Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY412639 Inspection date 10/01/2011 Inspector Veronica Sharpe

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 has been registered since 2010. She lives with her husband and one child aged three-years-old in Highfields Caldecote, Cambridgeshire. The local primary school and a pre-school are within walking distance. The childminder uses the sitting room and the garden for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is able to care for up to four children, two of whom may be in the early years age group. There are currently three children on roll in the early years age group, who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder collects suitable information from parents so that children's individual needs are adequately met. Children have developed close bonds with the childminder and clearly feel secure in her care. Systems to collect information about children's learning and development are in place, but are at an early stage. Most documentation is in place. The childminder has begun to evaluate the provision to enable her to make improvements to the outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 make a record of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out and by whom; regularly review the risk assessment at least once a year, and include in the record the date of the review and any action taken following a review or incident: the risk assessment should cover anything with which a child may come into contact (Documentation). 18/02/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the use of observations to help assess what children enjoy and can do; ensure observations are linked in the with areas of learning so they are matched to the expectations of the early learning goals  develop further ways to ensure a wide range of suitable furniture and resources are easily accessible to promote children's ability to be independent learners This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. She has suitable policies in place to share with parents so they understand about her responsibilities to safeguard the children. Children are supervised constantly as they play and the childminder is aware they must be protected from unvetted adults. The childminder recognises the importance of keeping children safe, for instance, she ensures babies toys are suitable for their age. However, there is no record of the risk assessment. This limits her ability to effectively minimise risks to children and is a breach of the requirements.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder's home is sufficiently well organised so children benefit from an adequate range of age-appropriate resources, but a lack of child sized furniture and limited low-level storage hinders children's ability to be independent and follow their own interests. The childminder has developed sound relationships with parents and collects information from them about children's preferences and abilities. This enables her to offer a suitably inclusive service. Parents receive a range of policies and procedures that inform them about the provision. They say they like the homely environment and that their children enjoy their time in the setting. The childminder is aware of the importance of working with other providers and is developing ways to share information for when the children attend pre-school.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is developing a self-evaluation process and demonstrates enthusiasm for her provision. She meets with other childminders to share practice issues and is keen to attend training. This helps her to identify and sustain improvements to the outcomes for children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled and behave well; they show a clear, strong affection for the childminder and enjoy her company. They sit with the childminder to build towers with blocks, or share a story. They show an awareness of numbers, for example, following the correct sequence on a numbered hopscotch pattern. Children gain an awareness of their local community as they visit the park, walk to the school or attend a toddler group. They are confident and express their opinions clearly, informing interested adults that they like using play dough or the marble run.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children who have English as an additional language are suitably supported. The childminder talks to parents about key words and phrases and introduces their home languages into the setting. She is learning baby signing so she can communicate with younger children. Relevant events and festivals, such as, Diwali are marked, therefore, ensuring some children enjoy familiar experiences, whilst helping other children widen their understanding. Although not presently caring This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities the childminder is aware of the importance of building links with parents in order to support additional needs.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder is developing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has begun to implement observations and assessments. However, she does not yet link them with the areas of learning and is not yet utilising them as an effective assessment and planning tool. This hinders her ability to effectively plan for children's next steps and ensure they make progress towards the early learning goals.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Healthy meals and snacks take into account children's likes and dislikes. The childminder talks to parents about any allergies or other dietary needs so children eat safely. Children understand about good hygiene practice, washing their hands prior to snack time. They learn to keep themselves safe as they help to tidy away resources to avoid tripping over. The childminder has appropriate fire safety equipment in place to keep children safe, but children have not yet had an opportunity to practise the fire drill, and therefore, increase their own ability to stay safe. 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 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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

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: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment at least once in each calendar year and immediately where the need for an assessment arises. Take any necessary measures to minimise identified risks (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 18/02/2011

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment at least once in each calendar year and immediately where the need for an assessment arises. Take any necessary measures to minimise identified risks (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 18/02/2011

p.8