Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY288838 Inspection date 27/01/2011 Inspector Alison Reeves

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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 2005. She lives with her two children, aged 10 and 16 years, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The whole of the easily accessed premises is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives or walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the park, nature reserves, library, indoor soft play areas and educational facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for five children under eight years; and of these, three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for one early years age range child on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are making good progress in their learning and development whilst with this childminder. Their safety and welfare is given high priority and all appropriate measures are in place to ensure this. Children are valued and the childminder works effectively to cater for individual needs. Children thrive in the calm environment. Their achievements are generally well monitored and assessed. Partnerships with parents are well established and those with other providers are in place to give continuity between settings. Systems to evaluate and reflect on practice are developing and this ensures continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for recording to include children's next steps  develop self-evaluation to cover all aspects of the setting

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded effectively and well protected in the setting because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role with regard to child protection. Her knowledge of local safeguarding procedures ensures that she has strategies in place to mange any concerns she may have about children in her care. This means that children's well-being is given priority and they feel secure.

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the early years provision

Good use is made of up-to-date risk assessments to support the childminder in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensuring all the areas of the home are safe and that any outings have been given careful consideration. Planned, regular reviews ensure any changes and new actions required are identified. As a result children are able to move safely and freely around the setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder's secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage is used well to support children in their play and learning. She has completed a course of further study which has broadened her understanding of early years practice and this is used effectively in her work with children. The environment is organised to provide suitable space for play and rest with easily accessible resources. This means that children make good progress in their development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has looked at most aspects of her setting and identified the strengths and weaknesses. Her plan demonstrates how she intends to address issues and improve the provision for the children. As a consequence she sets herself realistic targets that secure improvements. For example, she plans to further extend the resources for outdoor play to give children more opportunities to learn when playing in the garden.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established effective working relationships with parents. She obtains the required information about each child including their dietary and health needs. This means that parent's wishes and children's individual needs are effectively met. Parents compliment the childminder on her service and highlight the routines planned around the child as a particular strength. Childminder and parents share important information about children's starting points and progress. This means that parents can become involved in their child's learning and each child is supported in making progress towards the early learning goals. Relationships with other provisions involved with the children are established and contribute to supporting children's welfare and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder supports children well. She spends time with them helping them to access activities and to develop critical thinking by asking open questions. She readily adapts activities to ensure that all children can participate at an appropriate level. An effective equal opportunities policy is regularly reviewed and supports the childminder well. This means that the individual needs of all children are met and all children are included fully in all aspects of the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well and in ways that are safe. For example, they move carefully in the home negotiating obstacles. They understand the simple house rules designed to keep them safe. Young children are becoming increasingly independent in managing their self-care well. Toddlers learn to feed themselves and are included in hygiene routines, such as, hand washing before meals. Children are physically active making good use of the garden and local outdoor spaces, where they go to play on the swings and slides. They use small tools like paint brushes and show good hand control when setting up the train track, fixing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 pieces with precision and inserting the small wooden pegs into the bridge supports. Children eat a balanced diet with regular drinks and snacks offered to keep energy levels up and ensure they are hydrated. They visit the allotment to

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and outcomes for children

share in the experience of growing plants and learn about where their food comes from.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's experience ensures that activities provide plenty of learning opportunities and that children are challenged. She is skilled at bringing together several aspects into a single activity. This means children with very particular preferences for certain play can still benefit from a broad range of learning experiences. For example whilst playing with the trains they cover number sequencing and are creative as they imagine where the train is travelling, they also include the dinosaurs and bring them food on the train for their dinner. The childminder regularly observes children and uses photographs, notes and samples of their work to make assessments of their achievements. This leads into planning further activities, although children's next steps are not always identified. Nevertheless children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident communicators; they recognise print and enjoy books. They spend a few minutes studying the booklet that illustrates different track layouts and this gives them ideas on how to change what they have already made and prompts an investigation on how to make a tunnel. Children use mathematical terms in speech and play as they talk about the long train going up and across the bridge. They are confident users of cause and effect toys enjoying the cash register as they role play going shopping. Children are creative and enjoy expressing themselves in role play, through song and with art materials.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is very good because the childminder gives clear explanations and set appropriate boundaries. Children are developing a respect for themselves and others. This is shown through their cooperation and interaction with others. Children are learning about the wider world including the celebration of festivals from different cultures. 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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