Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 207557 Inspection date 09/05/2011 Inspector Sheena Gibson

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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 registered in 1993. She lives with her adult child in New Tupton, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Access to the home is via a slightly sloping driveway to the front door and two steps up to the back door. The entire ground floor of the house is used for childminding with toilet facilities in this area. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a cat.

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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 is registered to care for six children at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age group. Currently there are four children on roll, of whom three are in the early years age group.

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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

All children are treated as individuals and have their needs appropriately met. They are cared for a safe, clean environment, although the childminder's nappy changing procedure is not always fully effective. Children make good progress, helped by the wide range of stimulating activities provided for them. A positive relationship with parents ensures that relevant information is reliably exchanged. Partnerships with other settings who provide for children in the early years range are less well established. The childminder has made a good start with self- evaluation, which helps to promote continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 assess hygiene procedures so that the risk of cross-infection is always minimised, with reference to nappy changing  develop further methods for liaising with other providers who are involved with children's learning.

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the early years provision

Children are successfully safeguarded because the childminder has a clear awareness of her responsibilities. She has a sound understanding about the appropriate action to take if she were concerned about a child. Risk assessments are undertaken and records are maintained. Daily checks are also carried out to make sure that risks to children are minimised. The outside area is secure with external lockable gates. Trips and outings are risk assessed and the childminder has obtained permission from parents to take children away from the home environment. The childminder has a good understanding about keeping children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safe from unvetted people. All members of the household have had appropriate checks.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a wide range of documentation that is relevant to the setting. This is regularly updated so that it remains useful to parents. The childminder is proactive about evaluating and improving her service. As well as being an established childminder, she has achieved a childcare qualification to level 3. She has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form and carried out the recommendations given at her previous inspection. The childminder knows children in her care well. She has obtained detailed information about their individual needs from parents to ensure that they are well cared for. She takes steps to understand their stage of development so that she can help them reach their potential. She uses appropriate resources, such as books, to relay information in a way that is understood by all children. This helps them to become aware of different people in the world and promotes good citizenship.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents, who have expressed their satisfaction on the parent questionnaire. There is a wide range of information available to them, including the childminder's policies and procedures. There are also copies of the planning and activities displayed so that parents are aware of what children do throughout the day. However, the childminder has not yet fully developed partnerships with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Consequently, for some children, there may not always be consistency in their learning. 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 on offer as they are stored within children's reach.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop new skills and knowledge because the childminder has a sound understanding of how to support their progress. She interacts well with them and encourages their developing independence. Observations are carried out to obtain information about children's abilities. The childminder uses this information to effectively identify next steps in their learning. Children's interests are taken into account when the childminder plans future activities. Children are key decision makers about what they want to do and are guided by the childminder. This ensures that they continue to make progress while they enjoy their play. The childminder uses the local environment to enhance children's experiences. For example, they regularly visit the local toddler group.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled with the childminder. They demonstrate confidence as they move boldly through the different rooms of the house. They enjoy playing with the musical instruments, encouraged by the childminder to try a basic rhythm. They then develop this into a 'peep-bo' game. When they realise that they can see through the tambourine it becomes an amusing game. The childminder talks to young children about the features on their face and they point to the various parts, developing self-awareness. Early walkers have sufficient space indoors to use push toys that increase mobility and early walking skills. Children explore using their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 senses and enjoy new experiences, such as playing with cooked spaghetti. Young children gurgle and coo as they pull the spaghetti from the tray and watch it drop from their hand. The childminder uses words like 'gooey', 'squash' and 'slippery' to

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and outcomes for children

encourage language development. Early mark making is promoted through playing with foam, making patterns and swirls as they gain control of their hand movements. Children are encouraged to play together socially through, for example, group games and role play activities. They learn about responsibility when they take the lead role in a particular task or game. Children enjoy physical activities, both indoors and outdoors. For example, they go for walks, play in the garden with small equipment and dance in the house.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is suitably supported. Parents provide their meals to ensure that they meet with each child's dietary requirements. They always have access to fresh water. For example, young children have a lidded beaker. Children learn about the importance of washing their hands before meals, when baking and after going to the toilet. Babies and young children regularly have their nappy changed. However, the changing mat is slightly worn and the nappy is disposed of in an internal dustbin. This means there is the potential for other children to come into contact with it. Children are able to rest according to their needs. They thoroughly enjoy the relaxing sound of a quiet story read by the childminder. They cuddle up on her knee to settle down before being laid in a cot with some gentle music on.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe in and out of the home environment. For example, they learn about safely crossing the road when walking to and from school. They are aware not to answer the front door when they hear someone knock. Babies are beginning to understand about safe play, both in the home and when at toddler group. The childminder has a calm and pleasant manner with the children. She encourages positive behaviour through, for example, a sticker reward chart. She uses appropriate methods of behaviour management in accordance with the child's age and level of understanding. For example, older early years children have developed rules, which are displayed on the wall. With younger children they may be gently removed from a situation to ensure their safety. 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 3 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 3 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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