Childminder in Nottingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 254901 Inspection date 14/03/2011 Inspector Karen Cooper

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and two teenage children, in the Bulwell area of Nottingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home is used and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding eight children, of whom four are within the early years age range. All of the children except for one, attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association. She is able to take and collect children from the local school.

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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 have formed positive relationships with the childminder and are helped to achieve. They have access to a range of age-appropriate toys and resources to encourage them to make good progress in their learning and development. Information obtained from parents helps the childminder to meet children's individual needs. Policies and procedures are well organised and mostly effective. The childminder is fully committed to continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain a copy of the incubation period for infectious and reportable diseases and share information with parents  develop further the complaints procedure to include details for contacting Ofsted.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded because of the childminder's understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has attended training and ensures parents are well informed of her procedures. Children are cared for in a secure environment where hazards have been suitably assessed and well documented. Risk assessments are reviewed when new children join and the childminder takes account of their age and stage of development. The environment is well-resourced and utilised to its full potential to provide children with choices about where and what they wish to play with. Children have access to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a variety of toys and resources to aid children in their learning and development. The childminder's planning of activities is flexible and develops through the individual interests and play preferences of the children. This ensures that children

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the early years provision

benefit from a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities. The childminder encourages children to gain an understanding of people with differences. For example, she provides a range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity including dolls, figures and books.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established a positive vision for her service, stating that it is extremely important for each child to feel happy, settled and well cared for. She reflects on her practice and has a commitment to continuous professional development. The childminder uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form to appraise her service and accurately recognises the strengths of the setting. She is committed to continuous improvement and has attended several workshops to update her knowledge and skills including Early Years Foundation Stage and first aid. She is also currently working towards a level 3 early years qualification.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a strong and effective relationship with the parents and there is a good two-way flow of information. This ensures that the needs of all children are met and that parents are well-informed of the care and service provided. The childminder has a good range of written policies and procedures in place which she ensures are shared with parents. However, the complaints procedure does not include the correct contact details should a parent wish to make contact with the regulator. The childminder liaises well with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage for children to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care. Communication takes place between the childminder and the school the children attend on a regular basis. This promotes children's achievement and wellbeing.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is well aware of children's likes, dislikes and current stage of development through the effective settling-in procedure. This information helps the childminder to provide an individualised service and have realistic expectations of the children. As a consequence, children are making good progress in their learning and development. Assessment is detailed in their learning journeys which contains examples of their work, photographs and thorough observations. This is linked to the areas of learning and plans for the children's next steps. The childminder is skilled at promoting positive attitudes to learning, ensuring that every child is suitably challenged by the learning experiences provided. Her calm approach and warm and playful interactions motivate young children well and help them to make progress. Children are developing strong and positive relationships with the childminder and each other. The childminder ensures that children learn

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and outcomes for children

to show consideration for others, share and to be kind to each other. She encourages children to always feel good about themselves by praising them for their behaviour and efforts.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a sense of belonging. They choose what they would like to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 play with from a wide range of resources, including a variety which reflects the wider community. They further extend their knowledge and understanding of the wider world as they watch birds making a nest through a camera that has been set up on an outdoor nesting box. They have planted herbs, seeds and vegetables and observed them as they grow. Children's concentration skills develop well through an interest in books and stories as they share the experience with the childminder. They communicate well with the childminder and demonstrate a growing interest in mark making and developing their early writing skills. Children's understanding of simple problem solving is encouraged through daily activities, for example children counted beyond twenty as the childminder threw the bean bag for them

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and outcomes for children

to catch. Children regularly join in number rhymes and enjoy sorting and matching when using construction sets. Plenty of opportunities are provided for children to develop their creative skills through a range of dressing up props and craft activities, such as painting, baking, printing, playdough and collage. Children also benefit from a variety of activities outside the childminder's home. For example, they frequently visit the toy library and attend the local park and toddler group where they are provided with plenty of opportunities to socialise with their peers.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency which the childminder ensures is regularly practised with them. Appropriate fire equipment, such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are in place and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. Through activities and daily routines children become aware of healthy eating and good hygiene practices. They are provided with a variety of healthy snacks and food provided by parents is stored appropriately. Children's individual dietary needs are established on admission and are fully supported by the childminder. Children are well cared for if they have an accident and there are effective procedures in place to protect them from illness and infection. However, the sickness and exclusion policy does not clearly state the incubation times for some illnesses or identify reportable diseases, in order to fully inform parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop their physical skills through a range of outdoor activities. They have access to the garden on a regular basis where they benefit from a good range of toys and equipment which help to foster their good health. 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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