Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY285333 Inspection date 13/12/2011 Inspector Lindsay Dobson

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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 two sons, aged 13 and eight years, in Stocksbridge, near Sheffield. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes, plus the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have four cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently two children on roll, of whom one is in the early years age range. All children attend on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has completed the National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development and also holds a NCFE Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistants. The childminder also works as a voluntary teaching assistant at two local schools. The childminder is a member of the Sheffield 'Children Come First' childminding network and is accredited to provide funded education for children of eligible age.

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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

Child safety is a high priority at the setting and risk assessments and monitoring of the practice is rigorous. The learning environment is accessible to all children to enable them to freely choose activities, test their abilities and discover new skills within safe boundaries. The setting is inclusive and partnerships with parents and with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage are strong in supporting children's development. Good use is made of space, time and resources to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. The childminder's positive attitude and commitment to her work underpins her ability to improve. Children have a strong sense of belonging which is fostered through the warm and welcoming homely atmosphere.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend further self-evaluation processes to monitor the impact of targeted improvements on outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

Ensuring children's good health and safety is a priority to this well-organised childminder who has a secure understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She takes good steps to ensure that children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguarded through the implementation of robust policies and procedures which support her to deal with any concerns or worries that children are being abused or neglected. Risk assessments are rigorous and careful consideration is given to ensuring that children remain free from harm, both on and off the registered premises. For example, the home environment and resources are effectively organised to ensure that children are able to move around safely and make independent selections from the good range of accessible toys and equipment.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to providing high quality care. She has a clear vision of what it is she wants to achieve in terms of outcomes for children. Good systems are in place for self-evaluation and the parents are asked for their views and thoughts as part of this process. However, the childminder is not currently monitoring the impact of any improvements on the outcomes for children. The childminder talks enthusiastically about her role and the pleasure she gains from helping the children to learn and develop. She shows a strong commitment to continually improving her own service and works closely with other childminders to share experiences, advice and support. The childminder is dedicated to her personal development and continues to attend training courses. For example, since the last inspection she has gained a level 3 childcare qualification, become an accredited childminder and has attended a good range of short courses to support

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and achieves this successfully, resulting in a service that is open to all children and their families. The childminder provides a good range of resources and engages children in celebrating festivals from their own cultures and those of others promoting their understanding of their local community and the wider world. She is meticulous in her approach to establishing and maintaining strong and trusting relationships with parents. They are provided with a copy of the setting's policies and procedures, and are kept very well informed on an ongoing basis through the daily diaries, noticeboards in the home, monthly newsletters and informal chats. The childminder ensures her working practices are flexible and supportive of parents and children. Good links are in place with local schools. This effectively helps children with their transition and enables the childminder to provide continuity in

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and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in their learning through the provision of activities and resources that are specifically planned and tailored to meet their individual needs. The childminder successfully achieves this by making and keeping written and photographic observations which help her to plan and make provision for their next steps in learning. This places children at the centre of the practice and helps the childminder to accurately recognise and provide for their needs. Children are encouraged to initiate their own play and are allowed time alone or are encouraged to join in with the childminder and other children during group activities. The childminder ensures activities and resources are freely accessible and cover all six areas of learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy role play activities and acting out from their own experiences. They

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and outcomes for children

take the clothes from the small dolls, which develops their fine motor skills, put them in the washing machine, add the powder and turn it on. The childminder is on hand to enhance their play as she gets out the small washing line and pegs showing the younger children how to use the pegs, to hang the clothes on the line. They then decide to iron the clothes before putting them back on the dolls. Children enjoy creative play and have opportunities to develop their painting and modelling skills, both in the childminder's home and at the toddler and community groups they visit. Their knowledge and understanding of the world is promoted in many ways. Children talk about the weather and how very windy it is outside. The childminder has involved them in planting and growing fruits, herbs and vegetables which they have picked and used in their meals. For example, children have successfully grown pumpkin, tomatoes, parsley and carrots. Recycling is promoted

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and outcomes for children

as the children go on regular trips to the recycling banks with household boxes and paper, developing their understanding of how objects can be re-used.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is proactive in ensuring children remain healthy and understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. She provides a well-balanced, nutritious range of food and has robust policies and procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Children get plenty of rigorous physical exercise. They have daily access to some form of physical activity and routinely visit soft play areas and the park to practise their skills in movement, balance and coordination. Children learn effectively about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They practice crossing the road safely, fire evacuation procedures and help to tidy away toys to keep themselves safe. This ensures children learn some sense of danger in a secure and safe environment where they can explore and take risks safely. Children's behaviour is well managed, and the childminder uses age-appropriate and positive strategies to promote good behaviour, such as sticker charts. As a

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and outcomes for children

result of the positive experiences they are receiving, the children are making good progress in their learning and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. 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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