Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 252684 Inspection date 19/10/2011 Inspector Angela Hufton

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband in a detached bungalow in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, close to local schools and shops. All areas of the property are used for childminding with bathroom and sleeping facilities at ground floor level. The childminder is registered on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding a total of 20 children. Of these, 15 are aged under eight years, of whom six are in the early years age range. All children currently attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and has a vehicle available to take them on outings. She attends the local parent and toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She holds the Quality First award from the NCMA quality assurance scheme.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are at the heart of all that happens at the setting and their sense of belonging is expertly fostered through the extremely warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere. They are provided with a wide range of exciting experiences which enrich their overall development. Leadership is good and aspirations for children are high. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met very well through personalised planning, assessments and the childminder successfully engaging with parents and other providers. She has exemplary systems for self-evaluation to support continuous improvement and accesses opportunities for training and development. However, the childminder's first aid qualification has lapsed and this is a breach of requirements.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 ensure a pediatric first aid training certificate is in place. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)(also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 09/11/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review the risk assessment to ensure it covers anything with which a child may come into contact to promote children's safety and well-being. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a detailed understanding of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her care. For example, the childminder is fully aware of the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child in her care and has devised a child protection policy which is shared with parents on admission. Robust vetting procedures are in place to ensure that all adults in the household are suitable to be in contact with the children. The childminder demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of health and safety issues. She completes risk assessments for her home, the garden, for all outings. The childminder identifies all hazards in the home and minimises the risks to children, including through high levels of supervision. However, full details are not always recorded on the risk assessment. The childminder is mindful to ensure that she cares for an appropriate number of children at any one time and dedicates

p.5

the early years provision

time outside of her childminding hours for maintaining her documentation and written records.

p.5

the early years provision

Children are cared for by a very knowledgeable childminder who demonstrates a very professional and passionate approach to her role. She is fully committed to building on her professional skills by identifying further training and by implementing a self-evaluation system which focuses on outcomes for children. The childminder identifies priorities for development to ensure children benefit. The lack of a current first aid qualification has an impact on the overall grading. However, the childminder took all possible steps to maintain her training and only had a lapse of three weeks until she was able to attend a relevant course.

p.5

the early years provision

Children's individual needs are exceptionally well supported through established daily routines and flexible planning. They have access to an extremely wide range of resources. Well-written policies and procedures are in place and implemented effectively to fully support the children's care and learning. Policies and procedures are shared with parents on admission and all required written consents have been obtained, consequently, children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. The childminder is fully aware of the importance of working in partnership with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and has developed exemplary links with other local providers. She has undertaken extensive research to ensure children with additional needs are fully supported. Parents are fully involved and write glowing comments such as 'I know myself and my children are blessed to have found her and especially for her to have a role in their early development.'

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has excellent procedures in place to support every child and their parents settle into their new environment. Children benefit enormously from the warm and relaxed relationships that have been established between their parents and the childminder. The regular exchange of information ensures that children's changing needs are consistently met. Parents are kept up to date with their child's progress as the childminder shares information on a daily basis and through a Learning Folder for each child which contains, written observations, photographic evidence and a record of children's work. Children benefit from the excellent levels of individual attention that they receive from the childminder. Parents say they are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 extremely happy with the excellent care and learning opportunities that are provided for their children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

There is an atmosphere of infectious enthusiasm because the childminder is highly motivated and committed to providing the best care and learning for children in her care. Children benefit from a very stimulating learning environment and from the childminder's calm and positive approach to her work. Children freely choose what they want to do and spend quality time forming strong relationships with the childminder. All children are valued and treated with equal concern. Any specific requirements are shared and met sensitively in discussion with parents.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Well-established daily routines ensure that children develop excellent hygiene practices, they are reminded to wash their hands before meals and snacks and good nappy changing routines are followed. Children's individual dietary needs are established on admission and fully supported by the childminder. Children are learning to make healthy choices about food and drink through skilful support and encouragement from the childminder. They are beginning to learn about healthy lifestyles as the childminder talks to them about eating fresh fruit and vegetables each day and why exercise is good for them. This is further enhanced by the children's involvement in national campaigns for healthy lifestyles and fun activities, such as musical statues or dancing games to develop a fun approach to exercise.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have daily opportunities to play in the garden and enjoy being in the fresh air. They access a wide range of outdoor equipment. Children are developing a good understanding of how to stay safe. For example, whilst out walking children learn how to walk safely on the pavement and learn about road safety as the childminder talks to them about the highway code. Children are encouraged to hold hands and to listen carefully to instructions from the childminder. Children behave in a manner that is supportive of their learning. They develop confidence and self-esteem and are developing an understanding of other peoples' needs. Children learn to share, take turns and show consideration for each other. This is further supported by attending group sessions at local groups where children socialise with a wider group of children. All children are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider world through planned activities, discussion with the

p.6

and outcomes for children

childminder and through access to resources that are representative of diversity. The children are involved in supporting a child in India. This is a long term project and the childminder is highly effective in developing children's appreciation of other lifestyles and cultures.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and how children learn through play. As a result, children make excellent progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has implemented a development folder for each child and an observation and assessment system. Children have access to an excellent range of first-hand learning opportunities. For example, they engage in dressing up, finger painting, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hand prints, role play and water play. Children's communication, language and literacy skills are very well supported as children enjoy looking at books with the childminder and regularly visit the library. They ask for favourite activities and the childminder ensures all children have equal access.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children excitedly recall trips, outings and playing with their friends, supporting their knowledge and understanding of the world. Children's physical skills are enhanced as they access a range of play equipment in the garden and a range of fixed play equipment at the local park. Their creative and imaginative development is well supported as they access a range of media, such as, dressing-up clothes, chalks, paint, coloured water and sensory play with rice. Children's learning is further enhanced as they benefit from planned outings to the local Children's Centre, toddler groups and other childminders. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified for the early years section of the report (Welfare of the children being cared for). 09/11/2011

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified for the early years section of the report (Welfare of the children being cared for). 09/11/2011

p.9