Childminder in Cumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY358842 Inspection date 12/03/2012 Inspector Carys Millican

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 16 years, in Aspatria , near Wigton, Cumbria. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding, except for the master bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently 11 children on roll. Of these, five are in the early years age group. Children attend various sessions during the week. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder has use of a car to transport children on outings and school runs. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder a member of the National Childminding Association and receives advice and support from the local childminding childcare advisers.

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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's individual needs are well met by this experienced childminder, who has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. The childminder provides a safe and secure environment where children have freedom of movement to play with a good range of resources and play opportunities that meet their interests. As a result, children are enthusiastic in their play and seen to be making good progress in their development. Records, documentation, and effective policies and procedure are in place to ensure the smooth running of the provision and to promote children's health and well-being. Positive relationships with parents are established to ensure continuity of care and inclusive practice is promoted. The childminder has made a good start to the self-evaluation process and is aware of her strengths and areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 establish links with the other settings children attend in order to complement the learning taking place  encourage parents and carers to become more involved in their children's learning and provide them with ideas of how they can continue with their children's learning at home. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are protected and safeguarded through the effective practices, polices and procedures that are implemented by the childminder. The childminder supervises children closely as they play, therefore, they feel safe and secure. She has a good understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection matters. Her detailed written safeguarding policy contains the procedures that she is required to follow and contact details of the local authority. Record keeping documents are well maintained. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to keep children safe whilst in her home. She ensures that all adults living in the home have completed suitability checks and a record is kept of all visitors. The complaint policy, containing the contact details of Ofsted, is one of a number of written policy documents shared with parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder completes a detailed risk assessment for all aspects of the home environment and for each type of outing. As a result, children are protected from the risk of accidental injury and potential hazards. Children practise the fire evacuation procedure regularly, so they know what to do in an emergency, and an evacuation plan is displayed. Children benefit from the childminder using the available space effectively to meet their needs. They have freedom of movement within the living room and access the kitchen under supervision. The childminder provides a good selection of resources that are age-appropriate, meet their interests and contribute to their development and learning. Children play well together and form good relationships. They benefit from the positive behaviour management strategies in place and the positive praise and encouragement they receive.

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the early years provision

Children settle easily into the home from home environment. The childminder warmly welcomes parents on arrival and at collection times. She exchanges information about the children's day and completes a daily diary for parents. Although a section is available in the diary for parents to add comments, this is not currently being fully utilised as a way of encouraging parents to become more involved in their children's learning. Children benefit from the positive relationship with parents who express a high regard for the flexible care and relaxed approach of the childminder. During initial meetings information is obtained from parents about children's interests and abilities. The childminder uses this information to assess children's development and to plan for the next steps in their learning. She completes simple but effective observations as children play, and links these to the six areas of learning. Some children attend another setting for their nursery

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the early years provision

education. Although the childminder has a good relationship with the setting, they do not share information to ensure continuity and coherence in learning experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder has made a start on the self-evaluation process by reviewing her everyday practice. She completes an annual review with her childminding adviser and her action plan is well targeted to help improve outcomes for children. The childminder is proactive in considering her own professional development by This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attending local authority training sessions. She also meets regularly with other childminders to share experiences.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, contented individuals who enjoy themselves and have fun as they play together. They are provided with opportunities to initiate their own play and are provided with a balance of activities that follow their interests. Children's love of animals is promoted as they play with toy farms and tractors; recalling events in their lives. They enjoy watching the sheep and new born lambs in the field next to the childminder's house. Children's communication, language and literacy skills are well supported. They enjoy listening to stories and join in enthusiastically making the sounds of the animals. The childminder positively challenges and extends children's learning as they play. She encourages children to point to the animals in the picture and press the buttons. Children are provided with resources that help develop hand-eye coordination and writing skills. They enjoy drawing pictures, colouring and painting.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder encourages children to make choices and decisions about their play. She asks them what they would like to do, which helps them feel valued and respected. Children begin to show an interest in the difference and diversity of the world around them by visiting place in the community and celebrating cultural events and festivals. Inclusive practice is promoted. All children are included in all activities. The childminder has developed a close bond with the children. They behave very well and are seen to be making steady progress in their learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children's healthy lifestyle is positively encouraged. They take part in a number of outings and outdoor activities which help promote their physical development. Children visit the local parks and playgrounds, soft play centres and go for walks within the local community. Their social skills are promoted whilst attending pre- school groups where they meet other children and their carers. Children begin to learn about road safety when crossing roads and car safety whilst travelling back and forth from nursery. Healthy eating is effectively promoted. The childminder encourages children to eat a nutritious snack and regularly consults with parents on the content of packed lunch meals. The childminder ensures fresh drinking water is available at all times so children can help themselves. Good hygiene practices are undertaken by the children following regular routines. Children wash their hands on arrival from nursery, before eating meals and after attending to

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and outcomes for children

their toileting needs. 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 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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