Childminder in Peterborough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY385970 Inspection date 12/01/2010 Inspector Carly Mooney

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and their two children aged seven and four years in the village of Eye, close to the city of Peterborough. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, shops and parks.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, no more than two of whom may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for two children in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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

Children feel safe and secure in the welcoming environment. They participate in a varied range of stimulating activities which allow them to make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder ensures children are valued and their individuality is respected. She successfully promotes an inclusive service, working closely with parents and other providers to ensure children's individual needs are well met. The childminder understands her own strengths and weaknesses and is beginning to identify realistic steps for development in order to continually improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the systems in place for reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify the strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

Children are protected well by a childminder who is safe and secure in her knowledge of safeguarding children issues. She is clear on how to report concerns and attends regular training to keep herself refreshed in this area. Children play in a safe and secure environment due to the childminder's thorough understanding of assessing risks in the children's surroundings and she ensures written records are in place to support this. Any potential hazards are clearly identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks. The childminder has a good range of written This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 policies and procedures which effectively underpin her practice and promote children's health, safety and welfare. These are clearly understood and shared with parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is warm and inviting which helps children settle and feel comfortable in her care. They have independent access to a good range of toys and resources displayed attractively in the lounge and move freely from one activity to another as they wish. Subtle use of resources such as books and little people figures help children become aware of and explore ethnicity, language, religion and culture.

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the early years provision

The childminder works very closely with parents and other providers to ensure a continuity of care and consistent learning experiences. Strong relationships have formed which benefits the children's time at the setting. Parents comment both verbally and in written form, about how happy they are with the standard of care provided for their child. Regular communication both verbally and through a daily diary ensure parents receive a clear account of their child's day and progress they are making. All parents have been made aware of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and have provided clear information regarding their child's development, which has been used effectively by the childminder as a starting point for their records of assessment. Excellent partnerships have been established with other local providers also delivering the EYFS to children in the childminder's care. As a result, children's achievements and well-being are very well supported

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to maintaining continuous improvement and has attended many training courses since registering as a childminder such as how to carry out risk assessments and make observations to support the children's progress in their learning. Systems for self-evaluation and effective monitoring of her practice are beginning to be established. As a result, realistic areas for improvement have now been identified for the childminder to prioritise, action, and evaluate to ensure improved outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has secured close relationships with the children she cares for and recognises the individuality of each child. She provides resources and activities they are interested in and which help them to make good progress through all areas of learning. She has a good understanding of learning through play and supports children appropriately in activities such as reading books together. She carefully asks open ended questions which are age-appropriate and enables children to think such as, 'what colour is Dizzy?' Records of children's achievements are progressing well. Meaningful next steps are recorded which relate to the early learning goals and are tailored to children's individual learning needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and content and behaviour is good. They engage happily in their play both with the childminder and by themselves. Praise and encouragement is consistently given to children when they do well, which helps to build their self- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 esteem and confidence. They use good imaginative skills as they act out a story with the dolls house and figures and problem solve as they work out how two figures can fit in a small bed. Children see numbers in their environment such as on toy phones and laptops and are encouraged to count the number of blocks they have used to build a tower. Children have good opportunities to learn about their local environment as they visit the library, the butchers and the church in the village. A recent cold spell has enabled very young children to use their senses to feel, experience and describe snow during their play.

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and outcomes for children

Children get plenty of fresh air and exercise on regular walks, trips to the park and outdoor play in the garden. They attend a variety of local groups for socialising with their peers and participating in a number of different activities. Children are able to regularly demonstrate their creativity through art and craft activities such as painting, gluing, making cakes, play dough and Christmas cards and decorations.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is effectively promoted. Accident and medication records are appropriately maintained which safeguards children's health. The childminder holds a valid first aid qualification which enables her deal effectively with minor injuries. Children learn about how to keep themselves safe by taking part in regular fire drills, learn how to cross roads safely and more recently to walk sensibly on dangerous surfaces such as ice. At present children do not require meals whilst with the childminder, although she does provide snacks which are healthy and nutritious such as fresh fruit. Children have independent access to drinks, with gentle reminders for very young children to ensure they remain hydrated enabling them to begin to understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. 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 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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