Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 252503 Inspection date 15/03/2011 Inspector Kath Harding

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and one grown up child in Ravenshead, Nottingham. The whole of the downstairs of the property is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. She also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. 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

The childminder provides highly effective care and learning opportunities, promoting very positive outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children take part in an exciting and purposeful range of high-quality activities that support their learning and development extremely well and take into consideration their individual needs, likes, dislikes and interests, ensuring that her practice is fully inclusive. The childminder works extremely closely with parents, consulting with them and their children regularly to enable her to assess the provision. She is fully committed to the continuous provision of a childminding service that is sensitive and responsive to the future needs of the children she cares for.

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further?

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

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further?

 reviewing the risk assessments to ensure that they cover anything with which a child may come into contact to ensure children's safety and well being

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is prioritised and is very well promoted because the childminder has an excellent understanding of her responsibilities relating to safeguarding children. She has attended child protection training to promote her understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures and ensures all adults living in the household have suitable checks in place. Children's well-being is further enhanced by the childminder's comprehensive risk assessments, ensuring that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's safety is promoted on outings and when in the home and garden. However, risk assessments do not cover everything that children come into contact with, such as different activities that children take part in.

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the early years provision

The childminder manages daily routines effectively to accommodate the individual needs of the children attending. Pictorial boards are displayed prominently in the entrance hall to aid communication, as parents and children can easily refer to these. Photographs on display ensure parents are fully aware of the activities their children have been involved in. Planning is flexible and is developed by talking with the children to ensure they have an input. Their interests and play preferences are woven into the plans to ensure that they benefit from an excellent balance of child-led and adult-initiated activities that fully sustain their interest.

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the early years provision

The welcoming, rich and varied environment plays a key role in supporting and extending children's learning. It is utilised to its full potential to provide children with choices about where and with what they wish to play. The outdoor environment is used exceptionally well, not only for physical activity but to give children first hand contact with weather, seasons and the natural world. The childminder makes maximum use of all areas, providing toys and resources at low- level, to enable children to make independent choices. She also attends a wide range of community resources, such as the library, the childminder support groups and toddler sessions to further enhance children's experiences.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes, for instance one parent asked for a different type of juice. The childminder canvassed parental opinions about what to provide and in order to meet all children's individual needs and all parental preferences offered the children two types of juice. She takes time to accumulate information relating to children's individual needs, likes and dislikes, thus ensuring consistency and continuity between home and the setting. Parents receive information about their child on a daily basis within a daily diary. This helps to sustain excellent relationships. Children's progress books contain observations and photographs which fully support their progress and are shared regularly with parents. Parental comments are added to these and they complement the regular, meaningful feedback discussions about children's activities, routines and achievements. Parent's views about their child and the setting are consistently

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the early years provision

encouraged and very much valued. Some comments include 'I found it very useful having the time for my children to settle in before I returned to work. I thought the changeover worked very well and made me very comfortable whilst leaving my children'. The childminder has a comprehensive set of policies and procedures relating to the setting that support her exceptionally good practice. These are shared with parents and updated when necessary.

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the early years provision

The childminder's rigorous, honest approach and positive attitude to feedback enable her to identify changes and prioritise areas for improvement. She has a suggestion box for parents and children's comments which is well used particularly when looking at planning trips and outings. She recently listened to the children's thoughts and ideas about what to spend a sum of money on. They chose a laptop and the childminder went along with this idea. The children devise good ideas for games and are able to quickly adapt and adjust things so everyone can take part. The childminder is proactive in developing partnerships with other settings that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children attend. She establishes good lines of communication with the staff which results in productive dialogue and exchange of information to fully promote continuity in the children's care and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly motivated and totally committed to providing a high level of care and education to ensure the best possible outcomes for children. She has a strong commitment to her own self-development and attends training to update and develop her knowledge and expertise and to enhance her excellent practice. She implements ideas she gains through liaison with other professionals, to offer the best opportunities for children's development in all areas.

