged to comment in their child's daily diary, so that a two-way process of communication can be ensured. The childminder sees her role as complimenting and working alongside the child's home environment. Parents speak highly of the good quality care provided for the children and the development children make both, socially and educationally. Should parents be dissatisfied with any area of the service provided, they are aware of the complaints procedure. The childminder recognises the importance of liaising with other early years settings that children attend in order to provide consistency in their learning.

p.5

the early years provision

Regular reflection enables the childminder to explore the strengths and weaknesses of her practice in order to make improvements. The key priorities identified are challenging, so that outcomes for children are significantly enhanced. She is aware of her own developmental needs and the impact this will have for children's future learning, for example, gaining confidence in using the computer so that children can further their skills in using information and communication technology.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children have a fun and enjoyable time accessing a range of good quality resources, most of which are used effectively. The childminder captures the children's imagination and interest through a stimulating range of activities to encompass all six areas of learning. Activities are adapted to meet the needs of individual children, and whilst providing sufficient challenge, enable children to develop at their own pace. The childminder deploys herself well, ensuring that her time is spent following children's interests and building on these. She asks questions to extend and consolidate children's knowledge and understanding in all areas of their learning, providing opportunities for independent play, as well as more focused activities. Children decide whether they wish to play inside or outside, and many worthwhile experiences are provided. Expectations for children's learning is high and the childminder helps children to achieve their full potential.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Effective records of attainment and progress are maintained in children's learning journeys. The childminder carries out observations to determine how children are progressing towards the early learning goals and plans for their next steps. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children follow their own interests and make their intentions clear, for example, choosing a favourite book and offering it to the childminder to read. They sit together on the floor, squealing with delight as they mimic the actions of the bear as he splish, sploshes through the water. Children know the refrain well, and repeat familiar phrases such as 'uh oh' when the bear gets stuck or 'squelch, squelch, squelch' as he goes through the mud. Children learn about their environment and the wider world, visiting lots of different places of interest and talk about the things they see. They explore similarities and differences in people,

p.5

and outcomes for children

and sensitively talk about and challenge certain behaviours and attitudes. Children further develop their understanding of cultural diversity and disability through a range of good quality books. Children attend other groups, such as toddler groups and Peer Early Education Partnership (PEEP), which endeavours to improve children’s early learning development by recognising parents and carers as the primary educators in their child’s life. Activities are planned to show how to support children's learning and development which can be used by parents and carers in the home environment. These groups also help children to socialise and form relationships with other children whilst developing confidence in new surroundings and experiences.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn about the changing seasons and new life as they observe the transformation of tadpoles to frogs and why animals hibernate. They discuss autumnal colours, as leaves change from green to brown, and incorporate the importance of safety when handling fireworks, in association with Bonfire night. They make very good use of the outdoor environment, regardless of the weather, to plant and tend vegetables in the garden or to visit various parks and nature reserves. This means children get plenty of fresh air and recognise the importance of physical exercise. They also learn about the importance of recycling and composting to create a more sustainable environment. They use a disposable camera to explore how things work, and enjoy seeing the photographs once they are developed. However, whilst there is a computer available, children do not have regular access to this in order to enhance their skills.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children eat a healthy and hearty diet with lots of fresh and organic produce incorporated into the weekly menus. Snacks and meals are freshly prepared to include a good balance of fruit, vegetables, dairy and carbohydrates. Children are involved in food preparation and enjoy tasting the end result, such as a freshly baked cake or mince pie. Fresh drinking water is freely available so that children are hydrated. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8