Childminder, Out-of school day care in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 252331 Inspection date 14/03/2012 Inspector Judith Rayner

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and family in a residential area of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. There are local amenities close by, such as a park, schools and shops. The whole of the downstairs is used for the purpose of childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor. Access to the home is usually down the side entrance. There is a fully-enclosed, secure back garden for outdoor play with sufficient parking outside the home.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years. There are currently nine children on roll, one of whom is within the early years age group. They attend various days and times throughout the week. The childminder walks to take and collect children from the local school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 happy and settled with the childminder. The childminder monitors, plans and organises activities and experiences mostly well to enhance their all- round development. Good partnerships are in place with parents and others involved in the care of the child. Records, policies and procedures are mostly informative and organised well. The childminder understands the benefits of using a self-evaluation process to ensure good outcomes continue to develop for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 link children's progress more closely to the early learning goals to plan more relevant activities to support their next steps in their learning  review some aspects of the safeguarding policy to ensure it is in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures.

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the early years provision

The childminder understands her role and responsibility to safeguard children. She is aware of the procedures to take should she have any concerns regarding a child in her care. A basic written policy is in place and shared with parents from when they first start. However, some aspects of the policy are not fully in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures. Therefore, this is not as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 informative or up-to-date for parents to read. The home and garden are free from hazards and secure providing an environment where children feel safe to explore. Visual risk assessments are undertaken before children arrive and any hazards are minimised to children. Records of risk assessments further support the effective practice the childminder undertakes to ensure children are safe. The childminder knows the children she cares for well. She organises the day effectively to support

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the early years provision

the individual needs of all children. The childminder provides a mostly suitable range of written policies and procedures. These underpin the smooth running of the service that she offers. Records are accurately recorded and stored securely. The childminder creates a welcoming, homely environment where children happily explore and investigate the good range of toys and activities. Toys are easily accessible helping children enhance their self-help skills. A good range of resources that positively promote diversity helps children learn about other's similarities and differences. Books, small world characters and figures, dressing up and dolls are accessible to all children. She also helps children learn about differing religious and cultural festivals through various art and craft activities.

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the early years provision

A good partnership is in place with parents. The childminder offers continuity of care to many families. She is also flexible in accommodating parents work patterns and personal appointments. The childminder understands the importance of addressing the children's needs whilst fully respecting the parents' views and wishes. A good range of written information supported by discussions keeps parents up-to-date with their child's progress and needs. Additionally, the childminder has effective partnerships with others involved in the welfare and learning of children. For example, regular discussions and written information from other professionals support and monitor children's language and listening skills. Parents and children are encouraged to contribute their ideas to improve practice. This is because the childminder fully understands and values their contribution to drive improvement for the outcomes for children. The childminder has a positive

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the early years provision

attitude to improving and maintaining her skills and knowledge. She has maintained a paediatric first aid certificate and updated her safeguarding training. All recommendations made at the last inspection have been successfully addressed. Parents are kept up to date with policies and procedures and records are easily accessible. Children's immediate medical and health needs are met quickly.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and thoroughly enjoy themselves in the care of the childminder. They excitedly explore with enthusiasm and are active learners. The childminder is skilful in recognising opportunities to extend children's play and development. For example, playdough is provided and the childminder gradually adds various tools for children to use. Children's progress is monitored through regular observations. The childminder records these in a file and shares the results with the parents. Photographs, mark making and art work are also used to support the childminder in identifying where the child is in their learning and development. However, the childminder does not always link children's progress closely enough This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to the early learning goals. At times this restricts the childminder to plan more relevant activities to support children's next steps in their learning. The childminder

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and outcomes for children

confidently encourages children to initiate their own play and willingly participates with them whilst they all have fun.

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and outcomes for children

The good range of activities and resources accessible to children enable them to enhance their all-round development. Their interests are fully supported by the childminder. Children engage with malleable materials of dough and cornflour. They manipulate the materials squeezing, pulling and stretching. They choose a range of supporting materials, such as cutters, rollers and spoons to make patterns. They enjoy painting. Mark making activities using pens and white boards and counting the stairs, help children learn skills that they will need for the future. Additionally, children use programmable toys, such as computers to make patterns learning mouse and key board skills. Outside, children thoroughly enjoy bouncing on the trampoline whilst being supervised effectively. They explore the garden enjoying using their large muscle and hand-eye co ordination skills during bat and ball games. This game continues inside with soft balls. The children enjoy this

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and outcomes for children

Children recognise when they are thirsty and need the toilet. They are confident and independent. They are familiar with routines and know to wash their hands after they have used the toilet, after messy play and garden play. Children are offered a broad range of healthy and well-balanced meals from freshly prepared ingredients. Children also learn about keeping safe. They actively participate in fire drills and know to hold hands with the childminder when walking to and from school. Children with special educational needs are fully supported. The childminder understands the importance of adapting activities to support all children whilst taking into consideration their individual needs. Good use of language and communication skills are effectively implemented into daily activities and tasks. The childminder constantly talks to the children, consolidating the correct pronunciation of words and speaking very clearly with them. Good use of

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and outcomes for children

facial expressions and a calm but fun approach reassure children very positively. The behaviour of children is good. They are familiar with what is expected of them. They are developing positive relationships with the childminder. 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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