Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY435137 Inspection date 30/04/2012 Inspector Kay Armstrong

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in October 2011. She lives with her husband and their 16 year old child in the Glossop area of Derbyshire. The family has two cats and a dog. The whole ground floor, along with the bathroom on the first floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for three children under eight years at any one time, of whom, two may be in the early years age range and of whom, one may be under one year old. The childminder is also able to care for children aged over eight years. Currently, there are three children on roll in the early years age group.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She works with an assistant and is supported by the local authority.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's progress is effectively fostered and they are generally secure, happy and well settled. The childminder has an awareness of the Early Years Foundation Stage, however, is not fully meeting all of the requirements. Inclusive practice and positive relationships with parents and other practitioners are promoted well and provides continuity of care for the children. The childminder demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement. She has a clear understanding of her strengths and areas for further development are well targeted.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 complete a training course which is approved by the local authority and provides support for childminders in meeting and putting into practice the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (Suitable people). 18/05/2012

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 make sure risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come into contact in particular the cords to the blinds in the playroom  extend the range of resources, which reflect positive images of the diversity of society. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Children are well protected as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her role in protecting children from harm. She has access to and knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and knows where to seek guidance should a concern arise. She is fully aware of the possible indicators of abuse and the action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder and her assistant provide a happy, stimulating and generally safe environment for the children. Risk assessments have been completed, however, the cords to the blinds in the playroom are a potential hazard, which has not been identified. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate to ensure that she can deal with emergency situations. Appropriate fire safety equipment is in place and children regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedure. This ensures that they know and understand what to do in the event of a fire. All adults

p.5

the early years provision

in her home are suitably vetted and children are not left unsupervised with adults who are not checked. Documentation is well organised and stored effectively to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a National Vocational Qualification at Level 4 in Childcare, Learning and Development. Therefore, she has a good understanding of how children develop and learn. However, due to family circumstances, she has not yet completed a training course, which is approved by the local authority. This is a breach in the specific legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, however, there is little impact on the children due to her other qualifications.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is well-organised and manages daily routines effectively to accommodate the individual needs of the children attending. Children are supported well and develop a positive sense of identity. Diversity is valued and respected because the childminder actively promotes equality, which ensures that all children and families feel included and safe. Links with parents, carers and other provisions are strong and help to support children's progress through effective communication. This ensures continuity of care and successfully promotes children's learning and welfare. The childminder takes time to gather information relating to children's individual needs and preferences before they start. As a result, children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes and they settle well. She shares her comprehensive policies and procedures with parents and carers. This ensures that they are fully informed about her service. An

p.5

the early years provision

effective two-way flow of information means that children's individual needs are recognised and well met.

p.5

the early years provision

Children have access to a wide range of resources, activities and equipment that are age-appropriate, safe and suitably maintained. Many resources are easily accessible ensuring that all children are able to make choices in their play and learning. The childminder has developed a system to effectively monitor and evaluate her provision. This identifies her strengths and areas for further development to enhance children's welfare and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a warm, child-friendly environment. The playroom is stimulating and well organised. The childminder provides a range of experiences, which effectively challenge and support children's learning and development. As a result, they make good progress in all areas. The childminder has developed effective systems for recording children's achievements, in order to plan next steps in their learning. Social skills are promoted well both at the childminder's home and at the groups they visit together. Children are encouraged to consider others, share toys fairly and take turns.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn to respect each other as they participate in activities that help to develop their knowledge and understanding of diversity. They develop an awareness of the wider community and the world they live in. For example, they celebrate different festivals throughout the year, such as Chinese New Year and Easter. However, resources, which reflect positive images of our diverse society are limited.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Numeracy is addressed well in accordance with children's understanding and stage of development. The childminder and her assistant promote counting and use mathematical language with young children. With babies, they use gestures to successfully support the spoken words, such as 'all gone'. Children learn about shape and size routinely through observations and play. All children enjoy looking at picture books and those that promote their senses. They make marks with their fingers in paint and with crayons. The childminder and her assistant promote language development well; they listen intently to what children are saying. They respond positively to babies babbling, which ensures that they feel valued. Children's creativity is effectively promoted through access to small world resources and creative materials. They particularly enjoy exploring a range of musical instruments, delighting in the sounds they make. They smile, wave their

p.6

and outcomes for children

arms excitedly and move their bodies as they dance to the music they are creating. Programmable resources, such as push button toys and access to computers develop children's understanding of technology and promote skills for the future. Outdoor activities are varied at the childminder's home, children enjoy ball games and learn to steer wheeled toys. Within the local community, children enjoy visits to the local park to feed the ducks and use large equipment. This provides opportunities for them to develop skills in coordination as they have fun.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder's home is clean and well maintained. Children are effectively supported to follow good personal hygiene routines from an early age. For example, they wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder promotes healthy eating by providing all children with a well-balanced range of nutritious snacks and light meals. Drinks are readily available to ensure that they remain hydrated throughout the day. Children respond well to the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management, which is suitable to their age and understanding. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8