Childminder in Bedford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY402278 Inspection date 29/09/2010 Inspector Melanie Eastwell

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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 one grown up child in Bedford, Bedfordshire close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor and one upstairs bedroom is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also provides care for children aged over five years to nine years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

A well-developed understanding of each child's needs makes sure the childminder successfully promotes children's welfare and learning. Children are safe and secure and they enjoy the childminder's inclusive and individual care and attention. The partnership with parents is a key strength and are significant in ensuring that the needs of each child are met effectively. This means that children progress well, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder has implemented systems for self-evaluation and these continue to be developed which ensures that well-targeted plans for further improvement are in place.

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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 for observation and assessment to clearly show how the records link to each other and identify each child's next steps in learning in order to demonstrate individual children's progression in their learning and development  develop further the system for self-evaluation and quality improvement processes to extend effective practice and help improve outcomes for every child.

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the early years provision

The childminder is developing a well-organised approach to her childminding and this contributes to the children's safety and well-being. For example, she has written policies and procedures in place that are clearly reflected in her daily activity and regular, thorough risk assessments underpin a good awareness of health and safety issues. Children's safety and welfare is given high priority. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is a skilled and experienced practitioner who understands fully the importance of establishing the suitability of visitors to her home and of following the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures in the event of child protection concerns. Children begin to learn about how to keep themselves safe. For example, the childminder talks to them about road safety and follows effective practices such as walking close together on the inside of the pavement and holding

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the early years provision

hands. Children are supported through close supervision to take appropriate risks and this promotes their confidence, physical development and learning. The childminder talks to older children about what may happen following an action and encourages babies to stretch themselves physically to roll over and to pull themselves up to standing. The good range of play materials and resources are well maintained and stored in low-level cupboards and units that the children can easily access themselves. Children are actively encouraged to make choices and decisions about their activities and are confident to help themselves to items they want.

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the early years provision

The childminder has built effective working partnerships with the parents of the minded children. She provides varying levels of support depending on the individual family's requirements. All parents receive daily written and verbal feedback on how their child has been during the day, their food intake, rest times and nappy changes as well as the activities they have enjoyed. The individual and specific support and effective communication provided to each child and their parents ensures consistency of care. The childminder is aware of the importance of working in partnership with other agencies and other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to make sure that children's transition is smooth.

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the early years provision

The childminder has commenced the process of self-evaluation and she is keen to continue to develop this further in order to identify her areas of strength and her priorities for future plans. She has sought the views of parents through the use of a questionnaire which reported highly complimentary and positive feedback. She constantly reflects on her daily activity with the children to ensure it is meeting their needs in the best possible way and is confident to change her plans according to spontaneous events.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy the childminder's sensitive interaction in their play. She is a skilled practitioner who supports the children to make their own decisions about their activities and offers suggestions or supplies different props to extend their vocabulary and learning. The childminder knows each child very well and is able to support a wide age range and to anticipate the need for rest, food or changes of activities. Each child is considered individually when the planning is completed to ensure their needs and interests are incorporated. The children know where to find items they want and confidently go to the cupboard and shelves to access a good range of books and later the play dough and tools. Lots of lively conversation takes place during the activities. The childminder talks to the children about what they are doing and asks them questions about what they think will happen or what they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

want to do next. Children clearly demonstrate that they feel safe, secure and confident in the childminder's home. For example, they initiate conversations, seek comfort and reassurance from the childminder as they need it and older children find the cushions and blankets they want to cuddle up to when they are tired.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder keeps a record book that displays lots of photographs and snippet observations of the children generally. She also keeps detailed records of their daily routines and progress in individual diaries that are shared with parents. Through this observation the childminder knows where each child is in relation to their learning and development. She undertakes informal, yet individual planning for activities that are based on the Practice Guidance document that ensures all children are provided with a stimulating and appropriate range of activities to promote development. However, currently the written records are not linked to each other to clearly demonstrate individual children's progression and the observations are not linked to the relevant areas of learning. Individual children's next steps are not currently recorded. Although the childminder knows where each child is in their development the written observations are not individual to them.

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and outcomes for children

Children are supported to be independent. They take their own coats and shoes off and know the daily routines. For example, they wash their hands before lunch and chose their own cup and plate and find an apron from the drawer. The childminder gives older children choices for their sandwich fillings and works very closely with parents on weaning. Children get on well together. The childminder works hard to ensure that everyone is treated individually and with respect. She follows children's interests and incorporates spontaneous events when planning activities and they begin to learn about the wider world through discussion, visitors to the family, activities and outings. The childminder is committed to providing each child with inclusive and individual care that is based on their specific needs. 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 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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