Childminder in NottinghamshireOfsted inspection, 14 Dec 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY401903 Inspection date 14/12/2010 Inspector Alison Putnar

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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 registered in 2009. He lives with his wife, also a registered childminder, and their adult daughter in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire. Access to the house is via a step at the front door. The whole of the downstairs of the house is used for childminding purposes, toilet facilities are provided on this level. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register and may care for six children under eight years old at anyone time. When working with a co-childminder he may accommodate eight children. There are currently four children within the Early Years age range on roll with varying attendance patterns. An older child also attends periodically.

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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

The childminder values children's uniqueness and builds secure relationships with parents to ensure that individual needs are met. Children make good progress in their development as they access a varied and interesting range of age-appropriate activities. Methods for recording and tracking children's progress are developing well. Children's welfare is generally protected through secure systems for maintaining a safe environment and keeping required records. The childminder presents a positive attitude to continuous improvement, but has not yet completed a full self- assessment of the provision to highlight areas for development that may further benefit the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 review and update the risk assessments to ensure they include everything children may come into contact with such as the family pet  implement systems for self-evaluation to identify strengths and address areas for improvement to benefit the children  provide increasing opportunities for parents to be involved in deciding children's next steps for development to further promote continuity in children's learning.

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the early years provision

Secure methods are in place for protecting children from harm. The childminder has a clear understanding of procedures for reporting child protection issues. He This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has developed written procedures for safeguarding children and provides these for parents promoting a shared sense of responsibility to keep children safe. Children's safety is further protected as the childminder supervises them well and helps them to develop an awareness of keeping safe through discussions and sensitive guidance. Accurate records relating to the care of children, procedures for dealing with emergency situations and written risk assessments are maintained. Although the family pet is not fully considered in the risk assessments. Household members are appropriately vetted ensuring their suitability to be around children. As a result children's welfare is protected and they are cared for in a safe and secure

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the early years provision

A very welcoming environment is provided. The home is organised effectively to create spacious areas where children can play, sleep and eat in comfortable surroundings. Children benefit from the childminder's friendly nature and close bonds are evident between adults and the children. The childminder understands the young children's signs and gestures as they indicate they want a cuddle, a drink or to share a story book and warmly caters for all individual needs as appropriate.

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the early years provision

Good systems are in place for working in partnership with parents and carers. Comprehensive documents are completed. These include children's care requirements and relevant permissions from parents to ensure children are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Sensitive settling-in visits enable the childminder to get to know the families he works with and therefore cater for their individual requirements. Children make choices in play in the home, use the garden and visit community resources such as local parks and toddler groups to enhance their learning opportunities. As such they make good progress in their development. The childminder keeps photographs and written records of children's progress across the six areas of learning and is beginning to highlight some next steps for children to work towards, although parents are not fully included in this process. The childminder is aware of the need to work in partnership with other settings the

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the early years provision

children may attend in future to ensure continuity in meeting individual needs.

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the early years provision

A commitment to providing a good service is evident. The childminder has made a good start to his childminding business and demonstrates a positive attitude to continuing to improve the setting through taking on board advice; attending local childminder support groups and potentially accessing further training courses. He is at an early stage of considering methods to systematically review his service; as such areas for improvement have not been fully identified or addressed to show a positive impact on the children. Feedback has been sought from parents who report they are very happy with the care provided.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, settled and confident in the childminder's care. They enjoy their play and make choices from a good selection of age-appropriate toys and resources stored in accessible boxes. The childminder observes children in play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and plans activities to support their development. For example, providing push along toys to encourage a young child's walking skills. Through active play children practise and develop skills for the future. Coloured threading buttons and shape sorters are used to support early colour recognition, counting skills and to encourage hand to eye coordination. A range of craft activities including painting and drawing are used as a tool to support future writing skills. The young children attending begin to explore technology as they press buttons, looking at the lights and moving to the music when playing with computerised toys.

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and outcomes for children

All children receive good quality, individual attention as the childminder and his co- childminder work well together. Children's language skills are developing well. Young ones attempt to repeat words used by the childminder or when recognising pictures in a book during story time. Together they visit the library for story and singing times, supporting further listening and language skills. Children behave well and are beginning to learn to share and take turns. The childminder describes appropriate methods for managing young ones behaviour, focusing on positives, distracting the children and ensuring they are occupied and interested in play. Visits to local toddler groups also provide good opportunities for children to develop their social skills as they mix with others of a similar age. Here children also develop their confidence of being in a larger group ready for future nursery or school experiences.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted as the childminder helps them to understand and adopt good hygiene practices by acting as a positive role model and maintaining a clean environment. Daily routines are well organised to meet individual needs. The childminder is mindful to ensure children have daily opportunities to gain fresh air and experience physical activities. Children enjoy trips to local play parks, green spaces and to feed the ducks. Children also develop physical skills as they explore a range of toys and resources in the garden. They are supported to make healthy choices at snack times as they enjoy fresh fruits. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that dietary needs are catered for. Children are supervised at a level to keep them safe whilst promoting their independence. The childminder helps them to consider their safety through gentle reminders to sit carefully on chairs to prevent falls.

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and outcomes for children

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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