Childminder in CambridgeshireOfsted inspection, 15 Nov 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY411710 Inspection date 15/11/2010 Inspector Gyatri Rupal

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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 and co-minds with his wife. He lives with his wife and four children aged 10, 13 and two adult children in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has two dogs, four cats and chickens.

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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, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently four children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. He is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. He 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The children play in a warm welcoming environment where they are settled and happy. The childminder is confident in his knowledge of each individual child's likes and dislikes and provides them with an inclusive and welcoming service. The children are provided with a range of play equipment, which helps them progress in their play and learning. Positive partnerships have been developed with parents, which help to promote the children's welfare. This is the first inspection the childminder has experienced. He is beginning to self-evaluate his service and has some understanding of his strengths and weaknesses.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the records of risk assessment to include any assessment of risk for each specific outing to ensure children's safety  continue to improve knowldge and understanding of the learning and devlopment requirments of the Early Years Foundation Stage and use this to further develop systems for planinng, observing and assessing children  establish links with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure progression and contiunity of children's care and learning. 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 has a sound understanding of anti-discriminatory practice, enabling him to provide a service which is inclusive for all children and families. He is friendly and caring and this helps children to feel at ease and secure in the setting. There is a range of written policies and procedures in place which are shared with parents on initial contact and provide a basis for the care arrangement. The childminder works closely with parents from the outset, gathering information about the children's individual care needs and play interests, to help them settle. Daily information about the child's activities and any special achievements is given to the parents. This enables continuity of care and development. Letters from parents record their satisfaction with the care their children have received.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures that all of the children have the same opportunities and raises their awareness of diversity and individual differences through discussions and some play resources. The available resources are steadily used and the all- inclusive, child-friendly environment is generally conducive to the children's learning and play. For example, low-level storage boxes enable the children to freely select items to play with and rotation of resources provides an interesting environment. Child-sized furniture is provided to ensure children can sit comfortably. The childminder is aware of how to support the well-being and learning of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The children's individual development and learning is generally promoted because the childminder observes children and supports them appropriately to extend their learning. However, there is no effective system of observation as it does not

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the early years provision

identify how children progress in each area of their early learning goals. Partnerships with the other providers involved in the children's care have not yet been effectively established, which potentially impacts on the consistency of their care and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has satisfactory knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues. He understands his duty to protect children in his care and has a clear understanding of local safeguarding procedures. He ensures that most of the required documentation is in place to promote the children's welfare and safety. For example, risk assessments are in place for the premises and for the rear garden. The rear garden is not always safe for the children but the childminder ensures the garden is safe before allowing the children access to it. Whilst the childminder supervises the children on outings, he has yet to update the risk assessments to include each of the outings undertaken with the children. There are suitable systems in place to record the children's attendance, accidents and medication. Procedures, such as, the safe collection of children and understanding of good hygiene practices, help him to respond appropriately where necessary.

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the early years provision

This is the first inspection the childminder has experienced. He is beginning to reflect on his practice and has focused on his strengths and some of his weaknesses. However, his self-evaluation process is not yet robust enough, as it does not provide for a clear action plan to improve his weaknesses. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The children are settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. He creates a relaxed environment where the children can initiate their own play. The planned activities are flexible and based on the children's interests. Although the childminder has not yet fully developed his understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, a variety of play resources are available to children which helps promote all areas of their learning and development. The childminder spends his time supporting children with their play. He encourages conversation and discussion which helps develop the children's vocabulary and communication skills. For example, as children draw pictures on the drawing mat, the childminder encourages them to give an explanation of the picture. He encourages children to write down their names by showing them how to write each letter of their name. The children enjoy reading

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and outcomes for children

the book with the childminder which also helps develop their literacy.

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and outcomes for children

The children have opportunities to explore the local environment. They visit the local playgroup where they have various opportunities of messy play which develops their creative and social skills. Children's understanding of problem solving, numeracy and reasoning is fostered well through play. Children gain confidence in counting, completing puzzles and recognising shapes and colours. The childminder deals appropriately with sensitive children. Good behaviour is supported by praising them in their achievements. Children play well with each other and learn about diversity through discussion of differences. This helps promote their self-esteem and confidence. The children's awareness of keeping themselves safe is developed through practical activities and discussion with the childminder. They practise the emergency evacuation procedure and learn how to use the equipment and toys safely. Suitable procedures are in place to prevent the

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and outcomes for children

spread of infection and children follow appropriate hygiene routines. The childminder hold a valid first aid certificate; this ensures he can treat children appropriately in the event of an emergency. Healthy eating is encouraged and currently parents are advised to provide healthy packed lunches and snacks. Water is available throughout the day so the children do not get thirsty. Weather permitting, the children have access to a rear garden and use a range of play equipment which helps them develop their physical skills. They have fresh air as they walk everyday to the childminder's home. Overall, children develop appropriate skills in developing literacy and numeracy that will support their future learning. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 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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