Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY393682 Inspection date 09/12/2009 Inspector Jean Otter

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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 is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children aged 10, six and four years in Littleover, Derby. All areas of the ground floor except for the conservatory are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children both of whom are in the Early Years age range. She takes children to the local park and to the library. The family has two cats and two guinea pigs.

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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 practices which support children's learning and development are good with a recommendation that the use of tools within the setting be improved. However, the written plans do not clearly reflect the link between observations and individual children's next steps with regard to the learning intentions of the activity. Through self-evaluation the childminder recognises shortfalls in her planning and is committed to ongoing improvement. Arrangements are in place to ensure all children attending are included and safeguarded and their good health and well- being is generally well-supported. Detailed written policies and procedures are clearly linked to the welfare requirements. The childminder is forming working relationships with parents to ensure that children's needs are met and that information about their development and welfare is shared appropriately, however the sharing of information with other childcare provision to support consistency of

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the systems that link together the observations and the planning for children's next steps and to make the learning intentions of the activity specific to individual childrens learning and development needs  develop partnerships with other agencies that are involved with the children to support consistency of care and learning  ensure children are safe with regard to accidentally locking themselves in the toilet  develop the use of tools within the setting. 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 is committed to developing her practice and is looking initially to secure improvement by attending further training and by clarifying her planning. She has begun the process of evaluating her practice and has identified a list of 'things to do'. She has prioritised her commitments well by ensuring the new children in her care are completely settled.

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the early years provision

The environment is fully inclusive and provides a welcoming and inspiring setting. The childminder is alert to the verbal and non-verbal communication of the children and she responds well to their needs. She discovers their interests by the use of good observational skills, through discussion with the children themselves and their parents and carers. A wide range of resources are accessible so that all children can make choices in their play which helps them to develop their confidence and imagination. The childminder adds to her range of resources by using the local toy library and there are a good selection of books available at all times which supports their growing literacy skills. Visits to other places of interest in the local community support the children's all-round development and knowledge and understanding of the wider world.

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the early years provision

Mostly effective measures are in place to ensure children's safety and security, including risk assessment procedures. However, there is an oversight as older children are able to lock themselves in the toilet because the key is left in the lock. The childminder is vigilant about supervision and is fully aware of her responsibilities with regard to safeguarding. Good systems are in place to ensure children are protected from harm and neglect and all required documentation to support their safety and the smooth running of the service are in place, for example the children's attendance is accurately recorded. Daily routines are well- managed, taking into account children's home routines, interests and preferences. Through discussion, activities and practice, the children are learning how to keep themselves safe, for example when on outings or in an emergency situation.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures new parents are aware of the setting's policies and procedures and how to express any concerns they may have about the childminding. She actively pursues the opinions of parents and shares information with them on a daily basis regarding their child's routines, well-being and learning activities. Links with other settings are not yet developed, however the childminder is aware of the importance of this to provide consistency of care.

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and outcomes for children

Observations and assessments are used to identify the stage of development each child has reached and which activities they enjoy. The childminder organises play that relates to these findings and all children take part in activities which are stimulating and enjoyable. She recognises and promotes individualised learning in practice and how to expand on play to stretch the children's thinking and problem This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 solving skills. Plans, however, do not clearly link observations with individual children's 'next steps' and learning objectives, and consequently learning opportunities are likely to be missed. She has a good understanding of the early learning goals and the six areas of learning and is identifying these in the activities provided.

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and outcomes for children

Children are content and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They enthusiastically participate in a mixture of adult and child-led play, which allows them a good amount of free choice. The childminder actively engages in their play and supports their growing independence skills. Children are encouraged to express themselves and there are good opportunities for them to be imaginative, they practice their mark making skills when making Christmas book marks and are able to choose the subjects and colours to use. They learn about the different shades of 'blue' for example and count everyday items when riding in the car. Children go to the park regularly and are excited when it has been raining as they dress appropriately and go 'puddle splashing'. Children have use of the computer and there are some toys that support technology, however the opportunities for children to use various tools and resources in the setting to support their

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and outcomes for children

knowledge and understanding are not fully explored, for example the use of sellotape, staples, scissors and string during construction.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well and are learning to respect each other. The childminder uses good strategies to manage behaviour and supports the children to feel safe by her warm and responsive nature, taking children on her knee for a cuddle when they are tired for example. She rewards positive behaviour and praises the children consistently, which supports their self-esteem. The boundaries set within the setting are realistic and children understand what is expected of them. The childminder fully safeguards the children. A safeguarding policy is in place and she is confident regarding the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child. Children learn how to stay safe when on outings and to play safely on equipment in the garden or in the park. The home is generally well-organised to promote safety and children can move around freely.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about how to be healthy and hygienic during bathroom and mealtime routines, understanding the importance of having clean hands and preventing germs spreading. She provides healthy meals and snacks which supports the children to develop positive attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle. Children are gaining an awareness of diversity through activities, resources and general discussion. This helps them to become aware of the wider world and to value and respect themselves and others. 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 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 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 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: 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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