Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY352561 Inspection date 09/05/2011 Inspector Anna Davies

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, 12 and five years in St.Ives, Cambridgeshire. 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. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, the library, shops, toddler groups and parks. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five. The childminder supports children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is working towards the Early Years and Childcare Quality Framework. The childminder is currently going through the accreditation process and is a member of the Childminding Network.

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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 provides a safe and welcoming environment where children are offered a good range of stimulating activities and learning experiences, ensuring that they make good progress in their learning and development. Inclusive practice is promoted well and the childminder works effectively with parents and outside agencies to ensure that all children's individual needs are fully met. Resources are deployed effectively so that children can make independent choices and become active learners. All of the required documentation is in place to promote and safeguard children's welfare. The childminder demonstrates a firm commitment towards improving and continuously developing the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include assessments of risks for each type of trip or outing undertaken with children  develop systems of self-evaluation to detail how areas for further development and improvement will be addressed, monitored and evaluated in terms of improved outcomes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding children procedures. She regularly refreshes her training in child protection to ensure that her knowledge and understanding is kept up-to-date and relevant. A clear written policy is in place and this is shared with parents so that they are aware of her duty to protect children. Good quality risk assessments are conducted and appropriate records maintained. These are added to, for example, when new equipment or resources are purchased. Risk assessments show the childminder has a clear understanding of minimising risks and organising the environment so that children are safe and secure. For example, the dining room rug has been removed temporarily until the childminder is able to secure it to the floor to prevent a tripping accident. The childminder demonstrates a clear awareness of risks associated with the outings she takes children on. However, not all of the different

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the early years provision

types of outings have been included in the record of risk assessment which is good practice so that these can be effectively reviewed and referred to if the need arises. Children learn about road safety and stranger danger through practical activities, role play and discussions. The childminder is well organised; clear documentation and good record keeping promotes the safety and welfare of the children and underpins the good quality care offered.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where each child is valued and they are clearly happy, settled and comfortable in her care. The childminder knows individual children well and this enables her to plan for and meet their specific learning and welfare needs. She works closely with outside agencies and parents to fully support those children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. A good range of toys and resources are easily accessible in labelled, see-through boxes which enables children to make independent choices in their play. Children's art work, images reflecting diversity and information posters made by the older children, are displayed throughout the house which ensures that the environment is welcoming. Regular trips out to local toddler groups and places of interest offer children an extended range of activities as well as good opportunities to socialise with others.

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the early years provision

The childminder has effective partnerships with parents. A good range of information is discussed and recorded when children start so that the childminder has a clear idea about children's starting points, likes and dislikes as well as routines. A good range of policies and procedures ensure that parents are fully aware of the service provided. Daily diaries give parents clear information about their child's day. Children's records of achievement are regularly shared with parents so that they are well informed about their child's progress and can contribute their own comments about their child's learning at home. This helps the childminder to gain a complete picture of each child. Feedback in questionnaires sent out to parents is very positive, particularly commenting on the good communication links with the childminder. Bi-annual newsletters help to keep parents updated about all aspects of the provision. The childminder has a very

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the early years provision

positive attitude towards developing good working partnerships with other providers when children attend more than one setting. She shares information This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about what she knows about the child when they settle in to other settings and is wiling to set up meetings with keyworkers to ensure a consistent learning experience for each child. She regularly views information boards so that she is aware of activities and can complement these in her own setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude towards maintaining continuous improvement. She currently uses the Early Years Quality Framework to detail her strengths and in the past, has used action plans to identify priorities for further development. The childminder is able to discuss general plans for the future. However, these are not included as part of the current self-evaluation documents to help her effectively monitor, and evaluate the progress she makes. The childminder is very committed to further professional development and has attended a wide range of courses since the last inspection. The recommendation raised at the last inspection has been effectively addressed; this was to ensure that the fire blanket was accessible. This has now been wall mounted in the kitchen which ensures that it is easily accessible in the event of a small fire.

