Childminder in Derby

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY278371 Inspection date 13/05/2011 Inspector Esther Darling

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children in a suburb of Derby. The whole of the ground floor and fourth bedroom upstairs in the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for six children who attend for various sessions. She is registerd on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder holds a childcare qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Derby city 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 demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring each child's welfare is promoted. She communicates well with parents, gathering all relevant information, and provides a flexible service that caters for individual needs. The childminder has established strengthening links with other early years settings the children attend to promote continuity in their care and learning. A friendly and well-organised environment is created that safeguards children. The childminder has completed a self-assessment and uses this, obtaining feedback from parents to maintain the good level of service.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend awareness of positive ways to help challenge children's thinking about diversity and help them to embrace individual and cultural differences from an early age  review the storage of toys and equipment to better enable children to select and use activities and resources independently.

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the early years provision

Secure methods are in place for protecting children from harm. The childminder has a clear understanding of procedures for reporting child-protection issues should the need arise. She has previously attended some training relating to safeguarding children, expanding her knowledge in this area. Children's safety is further protected as the childminder supervises them well. She helps them to develop an awareness of keeping safe through discussions and encouraging children to develop their ability to calculate their own risks. The childminder completes written risk assessments and takes relevant action to minimise the risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of accidents. Household members are appropriately vetted, ensuring their suitability to be around children. As a result, children's welfare is protected and they are cared for in a safe and secure environment.

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the early years provision

The home is organised very well to meet the differing needs of the children throughout the day. For example, provision is made for young children to sleep undisturbed in a manner agreed with parents. A welcoming and spacious environment is provided, enabling all children to play with toys and activities of their choice. A sound proportion of the toys and resources, a few of which show positive images of the wider society, are freely accessible to children, promoting their enjoyment as they help themselves to those that interest them. Some toys are less accessible and it is not clear what is in the storage containers. The well appointed garden is used regularly and a system of free-flow is operated where possible so that children may extend their learning outdoors. This area has been improved since the last inspection and offers children a summer house, decking area and goal posts to add to their imaginative play and fitness. The childminder

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the early years provision

raises her own and children's awareness of diversity and answers questions that children may have. Toys and activities are not gender stereotyped because boys and girls have equal access to them.

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the early years provision

A comprehensive range of policies have been developed which are shared with parents to ensure they are fully aware of the childminder's practices and responsibilities. An additional parent's handbook answers any questions they may have about business arrangements and settling their child in. Required records relating to the care of children are well maintained. Daily verbal and written communication ensures parents are well informed about their child's day. The childminder is aware of the need to work in partnership with other settings the early years children attend. She works hard to liaise with parents and staff at the playgroup to ensure that everyone communicates effectively to ensure children's continuing development. For example, the childminder knows each child very well and has made a record of one child's current stage of development and their next steps in all areas of learning. The parents express their gratitude for this and the

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the early years provision

playgroup feel supported to plan activities for the child. The childminder has attended required courses and seeks advice and support from the local childminding network to share best practice and ensure she continues to meet requirements. She demonstrates a secure ability to maintain the good standards of care and has addressed issues raised at the last inspection, showing a commitment to continuous improvement.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time as they are encouraged to make choices in play. A range of toys are put for children in the lounge and children help themselves to those that interest them. They are also able to choose from other toys stored elsewhere with the childminder's support. Toys are rotated frequently to offer greater variety. Consequently, children are active and involved. They make good progress through the range of activities they access. The childminder observes and records the progress children make during play. She uses this information to highlight some This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 next steps for children's development which she supports through further activities. She makes good use of her time, ensuring all the children receive equal and individual attention at times. While one is busy playing with the green play dough at the table, the childminder encourages a child over to try to find the

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and outcomes for children

fireman in the happy street set. She hands the fireman to the child who puts him in the fire engine, and talks to the children about where the fire engines live when they are not rescuing people. The good organisation of the home means the childminder can supervise all children to maintain their safety, whilst sometimes letting them play independently, exploring and investigating at their own pace. For example, babies handle toys on the living room floor and do not need adult interaction to enjoy themselves. They will let the childminder know if they need support or assistance.

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and outcomes for children

The craft activities provide good opportunities for children to experiment using single-handed tools such as glue spreaders and crayons to enhance their small physical skills needed for future writing. Singing times are also used as an effective tool to introduce new skills such as language and counting skills. The children spontaneously burst into a familiar song and the childminder praises them for this. Babies and young children enjoy re-enacting every-day experiences via role play, and happily sit for some time outside with the tea set, making cups of tea for the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

The young children are developing good personal, social and emotional skills. They are developing friendships at an early age and show concern when those younger than themselves are upset. Children begin to address their own personal care needs as they are effectively supported by the childminder. A young child follows the good hygiene routines commenting 'I've washed my hands' after using the potty. Children's health is well supported in the setting. The home is very clean and tidy and snacks and refreshments are readily available and mostly nutritious. The childminder ensures children gain fresh air and exercise daily. Outdoor activities are also used to help children consider safe practices such as learning to use equipment such as the swing and slide safely. Children do this independently and with confidence. The childminder understands the importance of children doing things that interest them at their own pace and this fosters their learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is inclusive, and her work with parents to meet children's differing needs regarding diet and care routines, demonstrates this. Children engage in activities that are adapted to ensure that all ages and abilities can participate. Children watch programmes which show a diverse range of people. This enables them to learn in an age-appropriate way that people are different regarding their physical attributes, lifestyles and 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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