Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 252511 Inspection date 25/03/2011 Inspector Angela Hufton

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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 1990. She lives with her husband in Woodthorpe, a suburb of Nottingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. The childminder has pet fish. The childminder's adult daughter is a regular visitor and may work as an assistant with the childminder, within the existing ratios. The childminder takes and collects from local schools and has a car available for visits further afield.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for six children under eight at any one time and is currently minding nine children most of whom attend on a part-time basis. Of these four are in the early years age group and four are under eight. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is an active member of the local childminding support group. The childminder has a Level 3 childcare qualification.

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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's uniqueness is recognised by the childminder and therefore their care and learning needs are effectively supported and they make good progress. The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep children safe and written documentation is generally very supportive of this. Positive relationships with parents mean that children benefit from the information shared with the childminder. Partnerships in the wider context are not yet fully developed. Systems for self-evaluation and plans for future generally identify priorities to improve children's safety and well-being.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 07/04/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child inlcluding extending ways or working together with other practioners and parents to support children's transition between settings  extend the use of self-evaluation and reflective practice to identify the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 settings strengths and priorities for development that will improve the the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding about safeguarding children and is, for example, aware that all adults who are in the household, or who have unsupervised access to children, should be appropriately checked. She has a good understanding of how to protect children from abuse and has developed policies and procedures that support her to do so effectively. There are risk assessments recorded for the indoor and outdoor environment that contribute to children's safety. Although not all things that children may come into contact with are assessed and recorded, appropriate measures and high levels of supervision ensure children are safe. The childminder is keen to improve her practice in order to benefit the outcomes for children. For example, she has completed a childcare qualification and ensures that training such as first aid is appropriately maintained. However, she has not ensured prior written permission is recorded for each and

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the early years provision

every medicine, as required in regulations. The childminder has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form, which helps her to identify the strengths and any weaknesses in her practice. She is utilising this information to prioritise improvements. She asks parents for their views on her provision and uses this information to support children's welfare and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a range of written documentation that includes various policies and procedures. She effectively uses this information in practice to support the welfare and development of children. These are shared with parents so that they are aware of factors that impact upon their children and their care is consistent. Partnerships with parents are good. Parents receive some useful information about the provision both verbally and in writing, with some information such as the Ofsted poster and the childminder's registration certificate being displayed on the wall. The childminder has begun to develop partnerships in the wider context, such as with the local school staff, to ensure a consistent learning experience for all children.

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the early years provision

Children are able to feel comfortable, secure and at ease with the childminder because she ensures that the setting is inclusive and effectively promotes equality and diversity. She obtains relevant information about each child at the point of registration so that she knows them well. Children are all included in the play opportunities and the childminder promotes non-stereotypical activities. The effective deployment of resources means that all children have a well-organised space in which to play, eat and rest; they are able to easily access the activities that are on offer as they are stored within children's reach. Children access resources and activities that depict positive images so that they enjoy learning about different people in the world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements and as a result is effective in supporting children's progress. For example, a series of open questions help to extend children's vocabulary and thinking. The environment supports their growing independence as the organisation of resources effectively promotes active learning and children confidently move around the rooms or to the garden, making their own choices from the available toys and activities. They benefit from activities out of the home such as visits to a city farm or watering carrot seeds in the garden. The childminder ensures children have a wide range of first hand experiences to develop their interests and learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children very well and uses this knowledge successfully to ensure that children are interested and stimulated by the opportunities that she provides. She undertakes observations of the children and has introduced a recording system for these. A flexible plan of activities is devised and linked to children's interests, with a balance of adult-led activities and free play activities. She is developing ways to share these records with other settings the children may attend and to encourage parents to add to their child's files. This is not yet fully effective to maximise children's progress. Children are very confident and enjoy their time at the setting. They are capable speakers. They chat with the childminder, her daughter and each other about familiar things and they exchange ideas and experiences. They become excited about playing with their friends such as hide and seek games in the garden, reading books together or building train

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and outcomes for children

The childminder helps children to successfully develop their social skills. They understand that there are certain expectations of behaviour and are praised both for effort and achievements, which helps to give them confidence and build self- esteem. For example, as a young child helps to take the mats to the table ready for lunch they are thanked for their efforts. They are very well behaved and demonstrate respect for each other as well as for their surroundings, for example, tidying up toys before lunch.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a good understanding about keeping themselves feeling safe through, for example, playing appropriately indoors and walking safely from school. Parents have good information and speak highly of the childminder. They have access to children's developmental records and share good information with the childminder in order to support children's care. The childminder takes positive steps to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children have good hand washing facilities and they can clearly explain why it is important to wash their hands before eating and after they have been to the toilet. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified for the Early Years section of this report. (Records to be kept) 07/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified for the Early Years section of this report (Records to be kept). 07/04/2011

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