Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY358798 Inspection date 23/03/2011 Inspector Lesley Sharples

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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 September 2007. She lives in central Blackpool with her partner and their two children aged five years and four years. The area is close to seaside amenities and various local groups for children.

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Description of the childminding

Registration is for a total of four children under eight years. Minded children have access to the living room, playroom and kitchen dining area on ground level and the bathroom and two bedrooms upstairs. There is an outdoor area to the rear of the house. Currently there are three children on roll and the childminder supports children who have special educational needs and/or difficulties.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is qualified to National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education, gained in December 2005. Membership of the National Childminding Association is retained and advice, support and training are gained from the local authority. The childminder is a member of the Orchard Childminding Network and the Oak Tree Childminding Network.

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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

Highly effective partnership working with parents and others professionals ensures everyone works together to fulfil the unique needs of children. Excellent understanding and implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage fully supports children's progress in their learning and development and within an inclusive environment. The childminder places a strong emphasis on ensuring children are safeguarded in her care. Reflective practice results in improvements to the childminder's practice which have a positive effect on children.

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further?

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

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further?

 developing further the outdoor space to enhance learning experiences for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder ably demonstrates her commitment to safeguarding children. She keeps her training updated, understands some possible signs of abuse and fully understands her role and responsibilities. She has written procedures which reflect the correct action to take. The childminder also minimises possible hazards to children, underpinned through rigorous safety checks and full risk assessments carried out for her home and on outings. This means that children are kept safe This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 both on and off the premises. The childminder is vigilant in maintaining all documentation requirements.

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the early years provision

The childminder skilfully uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form to reflect on her practice and highlight where there may be weaknesses. As a result of this, all children, including those with additional needs, fully benefit from improvements made following the reorganization of space and the deployment of resources. This facilitates free movement for children using walking aids and increased access to toys, so that children can make their own choices. The childminder is very skilled in ensuring inclusion flows through all aspects of her practice. She gives equal attention to each child. Children are therefore given equal chances in their learning. The childminder seeks the views of parents through questionnaires. One outcome has been the request for information relating to courses the childminder attends. For example, the childminder now makes available her inclusion training pack. The childminder is extremely motivated in her drive and ambition; she

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the early years provision

agrees enhancements to the outdoor environment will widen learning opportunities outdoors. The childminder continues her professional development through attendance on courses, recently completing elements towards National Vocational Qualififcation Level 4, sign language and accreditation for a communication course.

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the early years provision

Exceptional engagement with parents and partnership working, impacts positively on children to help them to succeed. This cohesive approach involves everyone in the child's life. The childminder and parents enjoy strong relationships based on a two-way flow of information, including daily diaries holding photographs, daily verbal exchanges and newsletters. The childminder works closely with settings where children also attend and who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. The key person's photograph is displayed in the children's learning journey along with their activity plans, so the childminder can complement these. The childminder contributes to children's individual education plans and professionals come into the childminder's home to see the children, for example, the physiotherapist. This holistic approach maximises children's potential to succeed.

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and outcomes for children

Children clearly relish their learning and are extremely happy within their vibrant and stimulating environment. Children have a wealth of opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the wider world. The childminder devotes her time to the children, providing excellent support to ensure their all-round needs are met. She seizes every chance to extend children's learning, using their interests and understanding their unique needs. Children see themselves playing with bubbles on the video picture frame and respond to these images with glee.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder implements her excellent understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has systems in place to commence the children's learning journey, using information gathered from parents about their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 capabilities and starting points. Very well-written observation, assessment and planning for next steps ensure children achieve and make exemplary progress in their learning. The childminder's planning file holds evidence of activities and ideas for reference. The childminder also monitors activities to ensure all six areas of learning are covered equally. Parents are invited to contribute to their children's learning journey, sharing aspects of home life and what their children are doing. The innovative use of sequential photographs illustatrate children's learning and reflects the time and attention the childminder gives to this important aspect of

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and outcomes for children

practice. As a result, learning journeys tell the full story of children's progress and make wonderful reading for parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a beneficial balance of adult-led and child-initiated play. They choose activities from a well-resourced playroom, such as fitting together a train and enjoying the sound it makes on the textured surface. They like to be creative using musical instruments and the childminder takes the opportunity for learning numbers by counting the beats of the drum. Children also go out and about in their local and wider community. They visit the zoo, go to parks and the local Children's Centre. This expands their world and promotes their social development. The childminder inspires children's learning. For example, she takes them to the town centre where they change into waterproofs, then delight in being amongst the jets of water coming up from the ground. These are innovative learning experiences for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure in the care of the childminder. They give and receive hugs and enjoy a loving relationship. Children learn about road safety extremely well because the road safety officer visited the childminder's home. As a result, they wear high visibility arm bands when out and about. They learn effectively about healthy lifestyles. They eat nutritious foods, are well hydrated with plenty of drinks and have their own towels with their names on. They have plenty of outdoor experiences so benefit from plenty of fresh air. The childminder is skilled in managing behaviour and takes into account their level of understanding. She uses plenty of praise and encouragement, which boosts children's self-esteem, laying down firm foundations for their 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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