Childminder in Luton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY416667 Inspection date 09/08/2011 Inspector Sheila Harrison

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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 lives with her husband and three children, aged ten, eight and six years in Luton, Bedfordshire. The childminder uses the whole of the downstairs of the premises for childminding and there is a secure garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are five children currently attending with varying attendance patterns within the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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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 positive atmosphere within a welcoming environment. Children are happy, settled and making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder makes thorough observations of the children at play and this informs the planning system for future achievements. There are strong relationships with parents who are clearly informed about their child's welfare and this helps recognise the uniqueness of each child. Children are kept safe and benefit from the effective health and safety procedures. The childminder has secure relationships with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has an accurate understanding of her strengths and is proactive in extending her knowledge and skills.

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further?

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

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further?

 promote further positive attitudes to diversity with all children and help them to learn to value different aspects of other people's lives.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is well managed due to the childminder's genuine commitment to safeguard children. She has the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures easily to hand for reference and parents are fully aware of the childminder's approach to child protection as they read a copy of the childminder's policy. The childminder completes comprehensive records for the efficient management of the early years provision, including the assessment of risks in the home and on outings. The childminder ensures the safety and security of the premises and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children learn the house rules to keep themselves safe.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established a positive vision for her service. She reflects on her practice and has a commitment to continuous professional development. She has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has undertaken a well-planned programme of ongoing learning opportunities to ensure that her skills are consistently updated. Following a recent course, she enthusiastically introduces stories using some sign language to help children with their language skills. The childminder uses the early years development services and the local childminding groups to appraise her service and accurately recognises the strengths of the setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a strong and effective relationship with the parents and there is a good two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise to meet the individual needs of the children. Parents are informed of their child's comfort and achievements through daily conversations. There are daily diaries and parents are encouraged to contribute their comments on their child's development at the beginning and end of the day. Regular reviews of her service are held to ensure parents are fully informed and their opinion is sought. The childminder has made approaches to other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage that the children attend. She extends the toddler group themes by offering related activities at home.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming and supportive environment. Children's learning is well supported as the childminder gives them ample individual attention. There is a plentiful range of good quality, age-appropriate toys that are within easy reach for children to choose from. Children's artwork is well displayed, giving a strong sense of belonging. The childminder provides an individualised service. She knows the children's likes and dislikes very well and ensures the children's comfort and sleeping patterns are well catered for. She encourages children to display positive attitudes and discuss the similarities and differences between themselves. Children celebrate their birthdays and those of their friends and traditional festivals; however, the childminder is less confident in helping children to acknowledge the festivals of others in a diverse society.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder effectively promotes children's learning and development. Her calm approach and warm and playful interactions motivate young children well and help them to make progress. Young children settle quickly and have easy access to their favourite toys. Children give their views on their time with the childminder and a young child commented on how well she had learnt her shapes and then knew them all when she went to nursery.

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and outcomes for children

Children build strong relationships with their peers and develop friendships through attending toddler and childminder groups and frequent visits to the library. The childminder undertakes regular, sensitive observations and accurate assessments of the child's development. She plans for the next steps in the children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development making use of information within the Early Years Foundation Stage. She uses the children's interests to plan future experiences, expanding opportunities for them to achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities. Children became very involved and greatly enjoyed a theme day on pirates. They dressed up, followed a treasure map and made small pirate ships. From the children's ideas the childminder introduced an activity on floating and sinking and the children found objects to test and recorded their

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning about the world around them. They grow, care for and harvest fruit and vegetable in the garden. They use everyday activities to extend their learning and skills in language and numeracy. They write the invitations to party, take measurements to make celebration hats, use art and craft materials to make the decorations and then learn about good hygiene as they prepare the party food.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn in a more active way outside, using the larger area as a productive learning environment. They enjoy exploring tactile materials, such as cornflour and water, or dry rice and pasta, outside in a large tray. They find shapes in the environment to use to make prints on a very large painting now displayed in the playroom.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is effective in supporting children's good health and well-being. They enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks each day which offer variety and choice. Their dietary needs and preferences are well known by the childminder who ensures that these are catered for. There are secure infection control measures and the childminder models good hygiene practices. Children benefit from access to the fresh air and exercise in the garden. They are learning to keep themselves safe as they understand the rules for the use of the trampoline. The childminder gently explains the house rules and the consequences of their actions. 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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