Childminder in MedwayOfsted inspection, 17 Jan 2012

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY420009 Inspection date 17/01/2012 Inspector Karen Scott

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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 lives with her husband and one pre- school aged child in Gillingham, close to shops, parks, schools and pre-schools. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding; the bathroom is upstairs and there are steps leading to the front door, but also a slope to the side door which can be used. The family has a frog, shrimps and fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder offers overnight care.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is willing to take and collect children from the local school. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The safety and welfare of children is paramount to the childminder's practice. Consequently, children play in a safe and secure environment where they are acquiring a good understanding of a healthy lifestyle and how to keep themselves safe. Although the use of observations to extend children's learning is not being fully explored for all children, they are making choices about what they play with and can be independent. Overall, policies and procedures give a clear picture of the childminder's practice. Evaluation of practice is in its infancy, but the childminder is motivated to seek further improvement in order that outcomes for children evolve. She therefore has a sound capacity to improve.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development that will continuously improve the quality of the provision for all children  develop the assessment arrangements and how observations are used in order to meet all children's needs and to extend their learning  add to the written policies details of what the childminder will do if a child goes missing. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has robust procedures in place to promote the safety and security of the children., She takes action to minimise risks to children, such as by making sure that highchairs face her way when children are eating. Children are taught to be safety conscious; the childminder explains to children how she is keeping them safe and the reasons why. Although the childminder clearly understands what she would do if a child went missing and has good procedures in place, she has not put this alongside her other comprehensive written procedures, so parents are not fully informed.

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the early years provision

After her registration visit the childminder has made positive changes to the environment to ensure that it is safe and welcoming to children. Children play in a dedicated playroom where they have access to toys and resources that are in good condition and suitable for their ages and stages of development. Toys and resources are clearly labelled and children know what is available, enabling them to make choices about what they play with. Resources are changed around to offer differing play opportunities, but the childminder also ensures that favourite toys and resources are always available. The childminder is skilled at dividing her time between the children, depending on their differing ages and needs. The childminder values the opinions of parents and carers in helping her to improve her practice. However, she has not given enough regard to how she can make improvements in order to improve outcomes for children. She does liaise with

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the early years provision

other childminders, sharing ideas. She is considering training on observation and assessment to build on her knowledge and practice.

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the early years provision

Although not currently caring for any children who attend other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, the childminder has sound plans in place to work alongside them when this arises. She values the importance of working in partnership with others to meet children's needs and aid development. Parents and carers are welcomed warmly to the childminder's home, sharing information verbally. Policies, helpful information displayed at the setting, and contact books keep parents informed about the childminder's practice and what children are participating in. Parents and carers are informed that they may look at their children's developmental books whenever they wish. They share their children's achievements verbally with the childminder and overall are very happy with how well their children have settled.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure, regularly turning to the childminder for support as they play, and asking questions, knowing that they will be responded to. Fire drills are practised regularly so that children will not be alarmed in case of emergency. Children have a sound understanding of how to keep themselves safe, as the childminder gives clear explanations as to why they should behave in particular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ways, such as not putting play dough in their mouths. Children know why and when they wash their hands; their independence is promoted as there is a step to help them reach the basin. Individual sleep routines are respected and children know when they are feeling tired. Currently children engage in physical exercise such as music and movement indoors and ample and safe space enables children to develop their walking skills. Snacks are healthy and nutritious and parents and

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and outcomes for children

carers are given support to provide nutritious foods. Children make requests for their favourite healthy foods. Children have formed strong friendships, responding positively to each other, and younger children learn from older ones, watching and copying their behaviour. Children take pride in their environment, willingly tidying up what they have played with. Artwork is displayed prominently, making children feel that what they have created is valued, and children receive regular praise for their achievements. They are polite, saying please and thank you. They enjoy sharing things of importance with the childminder, knowing that they will be listened to.

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and outcomes for children

The environment is rich in discussion, extending children's vocabulary. Books are easily accessible and children share their favourite ones with the childminder, showing an understanding of how books are organised. The current theme is shapes and children are learning about them through art and craft and matching games, for example. The childminder places great emphasis on activities that promote mathematical development resulting in children acquiring good knowledge in this area of learning. Children use tools to create with dough, and younger children explore matching and shapes when playing with toys. Children are gaining pencil control skills at activities such as colouring. Children enjoy role play, mimicking what they see adults doing. Colour recognition is introduced into play such as when children name and identify the coloured bricks they wish to construct with. Children explore different textures such as paint and corn flour. Each child

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and outcomes for children

has a developmental book where the childminder records any achievements. She has started to think about where children require further support and plans themes and activities to support children's development in specific areas. However this is very much in its infancy and not being fully used to support all children's development across all areas of learning. Children are beginning to develop skills for the future. They join other minded children to encourage social skills and are encouraged to undertake self help skills to enhance their independence. 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 3 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3

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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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