Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 207679 Inspection date 02/11/2011 Inspector Sheena Gibson

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 registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Tibshelf, Derbyshire. The home is close to the local village amenities. There is a single step up to the front door. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding with toilet facilities in this area. There is an enclosed garden.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. Currently there are nine children on roll, of whom four are in the early years age group. Children attend for a variety of part-time sessions. The childminder also cares for children who are over eight years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is aware of the uniqueness of each child and so meets their individual needs appropriately. For the most part, their learning is effectively supported and they make sound progress. The childminder takes some practical steps to promote children's safety and in general, her documentation aids practice. The childminder has built positive relationships with parents and is considerate of their wishes. She has begun to evaluate her practice, although this is not yet fully effective in helping to maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis. Maintain a record of these particular aspects and when and by whom they have been checked. Review it regularly - at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 09/11/2011

p.4

further?

 obtain information about who has parental responsibility for each child and who has legal contact. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 09/11/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further opportunities for children to learn about diversity and the wider world  use self-evaluation as an effective tool to identify strengths and weaknesses This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of the provision, to build on effective practice and improve the outcomes for every child.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures. She has undertaken training and has relevant information from the Local Safeguarding Children Board that she can refer to if she has a concern about a child. The childminder has listed ways in which she keeps children safe and takes some practical steps to keep children safe in the environment. For example, she has placed a safety gate in the hallway to prevent access to the stairs and uses a fixed fireguard. However the childminder has not fully risk assessed and recorded possible hazards in the indoor and outdoor area. Therefore, she is potentially unaware of all possible risks to children. The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents. She gives them useful information at the point of registration, such as, her policies and procedures. This helps them to understand the expectations of both parties and how this impacts upon their children's care.

p.5

the early years provision

On-going verbal communication ensures that parents are aware of how their child has been during the day and what they have been doing, which provides some consistency for children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has developed a range of documentation that supports children's welfare. This includes finding out details about children's health and first language. She obtains information about who each child lives with and who will collect them. However, she is not clear about the meaning of parental responsibility and therefore, has not obtained this information from parents, which could potentially impact upon children. The childminder has met the recommendations from the previous inspection. She has begun to reflect on her practice and has started to complete the Ofsted self-evaluation form. However, this is in the early stages and is not yet being used as an effective tool. Strengths and weaknesses of the provision are not successfully identified to aid the childminder in continuing to develop her knowledge and skills in order to improve outcomes for children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder knows the children well and is able to appropriately meet their needs. They make sound progress because the childminder knows how to best support their learning. She works in partnership with the local nursery to provide a suitable level of consistency in children's learning. Children have some opportunities to learn about diversity, although, these are restricted mainly to looking at books and watching television programmes. The childminder organises toys and activities to support children's learning and enjoyment. She uses external resources to enhance their experiences. For example, children visit the local children's centre, library and parks. Children are beginning to learn about sustainability and recycling. They enjoy looking at items that have been made from recycled materials, such as, a book with a cover made from recycled tyres. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children's health is supported well. The home environment is clean and well- maintained. The children have appropriate facilities for hand washing and are learning about the importance of good hygiene. They have healthy meals and the childminder talks to them about what effect different foods have on their health. There are posters on the wall that show various fruit and vegetables as a reminder. The childminder includes conversation about food in games. For example, she picks up the role play broccoli, asks the children if they like broccoli and talks about it helping them to grow 'big and strong'. Children demonstrate a feeling of security and are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe. When they are out in the community they learn about walking safely and staying close to the childminder. In the home the childminder talks to them about why they should not walk around with a toy in their mouth.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children make sound progress in their learning. The childminder obtains information about their starting point through early observations. This helps her to know the children's abilities and to plan for their progress. She interacts well with them, encouraging them to be independent and make decisions. For example, they choose their own cup and type of drink. Toys and equipment are of good quality and in good condition. They are appropriate for the age of the children and are easily accessible so that children are able to make free choices about what they want to play with. Children have a variety of opportunities to promote their skills across the different areas of learning. They enjoy building a bridge with large plastic bricks and using it for their toy cars to go under. Children begin to understand mathematical language as the childminder discusses concepts, such as, over, under, bigger, smaller and counts the number of bricks. They manipulate

p.6

and outcomes for children

bricks to fit the pieces together and then join two towers. The childminder extends activities to link to events that children are familiar with. A family outing is discussed as they look at a book about dinosaurs. Older children can say the names of many of them and they compare the sizes of the different dinosaurs.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The electronic space station makes fun sounds as items are pushed through different holes. Children count as they put the items in and listen for the sounds. They use magnetic drawing slabs to make marks with a pen and also with magnetic shapes. Some children know the names of complex shapes, such as, triangle and star. Children have good opportunities for fresh air and exercise, which supports their health and physical development. They use equipment, such as, balls and wheeled toys to develop co-ordination skills. They use the park regularly for climbing and balancing and also go to the soft play centre where they climb, jump and go through tunnels. Children are encouraged to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. For example, they are encouraged to take care of the toys and equipment, to share with each other and respect the childminder's home. Children respond to the expectations of the

p.6

and outcomes for children

childminder for good behaviour, such as, rolling down the plastic cloth if they want to do craft on the kitchen table. Children are kind to each other. For example, they get out an activity for another child. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

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.7

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.8

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.8

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.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints, which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email. (Procedures for dealing with complaints)(also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 09/11/2011

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Childcare Register section of the report. 09/11/2011

p.8