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and outcomes for children

Children are provided with a wide variety of activities and experiences which ensures that they make good progress in their learning. The childminder has a good understanding of children's interests, the stage of development they are at and the areas of development she wishes to promote next. She supports and extends children's learning effectively as they play. For example, she encourages them to problem solve as they work out which sized play figure will fit in their toy rocket and extends their knowledge when children ask questions such as 'What is that?' She involves herself in children's play which they enjoy, but also knows when to step back to allow children to develop their own ideas and be independent. For example, as a child asks for her help constructing with bricks, she pretends to find it difficult so that the child can demonstrate his own ideas. Children's language development is supported effectively and as a result, they are

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and outcomes for children

confident communicators. For example, as children initiate discussions the childminder asks further questions and takes a genuine interest which gives them confidence to talk about things that are important to them such as a recent birthday party.

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and outcomes for children

Observation, assessment and planning systems are well established. Each child has an assessment folder and their progress across each area of learning towards the Early Learning Goals is securely tracked. Those sampled show that children are making clear progress in their learning and development. Regular observations are made and information from these and children's interests are used to identify next steps of learning. Planning for individual children feeds into weekly plans to make sure that activities reflect the individual learning needs of the children. Regular progress reviews are undertaken and shared with parents so that they are aware and can help to support future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They behave well This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and spontaneously use manners when asking for snack. They demonstrate that they understand the concept of sharing as they hand out pens to each person as well as themselves. They are confident to express their views as they know these will be respected. For example, they tell the childminder that they have not finished drawing yet so the resources are not tidied away. Children have good opportunities to mark-make. These range from the use of sensory materials such as jelly and cream on the table to paintbrushes with water outside, pens and printing. Children enjoy a good range of books, all within easy reach. They confidently use number language in their play even challenging themselves to count backwards as the rocket 'blasts off'. Counting is successfully filtered through

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and outcomes for children

into everyday activities such as when tidying toys away. Children are beginning to learn about simple calculation when the childminder asks 'How many have I got altogether?' Children are curious about nature. For example, they look carefully at encased bugs and notice their key features and enjoy bug hunts, using a microscope to look more closely at detail. They learn about how things grow as they plant and tend to potatoes, strawberries, peas and tomatoes and take photographs to monitor how they develop. Children's early information technology skills are well supported through a good range of technology toys and equipment. They are fully encouraged to respect diversity and appreciate different cultures and backgrounds through the resources used and displayed, the celebration of key festivals, multicultural food tasting and visits from different people in the community when at local groups. All of these simple activities begin to lay secure

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and outcomes for children

foundations to support the children's future economic well-being.

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and outcomes for children

Children's physical development is supported well. They enjoy regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise in the garden where children can use a good range of play equipment to support their growing physical skills. Frequent walks and visits to places of interest ensure that children have plenty of fresh air and exercise therefore promoting their good heath and well-being. Music and movement activities enable children to learn about how their body moves, balance, rhythm and co-ordination. Children's creativity is supported through a good range of art and craft activities. They demonstrate good imaginative skills as they spend much time setting the dolls house up with play figures and furniture as well as making creations with bricks from their own ideas.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is effectively promoted. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. They follow good hygiene routines, for example, washing their hands prior to snack and mealtimes. The childminder supports young children in these routines so that they learn how to use soap effectively and how to dry their hands properly. The use of liquid soap and paper towels effectively reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Meals are provided by parents and the childminder ensures that her snack provision is balanced, healthy and nutritious, providing a range of tastes each time. Drinks are freely accessible to children at all times which ensures that they can help themselves to a drink when they feel thirsty and remain well hydrated. Children learn about healthy eating through food tasting, growing their own fruit and vegetables as well as activities such as creating a healthy eating plate from magazine pictures. Clear documentation is in place for the

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and outcomes for children

recording of any medication needing to be administered. Accident records are maintained effectively to ensure that all relevant information is shared with parents. The childminder ensures that her first aid certificate remains valid which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enables her to deal effectively with minor injuries. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of behaviour management. She has a gentle manner with the children, supporting and reminding them appropriately of the need to share popular toys. She offers them regular praise for their efforts and achievements which boosts their self-esteem and confidence in their own abilities. 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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