Childminder in Central Bedfordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY411333 Inspection date 10/12/2010 Inspector Tina Kelly

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 two children aged two and five years in Luton, Bedfordshire. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has no pets.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of one child in the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years and this provision is registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for three children in the early year's age range part time through the week and short term arrangements around school times. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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

Children are happy and content in the childminder's care. The links with home, children's feeling of security and sense of belonging is exceptional.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in their learning. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn, she works with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework to provide interesting and age appropriate activities. Some of the detail in the children's learning journeys is not effectively used to identify the next steps in their learning. All required documents are in place to keep children safe and for the smooth running of the setting. The childminder has strategies in place to evaluate her practice and is aware of the areas that need to be developed in order for her to maintain continuous improvements.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 use observations more consistently to plan for the children's next steps and to match the observations with the early learning goals  develop the process for self-evaluation and monitor practice to promote outcomes for all children

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She has attended training and has information with regards to the Local Safeguarding Children Board readily available for parents. All members of the household have appropriate background checks. Children are kept safe through This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good supervision and risk assessments that are effective and relevant to the setting and the ages of the children cared for. All areas of the home, garden, use of the car and outings are regularly assessed and notes made to identify and minimize the hazards for all children. Well-organised policies and procedures underpin the childminder's care routines. Children learn about a healthy lifestyle through the daily activities. A sample menu is available to show parents the healthy options provided for their children at meal and snack times. Children are

p.4

the early years provision

confident in accessing the good range of toys and resources that are stored at low- level around the home. The childminder knows the children well, she is aware of their different backgrounds and adapts and extends their routines and opportunities in line with their individual needs.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to working in partnership with parents. Good use is made of the all about me forms designed for babies and older children. These ensure she is fully aware of the children's individual needs and that they are recognised, recorded and met in full as they grow and develop. A comprehensive settling in period and ongoing discussions with parents are in place to ensure children feel safe and valued. There is excellent communication with parents through very detailed diaries. These are used to share day-to-day issues of the children's personal care routines and activities they have taken part in. A parent review document shows families are involved in evaluating the provision. Their comments are taken on board to enhance and improve the service provided. Parents hold the childminder in very high regard. They are exceptionally pleased with the routines that are in place and the activities provided for their children.

p.5

the early years provision

This extensive background information and exemplary working relationship with the families supports the children in all aspects of their care, learning and development.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is aware of the importance of building links with other early years providers where the children attend. The childminder has a strong commitment to develop her skills through training. She has started to review her practice with a very detailed evaluation format. This identifies the many aspects of her service that is working well. However, she has not yet formalised the improvements she plans for the future and does not include the parent's views in her evaluation process. The childminder is part of the Luton Childminder Network and is working toward full accreditation. She is involved in the local childminder support groups and assists in planning special events with the other minders for the children. A Christmas fancy dress party has been planned with the hire of a hall, a visit from Santa Clause and gifts for all the children. She has excellent support from the network and local authority early years team in the local area and works hard to

p.5

the early years provision

establish very good working relationships with the other childminders. She is committed to developing her service to improve outcomes for all children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and confident in the care setting and they move freely to access a wide range of interesting resources around the home. When they awake from their morning sleep they are very pleased to see the childminder, have a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 cuddle and settle quickly to play. Very good relationships have developed between all the children, they interact well, show excellent negotiation and co-operative skills. They show great kindness to each other and have strong self-esteem. They are capable of communicating their needs to the childminder who is very responsive and very aware of each child's likes and interests. The high quality adult interaction and exemplary organisation of the routines and resources helps the young children to gain an exceptionally strong sense of security.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder uses the early year framework to identify their current achievements and to plan activities for the week. Effective observations in the children's personal folders show them taking part in a wide range of age appropriate activities. However, the planning does not show how the observations are used to plan for the children's next steps. Some records are not consistently linked to the early learning goals. Children enjoy the free play that is offered, the treasure basket is a favourite with many different textures, shapes and objects for the children to explore with good support from their carer. The childminder promotes an inclusive setting through resources, books and planned activities. Outings and community play groups are an important aspect of the week's routines. Children are learning about their local environment and the wider world.

p.6

and outcomes for children

All aspects of the young children's learning is well supported by the childminder. She reinforces their language with good verbal interactions stories and songs. Different shapes and sizes are shown and described to the children as they play with sorters and blocks. Their social skills are enhanced with good routines, they listen to their carer and are keen to please her. They show great delight as they give toys to their childminder. She responds with praise and thanks. The childminder is a good role model to all children with a calm and gentle approach to the young children in her care. The childminder promotes their independence and provides experiences and activities that promote the children's learning and prepares their skills for the future. 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 1 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