Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 252462 Inspection date 07/04/2011 Inspector Sue Riley

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and adult child, in a suburb of Nottingham. There are facilities close by such as parks, schools and shops. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for seven children, of whom, two are in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder holds a recognised early years qualification.

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Description of the childminding

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 walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler groups and childminding support group. The childminder 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

A child-friendly environment is created to ensure all children are included and enjoy their time with the childminder. Children show suitable levels of self-esteem because the childminder knows them well and values them as individuals. The childminder has developed a close working relationship with parents, which helps her to understand children's individual needs and to achieve a consistent approach to the children's care. All aspects of children's welfare are suitably promoted which means that children are fully safeguarded. The childminder is using the self- evaluation process to identify areas for improvement and ensures that the provision for children is continually improving.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the observations and assessments on children's progress to ensure their next steps in learning are clearly identified and used in planning to promote learning in all areas of development.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her care. This includes her duty to record and report any concerns and to share her child protection policy with parents on admission to the setting. Parents are reassured because the childminder provides information about how she is registered, about vetting arrangements for herself and other household members over 16, and about her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 experience and training. Effective safety measures are in place with regard to the premises. The door to the house is kept locked and the gate outside in the rear garden has bolts fitted to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the premises, ensuring children are safe. The childminder has recently had a bell fitted to the gate, so parents can ring this when the children are out playing in the garden with

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the early years provision

the childminder. Visitors to the home have their identification checked and the premises are kept secure. Records of risk assessments are in place for all areas of the home used for childminding purposes and the childminder makes regular checks to identify and minimise any hazards. When out and about with the children within the local community, the childminder fully safeguards the children at all times, by carrying sufficient information with her at all times. The childminder effectively maintains her records and a wide range of policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure and are well organised. Systems are in place to review all policies and procedures to ensure they are kept up-to-date with current guidance. Space within the childminder's home is organised to provide children with a homely, warm and welcoming environment where they can learn,

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the early years provision

relax and have fun. A suitable range of resources are available to children and these are mostly stored at a low level enabling children to make independent choices. A general selection is put out for children to play with and this is reviewed and changed by the childminder to reflect children's changing needs and interests.

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the early years provision

The childminder enjoys friendly relationships with the parents. Parent partnerships are promoted well through discussions and by the keeping of records, to meet children's individual needs and parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child's care needs, likes and dislikes, cultural and religious requirements. Equality for all children in the childminder's care is promoted and the childminder is aware to adapt activities to ensure they can engage and progress their learning. The childminder exchanges information with parents daily as she talks and shares records about what the child has been doing throughout the day. Parents comment on the childminder being 100% reliable, and that the children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. They also state that she has excellent communication skills and will endeavour to provide the best childcare at all times, and that she is extremely well organised, hard working and most

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the early years provision

importantly flexible at all times. Effective partnerships are in place with other providers that the minded children attend so the childminder is able to fully support these children in their care and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates ambition, vision and drive to develop the provision further. She has recently completed a recognised early years qualification to develop her own knowledge and understanding of caring for children. The childminder has developed a system of self-evaluation in order for her to demonstrate that she is effectively reflecting on her practice and identifying strengths and areas for development to maintain continuous improvement within her service. This is reviewed annually. The childminder organises the environment effectively to ensure children have suitable areas for play and rest. She is aware of their individual needs and plans effectively to ensure toys and activities are accessible to all. 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 demonstrates a sound knowledge of the learning and development and welfare requirements to promote children's learning and care. She has a good understanding of how children learn through play and how they develop. Children's welfare needs are met and they achieve as well as they can as the childminder adapts activities to ensure they can all participate. The childminder is recording her observations of the children and planning activities so she can support them to further their learning. However, the observations do not cover all areas of learning effectively. The indoor environment is set up for children's learning and allows children free choice of activities and resources. The childminder provides a variety of resources that encourage children's curiosity and help them to become inquisitive learners. They are able to make independent choices as a selection of toys is placed around the play areas within their reach.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has systems in place to ensure all areas of learning are covered for all children on a daily basis. Lovely warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children are evident. Children feel good about themselves because the childminder offers frequently positive support, praise and encouragement. For example, when a young child responds to the 'clap your hands' song, by clapping their hands, the childminder praises the child for being so clever. The child beams with pleasure as their confidence and self-esteem is raised. The childminder plans a variety of activities that engage children and help them to gain the skills that they will need in future life.

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and outcomes for children

Children are taught about safety issues as part of the daily routine. The children practise the evacuation procedures so are learning what to do in the event of an emergency. When out with children the childminder encourages them to listen for cars as well as looking for them, this helps children learn to keep themselves safe. The good health and well-being of children is encouraged. Children know what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. They have plenty of fresh air and exercise, going on regular walks and enjoying play on challenging equipment at the local parks or the different social groups that they attend. The childminder provides a range of healthy meals and snacks for children and encourages them to follow appropriate hygiene routines. Some parents choose to provide their own food for their children, this is appropriately stored and presented to the children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to understand boundaries, rules and limits and to understand why they exist. They are learning to use their manners and are encouraged to share and take turns. Children follow house rules and show a strong sense of security and feel safe within the setting. Children have opportunities to learn the basic skills for information communication and technology through the use of the interactive toys. Younger children enjoy playing with the childminder and squeal with delight at their own achievements. The childminder supports the younger children who are starting to walk by providing wheeled toys and encouraging them to walk with these or supported by herself. 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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