Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY392501 Inspection date 02/12/2009 Inspector Sharon Dickinson

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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 2009. She works with another childminder and assistant in a semi detached house in Shirebrook, near Mansfield. The setting is known as ‘Just for Kids’. The childminder uses the ground floor of the property for childminding. Access to the home is via a small step and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The setting has a rabbit and two cats.

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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. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time when working alone. When working with an assistant and or another co minder, is registered to provide care for a maximum of 10 children under eight years at any one time. There are currently 18 children on role and of these, 12 children are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). There are partnership arrangements in place with the local schools that children in the EYFS attend. The childminder receives support via her local authority early years advisor.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of each child’s individual needs and sufficiently promotes their welfare and development. Children are generally safe and secure and enjoy their play and learning. A wide range of age-appropriate play activities and first hand experiences are planned. Partnerships with parents and in the wider context are positive and benefit children's welfare and developmental progress. The childminder has started to use the self-evaluation process to identify areas for development to ensure that the provision for children is continually improving.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure premises are safe, particularly in relation to the storage of medication (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 18/12/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the record of children's attendance is accurately maintained and kept up to date  develop further assessment systems to clearly show children's progress towards the early learning goals and their next steps in learning; and use this information to inform planning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop further systems of self evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder works collaboratively with her co-minder and assistant. Roles and responsibilities are effectively delegated to ensure the smooth running of the daily routine. The childminder is committed to professional development and has attended various training events including first aid and food hygiene helping to maintain children’s health and safety. She has also completed an essential pre- registration course and is currently studying a foundation degree strengthening her understanding of how to successfully deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to protect children and knows how to implement the local safeguarding procedures. She is aware that all adults who are in the household or who have unsupervised access to children should be appropriately checked and the provision is organised to ensure that children are closely supervised at all times.

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the early years provision

The setting is appropriately organised. A child orientated playroom, equipped with low-level tables and storage, gives the children good opportunities to become independent. Risk assessments are undertaken for the home and outings so that any hazards are identified and minimised. However, medication is not stored appropriately and is accessible to children posing a risk to their safety. Comprehensive written policies underpin the childminder's practice well and are shared with parents. All required records are maintained which support the care and welfare of children. Although the record of children’s attendance is not accurately maintained at all times, compromising children’s safety in the event of an emergency. The childminder uses information gained from various training events and courses to reflect upon and develop her practice. She has begun to make use of self-evaluation to identify her strengths and weaknesses although

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the early years provision

priorities for improvement are yet to be clearly identified, and measurable targets set, to promote continuous improvement and deliver improved outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

Useful information is exchanged at the start of a placement to ensure the childminder is aware of parent’s wishes, children’s individual needs and capabilities. The childminder builds close relationships with parents and keeps them fully informed about the child's well-being and what they have been doing through discussion and daily diaries. Partnerships in the wider context are satisfactory. The childminder is building relationships with other people involved with the children providing a holistic picture of the child and supporting continuity of care. The childminder effectively promotes equality and diversity. The needs of each child are carefully considered by the childminder; all children are fully integrated within the provision and any additional needs are well supported. 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 is very warm and welcoming to the children, providing a stable emotional environment where children feel safe and secure. She has a satisfactory understanding about how children develop and how to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage in order for children to make progress. A broad range of resources are available, both indoors and outside, which are set out so that children can make independent choices in what they do. The childminder observes and assesses children's learning to monitor their progress and identifies their next steps in learning which are used to inform planning. However, observations are not effectively linked to the knowledge and skills identified in the EYFS development matters guidance. Therefore she does not have a clear understanding of children’s progress towards the early learning goals and their next steps are not always clearly matched to their development. Overall, a good balance of adult-led and

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and outcomes for children

child-initiated activities is delivered through an exciting, fun and spontaneous curriculum. As a result children demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and are very keen to participate.

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and outcomes for children

Children’s communication skills are firmly developed through general discussion and enjoyable activities such as sharing favourite books and stories. Children become engrossed in familiar stories and delight in finding favourite characters such as ‘Little Croc’. Frequent opportunities for mark-making are provided including whiteboards, drawing and stencils. Children’s early writing skills are also practiced as they draw patterns in sand and ‘paint’ on a larger scale with water and brushes outside. Children have regular access to creative activities such as painting, drawing and collage. Their art work is prominently displayed promoting a sense of pride and achievement. Children use their senses to explore malleable materials such as play dough, cornflour and ‘gloop’. They enjoy role play and ample resources including a playhouse and accessories are provided to support and extend their imagination.

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and outcomes for children

Basic mathematical concepts are introduced through practical and meaningful activities such as threading patterns, shape games and the completion of jigsaw puzzles. An older child confidently counts to six as an introduction to his ‘drum’ playing when children enthusiastically play instruments and dance along to a favourite album. The children's knowledge and understanding of the world is increasing as they access some resources that reflect positive images which the childminder uses to talk with the children about respecting differences. Various seasonal and cultural celebrations are also recognised such as Remembrance Day, Chinese New Year and Diwali. Older children are given opportunities to use the computer under supervision and the younger children have opportunities to use the interactive toys which help them start to understand about technology.

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and outcomes for children

The health and well-being of children is satisfactorily promoted. Children develop a positive attitude to healthy eating as they are provided with a sufficiently varied and nutritious diet. Daily opportunities are provided for outdoor play and fresh air. Children benefit from regular outings. They develop their understanding of the wider community through trips to the soft play adventure centre and attendance at This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regular groups held at the local Sure Start children’s centre, where they socialise with a wider group of people at 'stay and play' sessions. Children are taught about safety issues as part of the daily routine. For example, they regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedures so they are fully aware of what to do in the event of an emergency. This was extended as children visited the local fire station

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and outcomes for children

to learn about fire safety. The childminder promotes positive behaviour by using effective strategies. Children respond positively to her clear and simple explanations and readily accept being distracted and re-directed. Children’s confidence and self-esteem are fostered because the childminder frequently praises them and is sensitive to their individual personalities. Consequently, children behave well. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure that children are kept safe from harm, particularly in relation to the storage of medication (Welfare of the children being cared for) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 18/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. 18/12/2009

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