Childminder in Bedford

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY340986 Inspection date 31/01/2011 Inspector Patricia Webb

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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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged seven, nine and 12 years in Bedford. She works with an assistant. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes, including toilet facilities. Occasional use is made of two bedrooms on the first floor for sleeping children and overnight care when required. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has a small dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant these numbers increase to accommodate a maximum of 10 children under eight, six of whom may be in the early years age group. There are currently 18 children on roll, nine of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a relevant Level 3 qualification in early years childcare and education. She is also an accredited childminder and receives early education funding for three- and four-year-olds. She 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

This exceptional childminder demonstrates a commitment and dedication that enables her to offer an excellent standard of care and education to all children. This is based on promoting children's self-esteem and enabling them to feel valued and secure. Consequently children thrive and make very strong progress as the childminder and her assistant recognise their unique characters and individuality. The childminder shows a clear vision for developing her practice to improve children's outcomes based on her successful implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is reflective in evaluating the impact her provision has on children's attainment, attending to improvements noted at the previous inspection and seeking to identify and prioritise aspects for further improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 improving the emergency evacuation drill procedures by recording the details of any problems that may be encountered and how they were resolved. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children and their families benefit immensely from the attention the childminder gives to delivering positive and exciting experiences for their care, welfare and early education. Together with her able assistant, the childminder has amassed a raft of clear and detailed policies and procedures which are shared with parents. They also have access to a copy of these on a computer disc to refer to at home. Clear explanations are given regarding the childminder's requirement to seek high levels of information which enable her to identify and meet individual needs. A clear complaints procedure is in place and robust risk assessments are carefully recorded and reviewed as necessary. While emergency evacuation drills are conducted, the childminder does not currently maintain a record of these, slightly marring how she keeps track of resolving any problems that may be encountered.

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the early years provision

The childminder attends training courses and engages in specific developments to extend her knowledge and skills, such as the 'Every Child A Talker (ECAT)' project. She is also justifiably proud of her achievement as a childminder accredited to deliver funded early education to three- and four-year-olds. This enables her to offer a high quality of inclusive care and education to every child. She is very aware of the diverse needs of children and provides sensitive and caring support for children from a range of backgrounds. Highly effective links with parents and carers, as well as with other professionals involved in children's care and welfare, enable the childminder to frame the routines and experiences for each child. For example, a child is supported in extending English as an additional language and younger toddlers are assisted in settling in to the daily routines.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a very clear understanding of the procedures regarding child protection and the safeguarding of children in her care. The childminder and her assistant have attended training in this aspect and are aware of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) as an important tool in monitoring any concerns that may arise. Parents are reassured of the childminder's duty of care to act in a child's best interests at all times. Clear records are maintained pertaining to children's health and well-being and parents sign to acknowledge the records of accidents and the administration of medication. Both the childminder and her assistant hold current first aid certificates.

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the early years provision

The childminder has been successful in securing funding to enable her to extend the vast range of resources on offer to the children. She provides equipment based on the children's ages and stages of development, as well as their individual interests. Careful checks are carried out to ensure equipment is safe, clean and suitable, and there is an inspired mix of commercial resources, accompanied by found materials and household items which children freely access. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children blossom in the care of this inspired childminder and her assistant. Together they work tirelessly to offer a provision that is wholly child-centred and enables each child to gain skills for the future in exciting and interesting ways. The systems for recording observations and assessing children's progress are highly effective in monitoring children's development. Simple post-it notes are used to record their efforts and regular assessment is then undertaken to summarise where each child is in each area of their learning. This enables the childminder to identify any gaps or areas for developing challenge and extension, thereby tailoring children's learning opportunities. Parents contribute frequently through these records and also by using their daily record books which support the learning records in detailing each child's progression.

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and outcomes for children

Additional use is made of the story box, which is currently based upon the child's favourite story of 'The Gruffalo'. Parents are invited to take the box home, recording the antics of the toy characters from the story. Children also engage in this actively as they use the child-friendly camera to show what the Gruffalo did while at home with them. The childminder has designed this tool in conjunction with the ECAT project to promote communication, language and literacy in a true partnership with the child's home and family. Mark-making activities are planned for each child, from the traditional formats to making patterns and shapes in the cornflour gloop. Again, inclusive practice is considered highly as the childminder not only uses a table, but at times places this media on the floor in a plastic play tray, enabling every child to engage actively. Resources are labelled to enable children to notice that writing carries meaning and children's individual baskets

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and outcomes for children

have their pictures on, supporting younger children in developing their independence and self-choice. Excellent use is made of unusual resources, such as, the large selection of lids. Children delight in sorting the lids, comparing the noises the metal and plastic lids make, and there is great glee when a child fills a box with the lids and shakes them vigorously, scattering them in many directions. They are also used to promote children's awareness of colours, shapes and sizes.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop their problem-solving skills as the childminder and her assistant use effective questioning to promote critical thinking. A child works out how to operate the zip fastener on the play tent and then ducks when entering it. They develop firm friendships and relate well to each other and to the adults. They seek out the childminder with confidence and delight in settling cosily on the settee to have a story, along with cuddles and laughter. Behaviour is managed very sensitively, taking account of children's ages and stages of maturity. Older children are encouraged to make the right choices about their behaviour and achieve treats and rewards. This is targeted to individual children's development and ranges from a child making the transition to full-time school with support to a toddler giving up the much-loved dummy when they are ready to do so. Children learn about their environment as, for example, they engage in gardening activities and visit local

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and outcomes for children

venues. The childminder cares for children from a range of differing backgrounds and these are acknowledged through activities and celebrations across the year. Children from families where English is an additional language are ably supported This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in developing their bilingual skills and the childminder is seeking to extend strategies for promoting non-verbal communication further. Plans are in place to evaluate the effectiveness of introducing simple sign language to develop this further.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and welfare are promoted as they use highly effective routines to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. They access their own towels and spare clothes in their individual baskets as they develop a sense of belonging in the homely and exceptionally well-organised routines. They are encouraged to become aware of their own safety as they learn to hold the pushchair and use reins when on walks and outings. They also participate in regular drills to ensure that their safe exit is assured in an emergency. They enjoy a selection of well-planned and nutritious meals and snacks, with attention given to meeting specific dietary needs and preferences.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder takes great pride in the service she offers. Together with her assistant, children enjoy a very high quality of input into their early lives. Parents express their great satisfaction with the provision as they contribute to questionnaires and the childminder responds effectively. One parent comments that the childminder deserves '15 out of 10' for the input given to each child and the way in which children are supported in gaining life skills for the future. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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