Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY432321 Inspection date 01/02/2012 Inspector Tina Garner

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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 2011. She lives with her husband and their two children aged six and two years old, in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. The home is within walking distance of local facilities, including shops, schools and park. It is accessible by one step. The whole of the property may be used for childminding with bathroom facilities available on the ground floor and sleeping facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding nine children on a part-time basis, five of which are within the early years age group. The childminder has a vehicle available for her use. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a recognised childcare qualification.

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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

The childminder provides a warm, homely and inclusive environment for children. They are valued as individuals and are able to make their own choices regarding their play. A good range of policies and procedures help to ensure that children are safe and their welfare is promoted. Strong relationships with parents and others involved with the children contribute effectively towards ensuring continuity and progression for each child in the early years age range and to ensuring that every child's individual needs are met. The childminder makes some use of self- evaluation to identify key strengths and demonstrates a commitment to furthering her knowledge through additional training.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the system of assessing and recording children's progress, clearly prioritising next steps for them to work towards in each of the six areas of learning and use the information to plan some practical play activities to help each child reach their full potential  develop systems for self-evaluation to further identify strengths and weaknesses and implement plans, which bring about further improvement.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded well. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is confident about her responsibility to protect children from This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 harm and neglect. Documentation is detailed and well organised, with clear records for accidents, medication and each child's daily attendance. Children's records are clear, up-to-date, easily accessible and stored securely to ensure confidentiality is maintained. All written consents are obtained from parents upon commencement of minding, to ensure children's safety and well-being is effectively promoted. Children are supervised well to ensure their safety is maintained. The childminder visually checks her home daily to ensure it remains safe for children to attend and completes all associated written risk assessments. Good use of space ensures that individual needs are accommodated. The home is organised well to

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the early years provision

provide children with space to play, eat and rest in comfortable surroundings. A child-friendly inclusive environment is created where all children are welcome and valued. Toys and resources are readily accessible both in the lounge and conservatory area, enabling children to make independent choices for their play.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to her role. She is ambitious for her provision and to further improve the outcomes for children, although, her self- assessment is still in its infancy. A wide range of training courses have been attended by the childminder and further training is planned, in order to continually improve her knowledge and skills. Partnerships with parents are strong. The childminder works well with parents, in order to develop a consistent approach, in meeting children's needs. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes and the childminder takes time to accumulate information relating to their individual needs and preferences before they start. This ensures children settle well. The use of a daily diary ensures that parents receive important information regarding children's daily routines and activities. Parents receive useful information about the provision both verbally and in writing, including copies of the

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the early years provision

childminder's policies and procedures. The childminder is in the process of developing further partnerships with all those involved in children's welfare and learning, so that children receive consistent and complementary care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very settled and contented in the childminder's care. They happily participate in a mixture of adult-led and child-initiated play, which allows them free choice. The childminder engages in their play and supports their growing independence skills. A comprehensive range of appropriate resources are accessible and craft and messy activities are provided at the kitchen table. The childminder is beginning to observe and record children's play. However, links between observations and play planning are not yet fully secure. Children are confident with the childminder and readily approach her for their needs to be met. For example, babies settle quickly, demonstrating a feeling of safety with the childminder as they smile and reach out to her for reassurance as they begin to explore their environment. The childminder is particularly skilled in her use of communication, which supports children's language development well. Books are

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and outcomes for children

accessible and well used and simple picture card games help link sounds to words and objects. Numbers are introduced through favourite songs and rhymes and during general play. Children make good progress through the range of activities they encounter. They explore and develop their creativity through many arts and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 crafts and a good variety of role play activities. Resources which positively promote diversity are freely accessible to children. This helps them to appreciate our similarities and differences.

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and outcomes for children

They are beginning to learn about safety and adopting a healthy lifestyle through the repetition of routines, such as knowing their hands must be washed after using the toilet and before eating meals. Children are protected from the risk of germs and illness because the childminder maintains a clean home and a nappy changing area. A clear policy is in place to manage the care of sick children. Opportunities are provided for children each day to benefit from fresh air and exercise. Parents provide children's meals. However, the childminder interacts with parents to ensure items included in lunch boxes are healthy and nutritious. She gathers clear information from parents about children's dietary needs, including preferences and any allergies, so that they can eat in safety. Children learn to behave well in the setting. Ground rules are agreed with older children, helping them take responsibility for their own actions. The childminder demonstrates genuine and

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and outcomes for children

appropriate affection towards the children, ensuring their positive self-esteem. 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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