Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 207643 Inspection date 02/02/2012 Inspector Yvonne Layton

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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 1993. She lives with her two adult children in Hadfield, Glossop in Derbyshire. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding, except for the playroom which is unavailable at present. Currently the garden is not available for outside play. The house is accessed by a flight of steps. The childminder drives and walks to the local school and playgroup to take and collect children. She attends the local childminder group, children's group and undertakes outings.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently eight children attending of whom four are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder holds a BETEC Nursery Nursing 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

Children are cared for in a caring environment where the childminder is fully aware of their individual needs. The learning environment overall effectively supports children's progress towards the early learning goals with learning and purposeful play promoted. The childminder has strong knowledge of how to support the children's welfare and she effectively works in partnership with parents. The childminder's self-evaluation is in process and she is committed to develop the quality of her setting and to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 engage in regular cycles of self evaluation, planning and review, supported by accurate, organised record keeping, regarding information on children's learning progress and the provision of related activities  review the amount of activities available for children to access at any one time to make sure they give scope for the development of learning and purposeful play

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded from the risk of abuse or neglect because the childminder has a clear policy and good knowledge of her responsibilities. Children's welfare is promoted well as all required records, policies and procedures This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are in place. Sound security of the premises is supported by effective risk assessments and detailed established fire evacuation procedures that ensure children are protected. The childminder is very clear about her individual responsibilities. Currently the garden and playroom is not in use as both are not suitable or safe to use. However, there is no impact on the children's learning and well-being as the childminder takes them to other outside facilities daily and has relocated the main play area to the sitting room. Children's health is supported soundly as she has established comprehensive hygiene procedures and routines.

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the early years provision

Children are helped to make progress and their development is encouraged as the childminder is fully conversant in implementing all aspects of the learning and development elements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Activities are flexible as the main focus is activities led by the children's interest and areas of personal development. The childminder is well able to identify a rich variety of activities that enrich children's learning and match the expectations of the early learning goals. The childminder informally plans activities based on a good awareness of each individual child's interests and development. However, there is potential impact on children's learning and developments as this results in some inconsistencies as there are not always sufficient activities to challenge and fully engross the children. The childminder is in the process of consolidating her systems for the assessment of children's development.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are well established. They are provided with quality information about the care and education of their child. The childminder actively seeks their views from questionnaires and often provides a two-way communication book. Parents receive details about policies and procedures and complete their child's personal information. There is ongoing discussion about the care and learning of each child. All of which enhances the children's care and ensures continuity. Inclusive practice is promoted well and all children are included in activities. The childminder is confident in her knowledge of how to develop children's understanding of diversity so that all differences are valued fully. Currently the childminder is not caring for children who attend other settings. However, the childminding group she attends have started to approach schools in the area to establish links and provide the best way to share information to benefit

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the early years provision

the children. The childminder is proactive within the childminder group and attends groups and themed activities with the children.

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the early years provision

Reflection and evaluation of the provision is not consistent. However, children's learning and welfare do benefit as the childminder has considered and has plans to develop and improve her setting. The childminder's continuous professional development and children's experience would benefit from her extending her knowledge of self-evaluation.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and enjoy positive experiences with the childminder. They enjoy generally purposeful play through a range of planned, focused, spontaneous and child-led activities which ensures that they make good progress towards the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 early learning goals. A planned activity of dinosaurs with blue and green shredded paper is adapted as a child decides the paper is the sea. The childminder provides toy mermaids and introduces plastic cartons for the children to 'listen to the sea.' Spontaneous routines and events are turned into activities such as on a frosty morning children enjoy seeing their breath. This is extended as the childminder and children consider dragons and support this with a dragon story. Colour, letter, calculation and mark making development are supported well within spontaneous, routine, child-led and focused or themed activities. The childminder links topics,

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and outcomes for children

such as shapes and colour into routine activities. For example they look for circles in car logos and different pipes in the area. During story time and activities children routinely make calculations and discuss colour.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about the world around them and diversity through discussions and activities relating to different people and cultures supported by books, resources and discussions. Their experience is enriched as they investigate why eye glasses are worn. Children's understanding is promoted as they are actively involved in learning about battery operated toys. They go with the childminder to buy batteries and she assists them to put them into the toy. Children's experience and learning is enriched by varied outings supported by discussions about what they have seen and done are often extended by related creative activities.

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and outcomes for children

Creativity and exploration is promoted as all children enjoy access to a variety of art, craft and imaginative activities, such as role play and small world. On walks children find sticks and 'mud paint'. They make dens both in the home and in trees in the park. Children learn about nature as they complete scavenger hunts in the woods and use pine cones for a variety of activities including painting them and turning them into skittles. They seek out squirrels and feed and observe the birds. They learn about life cycles as they visit the llamas locally and watch the baby llamas grow.

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and outcomes for children

Children's communication is enriched as the childminder encourages them to express themselves. They have a strong sense of self-worth as they follow the childminder's behaviour boundaries based on respect and kindness. She is extremely alert to responding to children's individuality and different personalities. They learn respect for themselves and others as the childminder explains why some behaviour is not acceptable and she uses distraction with younger children. For example a toddler's tendency to throw toys is diverted by the childminder giving balloons for the children to pat and catch. The childminder increases children's socialisation and social skills by visiting children's groups. The consistent use of praise and positive reinforcement contributes effectively to the children developing a good sense of self and belonging to a wider family group.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and safety is well promoted. The childminder has effective hygiene policies, procedures and consistent routines, including discussions and explanations about personal care. Strong relationships with the childminder help children to feel safe and secure in their surroundings. They learn about possible dangers and taking risks and challenges as she gives them freedom to experiment and explore. They keep fit as they enjoy activities away from the home such as rolling down hills and going for a walks in the area. Children learn about safety by discussions, robust routines and activities. As part of a childminding group fire This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safety activity the children visit a fire engine museum. 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 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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