Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY414278 Inspection date 19/01/2011 Inspector Yvonne Layton

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 was registered in 2010 and lives with her husband and their adult son in Newark, Nottinghamshire. The whole ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclose garden available for outside play. There is a step to access the house.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. Currently she is caring for eight children, three of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder drives and/or walks to the local school and undertakes outings. She holds a level 4 early years qualification.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled at the childminders. Their welfare is well promoted and they make strong progress in their learning and development. Inclusive practice is carefully promoted and children's needs are effectively met through recognising and supporting their uniqueness. Active links with parents help to ensure consistency in care and education. The childminder has started to evaluate her provision and has strong aspirations to develop the quality to drive and maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 extend the written safeguarding procedure to include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made to include anyone present in the household  develop further a culture of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are effectively protected as the childminder has a very secure knowledge about safeguarding, enabling her to produce a detailed safeguarding policy and protect children in her care. In the event of an allegation being made against herself the childminder has the required procedure in place. However, this needs to be extended to cover other members of the household. Children's welfare is promoted well as all required and many additional records, policies and procedures This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are in place. They are kept safe as the childminder is very alert to their safety both in the home and on outings. Security of the premises is robust and procedures for arrival and departure ensure children are handed over safely to a known adult. Detailed risk assessments and established fire evacuation procedures ensure children are protected. The childminder is very clear about her individual

p.4

the early years provision

responsibilities and has clear procedures for visitors to the home. Children's health is protected effectively as she has established consistent hygiene procedures and routines. Equipment and resources are well maintained, clean and suitable for their use.

p.5

the early years provision

Children are helped to make good progress and their development is encouraged. The childminder is knowledgeable about implementing all aspects of the learning and development elements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Individual planning of activities for each child is devised through observations of their progress, interests and development. Each child has an assessment file which details progress and clearly identifies their next steps of learning. The childminder is clear about visiting all of the areas of learning.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are well established which helps to create consistency between the home and the setting. They are provided with quality information about the care and education of their child. Each child has a personal file which includes progress assessments and individual diaries which contains information about their care and learning. There is ongoing discussion about the care and learning of each child between the childminder and their parents. Inclusive practice is well promoted and all children are included in activities. The childminder is confident in her ability to develop children's understanding of diversity so that all differences are fully appreciated. The childminder routinely uses signing in rhymes and songs with the children. Currently no children in her care attend any other settings. However, she is clearly able to identify how she will establish links with other settings in the future.

p.5

the early years provision

Reflection and evaluation of the provision is still in it's infancy. However, children's learning and welfare benefit as the childminder has very clear aspirations to develop and improve her setting. She is eager to undertake training and develop her own experience. Consequently, the outcomes for the children are continually improved.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder is keen to provide children with a positive experience and a sound base to support their learning. Interactions are good and children benefit as the childminder is warm and caring with them. Children enjoy purposeful play through a range of planned, focussed, spontaneous and child-led activities which ensures that they make good progress towards the early learning goals. Activities are extended and adapted to follow children's ideas and interests. A child's enjoyment of the rhyme 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' results in a display of star collages. A trip to feed the ducks develops into a theme as children research birds in books, look This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 at duck stories, draw and make collages of ducks. Children enjoy a transport theme after they watch demolition cranes in the town. During routine outings the childminder and children talk about what they see and count and investigate

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children learn about the world around them and diversity through discussions and activities relating to different people and cultures supported by books, resources and discussions. Varied outings including visits to the castle, canal and museum, where children dress in Victorian clothes, discuss what they have done and undertake related creative activities, enrich children's experiences.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Colour, letters, calculation and mark making development are supported well within spontaneous, routine, child-led and focussed themed activities. Creativity and exploration is promoted as all children enjoy access to a variety of art, craft and imaginative activities, such as role play and 'small world'. A love of music and books is promoted by spontaneous and planned story times and visits to the library. Singing, dancing and rhymes are part of every day routine. The childminder actively encourages young children to investigate sound and rhythm as they choose favourite rhymes from pictures. Children and the childminder share books where the pictures are used to explore other concepts such as how many items can they count, what colour things are and what noises different animals make.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's communication is enriched as the childminder uses lots of open questions and a wide range of vocabulary to encourage the children to express themselves. They have a sense of self-worth as they follow the childminder's behaviour boundaries based on respect and kindness. She is extremely alert and responds to children's individuality and different personalities. They learn respect for themselves and others as the childminder explains why some behaviour is not acceptable. Younger children are encouraged to use non-verbal and facial expressions to express their emotions. The childminder increases children's socialisation and social skills by visiting children's groups. The childminder is a good role model and the consistent use of praise and positive reinforcement contributes effectively to the children developing a good sense of self and belonging to a wider family group.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's health and safety is well promoted. The childminder has effective hygiene policies, procedures and consistent routines, including discussions and explanations about personal care. Strong relationships with the childminder help children to feel safe and secure in their surroundings. They learn about possible dangers and how to keep themselves safe through discussions, robust routines and activities. Children gain an understanding about food as they pick blackberries which they make into a dessert and then eat. They learn about recycling as they assist the childminder to sort out items to recycle and use household items such as cardboard boxes, tubes, pasta and rice for activities. Children keep fit as they walk daily, visit local amenities where activities include yoga and music and movement sessions, and enjoy outside and indoor play in the home. 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 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 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 2

p.7

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

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: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8