Childminder in North Northamptonshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY375665 Inspection date 13/01/2011 Inspector Mary Van de Peer

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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 2008. The childminder lives with her partner and three children. They live in Abbey Wood, South East London. There are schools, parks and shops nearby. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years age range and is registered to care for two children overnight. The childminder currently has one child in the Early Years age group on roll. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years of age. The childminder is able to offer support to children who have special educational needs and /or disabilities and/or children who speak English as an additional language. The family keep goldfish in an indoor tank as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and

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Description of the childminding

also receives support from the local authority. The childminder does not receive funding for three and four year olds. The childminder is on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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 childminder has an adequate knowledge on how children progress and provides activities to meet children's needs. The observation and assessment system is developing well and children's next steps are being identified which is beginning to influence future planning. Although most of the required paperwork is in place, the record of children's daily attendance has not been kept up to date, which is a breach of a specific legal requirement. The childminder is establishing positive ways to engage with parents, so children benefit from continuity of care. The childminder attends relevant childcare courses to keep her knowledge current. The childminder has begun to identify areas for improvement in her service through self evaluation. Overall, the childminder delivers an inclusive and welcoming service.

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further?

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

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further?

 keep a daily record of the hours of attendance in relation to every child who is cared for on the premises (also applies to the both parts of the Childcare Register) 13/01/2011

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  review how the toys, resources and activities available are presented to children, to help encourage opportunties for extending their play and promote independence

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sufficient knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She ensures anyone who has access to the children is suitable to do so. The childminder has attended an up-to-date safeguarding course and can confidently state the possible signs of abuse and what procedures she would follow if she had any concerns about a child in her care. Most of the required written records and documentation are in place. However, although the hours of attendance for children who are no longer being minded have been written down, there are no records available for the children currently attending. The childminder is qualified in paediatric first aid, therefore she is able to treat children's minor injuries effectively. A written risk assessment of the home and outings has been carried out and necessary steps are taken to minimise hazards. Children cannot access rooms or items not risk assessed that could be dangerous. All equipment and

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the early years provision

resources are in good order. They are checked regularly for cleanliness and safety. The childminder provides meals, snacks and drinks for children. Although there is no written menu, parents are made aware of what is available and the diet on offer is balanced. A garden is available for outdoor play on a daily basis, this means children benefit from the fresh air and physical play activities regularly.

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the early years provision

The childminder has only minded children for short periods of time since registration but she is aware of her own strengths and priority areas for improvement. She has begun to write her self-evaluation findings down. The childminder is starting to implement actions to improve the outcomes for children in her care. For example, widening the choice of toys and resources, ensuring the areas of learning are covered. The childminder regularly undertakes further training, helping to extend her knowledge and understanding of childcare and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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the early years provision

There is a wide variety of toys and activities available, although some of them are not easy for children to directly access. Child-size tables and chairs provide opportunities for children to become more independent. The resources are age and stage appropriate to the children attending. The childminder takes into account each child, their home background, interests and culture when looking at the toys and equipment she provides to ensure that she meets all their individual needs.

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the early years provision

Partnerships and links with other carers in the local community are developing. The childminder is aware that if a child attends another day care provision, she will need to communicate with them in the interest of care consistency. All parents receive a copy of the written policies and procedures so that they have a full understanding of the service offered by the childminder. Positive relationships with parents are being established and verbal communication provides vital information to aid children's progress. Observations and assessments of children, the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identification of their next steps and future planning, are carried out and recorded. The childminder shares these with parents; she is starting to encourage them to have an input into their child's progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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and outcomes for children

The environment is safe and welcoming. Children benefit from the childminder's committed approach to their play and learning. For example, she shows a genuine interest in what they enjoy doing and interacts with them in their play, encouraging the children to engage in conversation with her. The children show they feel safe and trust the childminder as they know the routines. For example, at snack time they know to sit at the table and say please and thank you at the right time. Safety issues are discussed with the children, such as when out walking and they take part in practising the emergency evacuation procedure. Children demonstrate how they feel safe and secure in the care of the childminder through the comfortable exchanges between them.

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and outcomes for children

Children can enjoy a wide range of toys and resources, although some, such as mark-making materials, are not easy to access. Activities are sometimes led by children and at other times the childminder introduces other resources and play ideas. Many activities are provided to build on children current interests. Children learn to problem-solve, for example, as they work out how to make inter-active and programmable toys work. Garden play and a variety of outings promote children's physical skills and knowledge of the world. They learn about recycling and caring for the environment, helping divide waste materials into different categories, for example paper and plastic. Small world and role play helps children make connections with real life scenarios.. When the post arrives the child helps the childminder pick it up and count the envelopes. There are opportunities when the childminder can look at extending the children's play, for example, talking

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and outcomes for children

about where the letters have come from but these are not always taken advantage of.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's observational assessment system is progressing well. The childminder is clear about what children can do and plans and provides for the next steps in their learning. She has just started to keep records of their achievements and development, looking at new challenges the children will benefit from. Observations are linked to the expectations of the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and well-being are being promoted well by the childminder. They enjoy balanced snacks and meals, which include vegetables and fruit. The childminder encourages them to try new foods and works with parents to meet children's specific dietary needs. Children enjoy visits to local shops where they help to choose and buy the food provided. Children with infectious illnesses do not attend the setting and a poster outlining these helps to inform parents of the procedure the childminder follows. This helps to prevent the spread of infection.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder's guidance and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 input. She is attentive, kind but firm towards them and rewards their achievements and good behaviour. The childminder confirms that she explains to children why some behaviour is not acceptable. This helps them to learn. Children are learning how to take turns and receive praise and encouragement. The behaviour management strategies in place help promote children's welfare and self-esteem. Children are supported well by the childminder. She is becoming confident in planning routines and favourite activities that promote the enjoyment and participation of the children. Overall a good range of experiences helps the children to make progress and develop the skills needed for their future learning and development. 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 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

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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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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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.

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report 13/01/2011

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