Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY403604 Inspection date 30/09/2010 Inspector Alison Reeves

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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 assesses 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.

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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

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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 2010. She lives with her husband and three of her five adult children, near Ely, Cambridgeshire. Most of the ground floor and part of the first floor of the premises is used for childminding. The childminder drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the park, library, indoor soft play areas and educational facilities. The childminder has fish and outside cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for six children under eight years; and of these, three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age range on a part-time basis. She is registered to work with an assistant and to provide overnight care. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 in the Early Years Foundation Stage are making good progress in their learning and development whilst in the care of this childminder. Their safety and welfare is well promoted and a range of policies and procedures support the childminder in her practice. Children are highly valued and the childminder makes a particular effort to ensure their individual needs are fully catered for. Partnership working is effective. Children thrive in the calm, caring environment and most aspects of equality and diversity are strong. The childminder uses sound methods to reflect on practice to raise standards and further improve outcomes for children in the setting.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop self-evaluation to cover all aspects of the setting  plan regular opportunities for children to experience and learn about diversity and difference

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded by the childminder who is clear about her role in protecting children from harm. She ensures children are not left alone with unchecked persons and that visitors to the home are carefully monitored. The childminder has clear policies and ensures that her assistant is fully aware of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 content and how they are implemented to ensure children's safety. Children play and learn in an environment free from hazards as clear, concise risk assessments have minimised the potential of danger. Resources are deployed appropriately to provide children with a stimulating learning environment.

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the early years provision

The childminder works very hard to ensure all children are nurtured so that they meet their full potential. She skilfully supports families of very young children, going to some effort to ensure she completely understands their needs and can therefore provide an appropriate environment in which they can thrive. Regular discussions are held with all parents to discuss children's progress and agree their next steps. The childminder recognises the value in sharing information with other settings to ensure children receive a broad and varied range of activities to meet their interests and needs. The childminder values close partnership working with parents in order to promote the best outcomes for children. Children and their family's home background are respected and the childminder ensures their beliefs and preferences are incorporated into the setting. However opportunities for children to experience other cultures and explore diversity and differences are

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the early years provision

The childminder has examined her practice in relation to outcomes for children through self-evaluation and has been able to highlight some areas for development and how these can be addressed in order to secure further improvements. For example, by developing the garden to provide more spontaneous opportunities for outdoor play and experience of the natural environment.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well supported in their play and learning. The childminder knows their starting points on entrance to the setting and strives to provide interesting and challenging activities. Children are settled and happy and clearly enjoy being with the childminder. They choose freely from books and toys and enjoy investigating new resources. Children benefit from the childminder's wealth of experience and depth of knowledge about how young children develop and learn. Regular observations make certain she is aware of each child's individual stage and where they are at in their development and learning, this enables her to plan their next steps accordingly.

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and outcomes for children

Children's social development is promoted effectively as they attend a number of facilities outside the childminder's home. Regular trips to community groups and visits to parks provide children with a greater variety of experiences. Children enjoy small world play where they recreate stories from favourite books and television programmes. Children like to cuddle up on the sofa to hear the childminder read favourite stories. They readily select books they enjoy and are eager listeners. Opportunities for mark-making are good with the childminder providing a variety of tools and equipment. Painting using small brushes and the magnetic drawing board are both popular. These activities enable children to develop their hand control and their creativity. Children are encouraged to be This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 aware of their environment; they look at the apple tree outside and can speak

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and outcomes for children

knowledgably about what is growing on the tree and how falling apples could land on your head. The childminder takes the children to local parks where they can explore open space and the physical challenge of some of the large equipment. Children are learning how to keep themselves and others safe. On trips out they practise road safety, looking carefully for moving vehicles before crossing the road. Children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks that supplement the meals supplied by parents. They talk about the food they eat and how it helps them grow. Children learn about personal hygiene as they are fully included in regular routines, washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet to prevent the spread of germs and cross contamination.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged and praised for their achievements developing their self- esteem. They show a strong sense of belonging and have established close relationships. Children behave well and understand what is expected of them. Children cooperate and share; they show interest in others and enjoy sharing their thoughts and experiences. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 3 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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