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and outcomes for children

High priority is given to maintaining children's good health and well-being. The childminder prepares well balanced meals and uses displays and topics to educate the children on what benefits are obtained from certain foods. For example, they are encouraged to peel the fruit and vegetables thinly so they do not peel away the goodness and she encourages them to learn about proteins and carbohydrates. They enjoy a wholesome, nutritious and balanced diet and are supported to make healthy choices as the childminder cooks fresh food and produce. Children relish the opportunity to be involved in the planning of what items they are going to eat and often are involved in the food preparation. They can access regular drinks of water to ensure they remain hydrated and are encouraged to pour their own drinks. They are encouraged to brush their teeth and wash their hands regularly so encouraging their understanding of the importance of following good personal

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and outcomes for children

hygiene routines. They talk about exercise and how it helps the heart and muscles and makes them strong. They have innovative opportunities to engage in a wide range of physical activities such as balancing on wooden beams, using drain pipes and exercising to music.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe as they are encouraged to take their own measured risks, particularly in the garden. They are encouraged not to put the counters in their mouth and to sit on the chair properly and are given explanations as to why these actions might be dangerous. They take part in regular fire drills so they know how to evacuate the premises in an emergency. They regularly discuss road safety and stranger danger and the childminder uses topics, books and posters to ensure that safety is always at the fore front of their minds. When crossing roads they are encouraged to concentrate and listen with older children reminding younger children what to do. The high quality interaction and organisation of routines helps babies and young children to gain an exceptionally strong sense of security.

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and outcomes for children

Children thrive and make excellent progress because the childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and offers a highly stimulating environment. She uses the information gained from the observations of children's progress to ensure that activity planning is well targeted and focussed to fully promote children's individual development in all six areas of learning. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enjoy an extensive variety of activities both in and out of the home. They sit together to share their snacks and discuss their likes and their day at pre-school, valuing everyone's contributions.

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and outcomes for children

The organisation of the setting and provision of resources means that children are encouraged to explore and experiment. The children have great opportunities to discover things for themselves as they use kitchen and gardening equipment, interactive toys and computers. They use home made games such as 'Ten Green Bottles' and 'Five little Ducks' to develop the children's interest in number and problem solving. They effectively develop their physical skills as they use the slide indoors and scooters, skipping ropes and nets and balls outdoors to develop their physical skills and their confidence.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder skilfully supports children's play using effective questioning techniques to challenge their knowledge and understanding in areas such as number, colour, shape and size. She ensures she makes time for the children, listens to them and adapts any activity so they can all take part. For example when they have treasure hunts and the children have to find different items relating to the topic. They freely access a wide range of interesting art materials to make their own creations. These are displayed for all to see to promote children's confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging. Children become confident communicators, learning to listen and speak as they interact with their peers and the childminder. The positive attitude of the childminder encourages children's enthusiasm and interests which allows children to develop habits as independent and inquisitive learners. They plant potatoes and pick blackberries, tend to these and watch them

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and outcomes for children

grow. Extremely positive attitudes to sustainability are encouraged from an early age as children learn to re-cycle and are encouraged to put recyclable items in the correct containers.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to be independent in dressing, toileting and feeding, to have good manners and have respect for others and their property. They learn to take turns and share as they are gently reminded to treat one another with care and respect. Their emotional development is promoted extremely well as they develop secure, trusting relationships with the childminder. All children are highly valued as individuals and engage in an excellent range of activities that help them to value diversity and understand the cultures and lifestyles of others. The childminder effectively and actively promotes equality and diversity and tackles unfair discrimination by giving explanations to children that they understand and can relate to. They look at different festivals such as Chinese New Year and do related activities such as looking at The Great Wall, food tasting and encouraging the children to research the festival. Children are helped to learn about their local

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and outcomes for children

area as they visit the shops, the children's centre and the supermarket. They also travel to indoor and outdoor play areas, parks and woods. 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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