Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY300241 Inspection date 16/06/2010 Inspector Angela Howard

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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 10, five and three years old, in Wickersley, a village on the outskirts of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, plus toilet facilities on the first floor of the premises. The children have access to a secure outdoor play area. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round, including bank holidays. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, no more than two of whom can be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children under five years and also offers care to four children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 learning environment is accessible to all children to enable them to freely choose activities, test their abilities and discover new skills within safe boundaries. A good range of daily activities support each child's learning; they are confident and feel included and valued. However, the information obtained through observations is not always used rigorously to inform planning. Good use is made of space, time and resources to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. Positive links with parents and generally sound relationships with other providers ensure children's progression, and continuity of learning and care. The childminder is new to her role but suitably reflects on her practice and is committed to future training. Therefore she is well placed to maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further observations and assessment systems to identify next steps to inform planning  develop further the use of self-evaluation to identify all areas for development and so improve outcomes for children  consider how links can be further developed with other agencies and settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.4

the early years provision

The monitoring of safety practice is rigorous and the childminder is very clear and proactive in safeguarding children. She has good procedures in place for identifying any child at risk of harm and has good up-to-date knowledge of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 possible signs of abuse and neglect. Well-documented policies and procedures, children's records and documents for the safe management of the setting are in place and are implemented successfully. The environment is very child friendly; space is used well and resources are easily accessed to encourage participation and to allow children control over their learning. This gives them the confidence to explore and learn in an environment that is like 'a second home'. Children use an abundance of good quality resources, including every day items, to support the enjoyable activities they are offered daily. Children have a strong sense of

p.4

the early years provision

belonging and have a strong bond with the childminder, who helps them to feel settled and valued. They are actively encouraged to talk about home and their experiences. This helps them to learn, appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences. Children's progress, relative to their starting points, is effectively monitored to ensure there is no under-achievement and that any sign of difficulty receives appropriate action. The childminder provides a variety of resources that reflect positive images of difference, so as to increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder consults with parents daily and actively works to include them in gathering information about their child. This information is used skilfully to help plan for each child's individual needs. Comments from parents, which are recorded in references, demonstrate that they are delighted with the care and education their children receive. Comments include, 'my children enjoy their time with you', 'the keeping of a daily log book is good' and 'my child's speech and confidence is growing'. The childminder has established a generally sound relationship with others who provide the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, this relationship is in its infancy and it is not yet clear how they will work in partnership to ensure children's progress and enjoyment.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has made some positive improvements since becoming registered. She thinks about ways to improve and is undertaking relevant training. As yet, evaluation systems are not fully effective, so she misses some areas that require improvement. However, she shows enthusiasm and has good plans to develop her practice.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder focuses on the needs of each child. She knows the children extremely well and uses this knowledge to help them feel nurtured and highly valued. The childminder has sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which she uses well to plan activities to stimulate children's curiosity and enthusiasm. Assessment is rigorous and achievements are well recorded. However, identified next steps are not always used rigorously to provide a personalised learning journey. The relationship between the childminder and children is very warm and caring. They are very happy, content and show lots of pleasure - laughing, giggling, smiling and inviting the childminder into their play. Children are making good progress in their learning as they are very eager to participate and access a very wide varied, rich and exciting range of experiences, which enrich their overall development. Children love the role play 'going on holiday'. They pack

p.5

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a suitcase, deciding if they need woolly hats and scarves or sun hats and swimming clothes. They choose to go on a 'sunny holiday' and explain that they will need sun lotion, shorts and sunglasses. The childminder encourages them to make passports and they eagerly draw self-portraits. The children are encouraged to sound out the letter their name begins with and then attempt to draw the letter in their passport. They then spontaneously and very confidently sing an alphabet song. Children pretend to pack a suitcase, climb on board an aeroplane and fly to a hot and sunny country. Their imaginations are wonderful as they describe the beach and pretend to collect shells and swim in the sea. This demonstrates that children take the lead in their own learning and are supported and challenged very well to build upon what they already know The childminder ensures they are

p.6

and outcomes for children

motivated and have good self-confidence. Children tend to their own personal needs well and express themselves clearly through drawing, writing, painting, re- telling stories and recalling events. They talk about their actions and ideas of what will happen next when they play with the small world aeroplane and accessories. They talk about the suitcase going in the aeroplane and explain that the cones are there to stop people walking near the engine as it is dangerous. Children love to use play dough and thoroughly enjoy baking; weighing and measuring the ingredients themselves. Children demonstrate good levels of creativity, accessing a wide range of painting activities, collage materials, sand and water play. These stimulate children's curiosity and maintain their enthusiasm, which results in children being well equipped with the required skills in order to secure future learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The children's health and well-being is supported very well, as they have a very strong sense of belonging at the setting. Their health needs are met well through their own care routines being fully adhered to. The childminder provides a well- balanced, nutritious range of food and has robust policies and procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Children are developing very good control of their bodies as they take part in a wide range of physical activities daily. They use their bodies in different ways, for example by climbing, jumping, sliding and pedalling, and they love to dance to favourite songs. The good range of toys, to help them learn about direction, position and following instructions, further helps the children develop a positive sense of well-being and also to build up language skills. Children learn effectively about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They practise crossing the road safely, fire evacuation procedures

p.6

and outcomes for children

and help to tidy away toys to keep themselves safe. This ensures children learn some sense of danger in a secure and safe environment, where they can explore and take risks safely. As a result of the positive experiences they are receiving, the children are making good progress in their learning and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. 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 3 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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 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