Childminder in Rotherham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 303178 Inspection date 26/03/2012 Inspector Angela Howard

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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 has been registered since 1988. She lives in West Melton in the borough of Rotherham. The whole of the ground floor, plus bathroom facilities on the first floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed play area available for outdoor play. Care is offered Monday to Friday all year round. The childminder has several pets, including two dogs, two chinchillas, birds in an outdoor aviary and fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children in the early years age range. She also offers care to two children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered to offer overnight care to one child on the ground floor of the premises. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children clearly thrive and make rapid progress in this loving, family environment that truly recognises their uniqueness and individuality. Relationships between the childminder and children are exemplary and she consistently provides a service that meets their individual needs. Exceptionally strong relationships are established with parents as the childminder works closely with them to support, guide and nurture their children. The childminder has very high aspirations for quality, which is reflected in the highly accurate assessment of the setting's strengths and the areas identified for improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 reviewing how resources are organised so they are fully accessible to every child so they can learn independently.

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the early years provision

Children are fully safeguarded due to the excellent systems in place to protect them. The childminder has an excellent awareness of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the correct procedures to follow should she have any concerns. She records first class information about existing injuries and discusses these with parents, thereby showing that safety of the children in her care is always her first priority. Risk assessments are rigorous and unique to the setting, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and clearly identify aspects of the home checked on a regular basis. This enables children to freely choose activities and to make new discoveries within exceedingly safe boundaries. The environment indoors and outdoors is organised exceptionally well offering children some choice. However, not all children and particularly the younger ones, can freely access all equipment independently other than what is

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the early years provision

set out attractively each day. The childminder has a significantly high regard for the well-being of all children and clearly considers children's individual needs. The adult ratios positively support children's care, learning and development because she is able to offer plenty of one-to-one care. Children begin to develop a very good sense of community as they go for walks into the local area, for example, visiting many places of interest or attending local groups. They find out about the wider world as they talk about their experiences and explore the excellent range of resources available that promote positive images of diversity. All children are encouraged to participate in all activities and events and the childminder ensures that these are adapted for those children who may find this challenging. The childminder has a high regard for creating an inclusive, enabling environment, where children are valued as individuals. Children have a very strong sense of

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the early years provision

belonging and have a very close bond with the childminder; helping them to feel extremely settled and secure.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are excellent, which contributes immensely to the children's overall well-being. Ongoing daily verbal communication and very informative written records, observations and assessments, ensure parents are kept extremely well informed about their child's care and learning. Children are clearly benefiting from this and are highly motivated and extremely settled in response. The childminder liaises closely with parents to support additional learning needs, which helps her to focus very effectively on the inclusion of all children. Parents comments include; 'my child is in very good hands, there is always an excellent range of activities, she is the nicest person you could meet, she is an excellent communicator giving good advice both on a professional and a personal level and a person I totally trust'. A wealth of excellent information is attractively displayed, keeping parents up-to-date with current practice. For

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the early years provision

example, posters are prominently displayed with an excellent range of comprehensive policies and procedures which successfully reflect the ethos of the setting. Close working links are established with a wide range of professionals to ensure developmental concerns do not present barriers to children's progress and enjoyment. The childminder's considerable experience and professionalism contributes to providing an exemplary service. Ongoing, rigorous and accurate self- assessment is completed and clear targets for improvements are set. These are the result of attending an abundance of relevant training and implementing what knowledge she has gained, in order to ensure she continuously develops and further strengthens her practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children develop to their full potential because of outstanding early years practice. The exceptional organisation of the educational programme reflects rich, varied and imaginative experiences that meet the needs of all children exceedingly well. The childminder maintains comprehensive planning records to ensure progress for each child as they all attend on a part-time basis. Observation and assessment is extensively provided thorugh a wide range of documents, including excellent snap shot observation records supported by photographs and copies of children art work and mark making activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children follow their interests with persistence and concentration and have confidence to try new activities by themselves. They have opportunities to explore and investigate the natural world and a range of sights, smells, sounds and textures. For example, they plant and tend flowers, fruits and vegetables and study the birds, animals and mini beasts when out in the woods. The childminder engages in high quality adult-child interactions to encourage, support and extend children's speech and language development. Signing and gesture are used in an excellent way to support all children to communicate effectively. The childminder listens exceptionally well to young children and responds very positively to the sounds that they make. This mirroring of language encourages them to make new sounds and, as a result, they are keen to engage with her. All the children are interested in books and listen intently to stories read to them by the enthusiastic

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and outcomes for children

childminder. Skills to develop problem solving, number and reasoning are exceptionally well promoted. The children are encouraged to compare differences when looking at shapes and colours. For example, they talk about how many corners and sides the shapes have and the childminder sets them challenges to 'find another orange one that is the same'. Children are supported to further develop their problem-solving and other mathematical skills as they bake beetroot buns, through weighing and measuring out the ingredients. They thoroughly enjoy creative play and their artistic efforts are displayed prominently or are presented attractively in children's observation files. This helps them to feel pride in their achievements and provides an invaluable record of memories for parents. Children develop an excellent disposition to learn because they feel safe, secure and confident in their surroundings.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning through practical experiences about sustainability and how to eat healthily. They enjoy cooking activities which encourages their understanding of a healthy diet, such as making beetroot buns as a healthy option. Their good health is further promoted as stringent procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection. Children's physical skills are continually enhanced through using equipment such as scissors, cooking utensils, pens and stencils. During planned activities outdoors, they develop excellent balance and coordination skills when climbing and use parachute games to learn about moving in a variety of ways, such as over, under, through, backwards and sideways. Children's understanding of keeping themselves safe are continually promoted through consistent reinforcement. The childminder is highly proactive in encouraging children to learn about being safe and what is dangerous. Documentation shows

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children learn about fire evacuation, stranger danger, safety in cars and when out walking. Children flourish in the excellent care provided and many positive experiences help them to develop exceptional skills for the future. 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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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