Childminder in Luton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY419191 Inspection date 12/09/2011 Inspector Maura Pigram

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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 2010. She has a nursery nurse qualification and has received training in communication in sign language. She lives with her husband and children aged five years and two years in Luton, Bedforshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a bathroom and bedroom on the first floor are also used. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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 two may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. 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. She 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

The childminder uses her expertise to ensure she has a well-developed knowledge of each child's needs so that welfare and learning can be effectively promoted. There are extremely effective procedures in place to ensure children's emotional security and that children are fully included. She liaises with pre-schools and nurseries to ensure consistency of care and that individual needs are carefully monitored. She works very closely with parents and they share valuable information that promotes children's welfare. She is beginning to evaluate her practice and has identified some areas to develop.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further planning and assessment systems so that the next steps in children's learning are clarified and matched to the expectations of the early learning goals.

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the early years provision

The childminder's priority is the safety of the children as demonstrated in her detailed risk assessments and understanding of safety issues outside the home. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She has very good contingency plans in place for emergencies, such as ensuring children and families are known to suitable childminders who can take care of children in her care if the need arises. She has a secure understanding of safeguarding issues which promotes children's welfare. Clear child protection policies are in place along with supporting documentation. She is booked onto a safeguarding course to further extend her knowledge. Parents are made aware of her role in child protection before they place their children in her care.

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the early years provision

Children's artwork, such as life-size models of themselves, contributes to the welcoming environment where children can play and relax according to their needs. The wide range of good quality resources are rotated according to children's interests. These, along with the childminder's positive interaction and the broad range of activities offered, effectively support children's learning and development. In addition, a photographic book of available resources is purposefully used to enable all children to express their individual wishes. This means that positive steps are taken to ensure children are valued and are fully included.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear vision for the future and demonstrates a commitment to improving outcomes for children by reflecting on her practice. She has made a good start on self-evaluation and has identified some areas to develop, such as extending her knowledge on assessing children's learning. The childminder has worked hard to create a detailed set of policies and procedures. Parents receive a full copy of these so they can refer to them at any time. The information gathered and discussed with parents includes an 'all about me' document which provides detailed information about children's care and learning needs. She uses a 'from me to you' book as well as informal feedback to ensure continuity of care. The written information includes details of children's play and achievements. Parents' questionnaires and references show that they are exceptionally pleased with the care provided. They state that their children have progressed tremendously since

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the early years provision

being in the childminder's care. Children's views are also highly valued and questionnaires from them are used in the planning of activities. The childminder liaises with other settings where children attend, to ensure effective continuity of care and learning can take place.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder who is very attentive and extremely aware of individual needs and starting points. She has a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and she carries out useful observations to help children make good progress towards the early goals. However, systems are not yet clear to ensure the next steps in children's learning are clarified and used for planning for their continuing development across all six areas of learning. The childminder particularly supports early language development extremely well by always involving them in discussions about what they are doing. Inclusive practice is a strong feature of the setting, and the childminder makes great effort to ensure that she meets the individual, specific needs of each child. For example, she effectively uses sign language alongside speaking so that younger children or any This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

children with speech and language difficulties can express their views and needs. This promotes their self-esteem and provides them with skills for the future such as clear communication.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder spends valuable time with children, helping them develop their individual skills. Her childcare qualification and experience as a nanny means she is very aware of what children can learn from experiences and activities offered. Children show an extremely strong sense of security and belonging. They are confident, settle well and are relaxed when with the childminder who is warm and attentive to their individual needs. Her attention is focused on the children's personal, social and emotional development so that they behave well and are happy to try new experiences, such as the wide range of art and craft activities offered. This promotes children's early problem solving skills and communication. Recently children enjoyed making aquariums which are proudly displayed. The childminder organises the environment well to allow them to choose freely from the wide range of toys and resources. They enjoy playing with playdough and

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and outcomes for children

associated toys such as rolling pins, cutters and 'playdough people'. They confidently and safely use these tools and demonstrate good coordination skills when using scissors.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management. Continual praise and reward charts ensure children feel good about themselves and their achievements. This helps children develop a positive attitude to learning. Children engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out, such as dancing along with musical instruments. This increases their enjoyment and understanding about the importance of regular exercise as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy fresh air in the well-resourced garden and visit local play areas to practise their physical skills. In addition, children are taken to purposeful activities outside of the setting, such as age-appropriate groups and outings. This means that they learn about the wider world and have the opportunity to socialise with similar aged children. Positive steps are taken to involve children in the production of growing food which is used in meals. For

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and outcomes for children

example, they grow and pick vegetables and fruit, such as runner beans, carrots, cucumbers and raspberries. As a result, they learn about healthy eating. 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 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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