Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY429896 Inspection date 19/12/2011 Inspector Paula Fretwell

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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 has been registered since 2011. She lives with her family in Rotherham. All downstairs rooms are used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. There are eight children on roll, five of whom are in the Early Years age range. The family has a dog.

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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

Children are very well cared for in a very bright, welcoming and inclusive environment. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and she supports children's individual welfare, learning and development needs well. Self-evaluation systems are appropriately rigorous to help identify strengths and areas to improve. Positive partnerships with parents and carers help the childminder to promote the individual well-being of each child and she is aware of the benefits of establishing links with others to enhance opportunities for children's learning and development.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve systems that encourage parents to review their children's progress regularly and contribute to their child's learning and development record with their own information about their child  ensure the risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come into contact

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the early years provision

The childminder fully understands the procedure to follow for dealing with any safeguarding concerns or allegations. She knows the signs of possible harm or neglect to children and maintains their safety and supervision. Visitors are recorded and monitored, with their identity checked. Children freely explore and access the space they need to play and benefit from excellent deployment of resources. A superb range of toys, equipment and resources is imaginatively set out and accessible so that children make decisions and develop independence indoors and outdoors. The attractive outdoor area is used well and the childminder facilitates children's requests to play inside or outside. The childminder carries out detailed risk assessments to minimise hazards to children, although these do not cover all activities, such as when using shaving foam in creative play. Children learn to stay safe through simple reminders, such as why they need to take care

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the early years provision

on the swing and older children behave in ways that keep younger ones safe. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Every child enjoys plenty of individual attention, helping them feel valued and included and the childminder divides her time up very well, demonstrating fairness and affection with all of them.

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the early years provision

The childminder's approachable, friendly and caring disposition positively promotes children's learning across all areas. She makes written observations of their progress towards the early learning goals in children's individual learning journeys. Parents provide 'all about me' development information although they do not yet routinely contribute to their child's learning journey with ongoing information about their child. All necessary written parental consent is clearly documented for aspects of children's care. The childminder flexibly works with parents in offering times of care to accommodate their needs. Parents' questionnaires illustrate high levels of satisfaction and they comment that they are 'more than happy with activities' and that their child 'feels very much at home'. Parents clearly value the childminder describing her as 'very friendly and trustworthy' and 'approachable, reliable and

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the early years provision

Communication is developing with other professionals who support children in order to promote their achievement and well-being. The childminder understands the need to develop links with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, when this is relevant to children in her care. Self-evaluation systems are detailed and the childminder monitors the quality of the provision, seeking views of parents and children in this process. The childminder sets high expectations and is extremely enthusiastic and fully committed to providing high standards of care for all children, passionately communicating strong ambition and drive. She works closely with the local authority to help identify action plans and target areas for the improvement of her newly established and developing practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very confident and at ease in the childminder's care. Secure, caring relationships with the childminder give the children a firm sense of belonging, from which they make good progress in their learning and development. There is a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities to successfully promote children's development across all six areas of learning. The childminder understands each child's individual personality and abilities and this helps her to provide meaningful experiences for them. Planning is based upon children's individual development and takes account of their particular interests. The childminder helps children to understand and value diversity through the provision of positive images, daily activities and play. Children learn about other countries by acknowledging festivals within planned activities, such as Diwali and Christmas around the world.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder incorporates all six areas of learning within planned and spontaneous activities. For example, she sets up a creative activity with ice and shaving foam, giving children the opportunity to explore different textures and discover what is hidden in the ice as it melts. Appropriate language is introduced, such as the shaving foam 'expanding' and discussion about how things feel and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 why. Children giggle as they spontaneously extend the activity to mark making on the windows, making patterns and shapes in the foam. Children engage in simple pretend play as they take their 'babies' for a walk and dress up in jewellery and bracelets. The childminder recognises children's differing attention spans and she ensures that activities are matched to their needs. For example, older children play on the games console whilst younger ones choose to play in the garden. Children

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and outcomes for children

love to dance and have fun experimenting with sound as they play with musical instruments and sing and move in time to the Christmas music.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a range of opportunities outside the home, such as visiting the library, local children's groups and play areas. There are plenty of fresh air opportunities in the childminder's garden, or going for walks in the local area. Children particularly express their wishes to take the childminder's dog on more walks and she facilitates this within planned activities. The childminder's garden is a regular feature of children's play and they thoroughly enjoy being outdoors. Children's good health is also supported through effective policies, practices and personal hygiene routines. They are encouraged to be aware of what they need, such as a drink, a clean nappy or a tissue, through reminders and discussion about their health. Children enjoy healthy snacks and meals and the childminder is aware of individual food preferences, working closely with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met.

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and outcomes for children

Effective strategies are used to manage children's behaviour. The childminder uses positive language, facial expressions and eye contact when interacting with children and she demonstrates plenty of patience and understanding of their needs. For example, she alleviates young children's frustration at not being able to say what they want by skilfully interpreting their non-verbal cues and their early attempts at language. Simple house rules help children understand acceptable codes of behaviour. Children enjoy the meaningful praise and encouragement given to them which makes them feel good about themselves and they smile with pleasure as the childminder tells them how clever they are. The childminder encourages children to share and play well together, leading by example and giving good explanations. 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 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 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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