Childminder in Milton KeynesOfsted inspection, 24 Nov 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY408848 Inspection date 24/11/2010 Inspector Sarah Fletcher

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 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.

p.1

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 registered in 2010. She lives with her husband and children aged two and five years in Leadenhall, near Milton Keynes, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The downstairs of the childminder's home is used for minding, with rest and bathroom facilities on the same floor. Children have access to a fully enclosed garden and the family have two pet rabbits.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, no more than two of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group and also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years, as she is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools/pre-schools and goes to several toddler/activity groups regularly. She is experienced in caring for children with additional needs.

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 childminder provides a caring and comfortable family environment for the children to relax and play, acknowledging each child as unique, with their own needs and interests. She has clear knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibilities to protect children and safeguards them well. Children are making visible progress in their overall learning and development in relation to their starting points, capabilities and interests, as they enjoy activities within the home and make visits to local areas. The childminder builds and maintains strong relationships with parents and shows commitment to developing and improving her practice to promote outcomes for children effectively.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 further improve systems for observing and assessing children's individual progress to aid clearer identification of their next steps of learning towards the early learning goals

p.4

the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded effectively as she clearly understands her role and responsibilities to protect children, ensuring they remain sheltered from unvetted persons at all times. The childminder follows a clear policy to safeguard This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and protect children, which is shared with parents. She understands the importance of recording concerns and will approach parents in confidence with any worries she may have to ensure children remain protected. Children's safety is very important to the childminder and she reinforces rules and guidelines carefully to enable children's understanding, both in the home and when moving around the local area under her close supervision. She creates and records a wide range of risk assessments to identify and minimise hazards to children, including her home, garden and any places children visit under her close supervision to promote their

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder maintains records appropriately and has clear written policies and procedures in place to support her practice. She has obtained written parental consents for each minded child and maintains a current first aid certificate. The childminder carefully discusses the individual health and care needs of each child with their parents in confidence to support them with appropriate levels of care and to ensure she promotes an inclusive environment. She makes effective use of space and her wide range of toys, resources and equipment, supplementing them with walks and outings for the children as part of their overall learning and development. The childminder readily develops her knowledge of practice to benefit children's welfare and learning, extending her understanding through attending appropriate training courses.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder takes positive steps towards improvement through her system of self-evaluation, talking to parents for their valuable feedback, which enables her to assess her practice for future areas of development and demonstrates her on- going commitment to continue to promote outcomes for children effectively. The childminder offers parents daily feedback about their children's care and learning achievements. She has established strong relationships with parents, as she is very open and approachable, encouraging an important two-way flow of information. The childminder understands the need to work collaboratively with other settings children attend, which enables her to fully support their learning and developmental needs. She has regular discussions with the minded child's keyperson at the pre-school to share development plans and any specific areas where they can work together to aid the child's learning and development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their learning and demonstrate their growing confidence as they interact with the childminder and her family. They make visible progress in their overall development towards the early learning goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage, guiding their day-to-day play and learning environment with their own choices. The childminder is beginning to make observations and assesses children's progress, linking her findings to the areas of learning appropriately. She creates flexible plans to meet children's interests, but has yet to readily identify children's next steps of learning towards the early learning goals. Children's communication and language skills benefit from good levels of support from the childminder, which contributes to their developing skills for the future. She helps them to widen This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their vocabulary as they play, asking them open questions and taking time to listen

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children develop an understanding of the wider world around them, as the childminder provides an expanding selection of resources and activities to help them learn about diversity, ability and other cultures. To support children's growing understanding of equality and diversity, the childminder helps them learn about making a positive contribution and building helpful relationships with each other, which is reflected in how well the children behave and learn important messages about right and wrong. Children are able to feel safe because of the childminder's caring approach. She is vigilant about their safety and ensures they understand about road and fire safety through discussions and age appropriate practical demonstrations. Children show their feelings of security as they play confidently, communicating with the childminder for help whenever they need it, and by cuddling up with her as they play or read together.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are able to rest according to their needs in a secure environment and learn about their own safety as they move around the childminder's home together and when outside. The childminder enables children to enjoy a healthy lifestyle while in her care, developing their understanding of healthy food choices through discussions. She provides nutritious meals and healthy snacks for the children, together with fresh drinks which are replenished as required. Children learn simple hygiene routines, such as hand washing before eating and after toileting through gentle reminders from the childminder. She helps them to learn about the importance of fresh air and exercise as they walk around the locality safely under her close supervision. 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

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

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