Childminder in LutonOfsted inspection, 2 Feb 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 105110 Inspection date 02/02/2011 Inspector Dianne Andrews

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two adult children in the Limbury area of Luton in Bedfordshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding together with bedrooms upstairs, which are used for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden and parks nearby available for outdoor play. The local schools and shops are within walking distance.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time. She is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently six children on roll. The childminder regularly attends the local toddler groups.

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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

The childminder creates a welcoming environment for all children and demonstrates a good understanding of their individual needs. There is a positive, friendly working relationship with parents and effective procedures in place help to keep them informed about their child's care and learning. The childminder has a good knowledge of the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is developing systems to help children make good progress. She has a positive attitude to improvement although systems to evaluate her practice in order to identify strengths and areas for development are not fully developed.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems for observations further to consistently make links to the 'Development Matters' prompts to plan the next steps in a child's developmental progress  review the risk assessment to ensure that it covers anything with which a child may come into contact.

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the early years provision

The childminder understands her role with regards to the protection of children in her care and has appropriate systems in place to ensure they are safeguarded. All adults living in the household are known to Ofsted to enable appropriate checks to be completed. The childminder is vigilant and places high priority on children's safety. Effective actions are taken to manage and eliminate risks to children and most are detailed within the policies or written risk assessments. However, activities that children undertake are not included in the risk assessment document to confirm how they are kept safe in all areas. Children's well-being is further This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 supported through the appropriate documentation maintained, such as, the record of children's attendance, accident records and medication records.

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the early years provision

Children's culture and individuality is fostered very effectively in the setting. Those who have English as an additional language are supported well by the childminder, who proactively learns about the language and introduces simple words into the routine. This reassures parents and ensures that children are settled and feel a strong sense of belonging. All children are encouraged to have awareness and an interest in cultural and religious differences through practical activities.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is effectively organised, comfortable, spacious and child friendly. Children confidently move around the premises making choices about their play. They access the wide range of suitable and age-appropriate resources stored around the room or within toy boxes in the play area. These encourage play and learning in all areas of the early learning goals.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows a clear understanding of the need to promote consistency between carers and educators. Parents are kept informed about the service the childminder provides through access to the policies and procedures, which underpin the practice. A designated area in the hallway provides displayed information about the childminder's registration. Parents know about the progress their children are making through the sharing of daily dairies and through access to their children's learning profiles, which show photographs and document achievements that children make. They offer glowing references to confirm their complete satisfaction with the service provided. Their comments include; 'my child has been able to grow and develop thanks to the time he spends with his childminder and the other children in her care.'

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the early years provision

The childminder is at an early stage of reviewing her service and has yet to evaluate and highlight strengths and areas for improvement, in all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, that would benefit the children further. She is developing her systems to show how she is using observations and assessments to plan for the next steps in children's development. She demonstrates a commitment to making improvements through seeking and acting upon advice from local professionals and through attendance at training relating to early years.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is an experienced child carer and demonstrates her good understanding about how children learn as she uses spontaneous opportunities to challenge their thinking and develop their knowledge. She is familiar with children's likes and dislikes and ensures their favourite activities are available to enable them to feel settled and secure. A child's interest in vehicles is harnessed as the children are taken on a bus trip to see the local community. They comment on the size of the houses, vehicles and people as they observe them from the top deck of a double-decker bus. They also see a large crane on their walk to the school and watch it in operation. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children make choices from the displayed resources, selecting books and handling them appropriately. They use their language skills to tell the story through the

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and outcomes for children

interpretation of the pictures, connecting ideas and beginning to anticipate what happens next. They use mathematical language in their play and begin to recite some number names in sequence. They operate simple equipment, choosing to demonstrate what cameras, binoculars and mobile phones are used for.

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and outcomes for children

Children take part in well-organised activities to encourage their understanding of how others live; this includes visits to religious places of worship and the sharing of celebrations, family customs and food from a variety of countries and cultures. They have opportunities to socialise regularly with children of their own age at community groups and to take part in activities to enhance their experiences at home.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a good understanding about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy outdoor play either in the garden or at the local park each day. They follow effective routines to reduce the spread of infection in their personal hygiene, independently accessing the hand washing facilities. They enjoy nutritious snacks such as fruit and breadsticks and are encouraged to remain hydrated as their drinks are always available for them to access.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn to keep themselves safe as they learn about stranger danger. The messages are reinforced through the use of stories. They practise emergency evacuation drills and discuss road safety as they walk to and from school. They learn to handle tools and equipment safely, for instance, as they help the childminder's husband to mend their bicycle. School age children are keen to offer their evaluation of the time they spend with the childminder to demonstrate their feelings of security, stating; 'what I like about her best is she cares about us and she will always be there for us.' 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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