Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY438408 Inspection date 09/05/2012 Inspector Sheena Gibson

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 2011. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and two years in Belper, Derbyshire. The home is situated close to the local town, schools and parks. The downstairs of the property is registered for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children on roll in this age group. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 health and well-being are supported very well and, for the most part, procedures that are followed ensure they remain safe in the setting. The childminder is effective in supporting children's learning and therefore they make good progress across most areas. A comprehensive range of well-written and relevant documentation underpins practice. The successful and creative ways of sharing information with parents ensure a valuable source of support for children's welfare and learning. Partnerships in the wider context effectively promote continuity for children. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to improvement through comprehensive self-evaluation.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review the organisation of furniture in the dining room so that fire exits are always free from obstructions and easily opened from the inside  provide further resources that reflect the diversity of children and adults within and beyond the setting.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of keeping children safe. She has undertaken training in safeguarding children and maintains relevant documentation and reference material to ensure that swift action is taken if she has a concern. Robust risk assessments are in place that contain good detail and are regularly reviewed. Daily checks also take place for the indoor and outdoor environment and for toys and equipment. Fire safety procedures are in place and evacuation drills This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are practised to ensure that children are able to leave safely if necessary. However, the organisation of the furniture in the dining room results in one of the exits sometimes being partially obstructed. Although this is fairly easy to move, evacuation is potentially more difficult. The breadth of documentation is very supportive of children's welfare and learning and is very well maintained.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a very strong commitment to improvement and constantly reviews her practice. She is a well-qualified and experienced practitioner and is currently in the final year of a foundation degree. She is also considering how to further improve her knowledge and skills to improve the outcomes for children. Her self-evaluation demonstrates reflective practice and is extremely detailed. The views of parents and children are included in the self-evaluation process and it is clear that the childminder has taken heed of suggestions and implemented changes where she can.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is effective in promoting equality and diversity. She ensures that all children are able to be involved and has a sound awareness of how she would support children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Information about children's needs is obtained at the point of registration, which ensures that their individuality is recognised. The childminder encourages the use of a 'special book' that enables the children to see themselves as individuals in the setting and at home, and promotes discussion about similarities and differences. However, while having some opportunities to learn about the wider world, the childminder is not always providing a wide variety of opportunities that reflect the diversity of children and adults within and beyond the setting.

p.5

the early years provision

The deployment of resources is excellent. The spacious indoor area is assertively used by children, who move freely from one part of the home to another. Toys are organised to offer children choices and the option to extend their own play by bringing something else into an activity. For example, all storage areas are labelled with pictures and are at a height where children can reach. This includes items such as drinking beakers as well as toys and effectively promotes children's independence. Excellent relationships with parents ensure a complete and effective system of communication to thoroughly support children's care and learning. For example, the childminder's policies are given to parents on a disc so that they can be referred to at any time. A newsletter is displayed that encourages parents' involvement in the setting and in their child's learning by, for example, suggesting songs to sing and items that parents can bring in. The childminder works hard to

p.5

the early years provision

liaise with other providers to ensure an all-round system of communication to promote consistency for children's care and learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Excellent procedures and practice ensure that children stay healthy and the risk of cross-infection is minimised. Children are encouraged to routinely wash their hands using liquid soap and paper towels, and photographs showing the different stages of the hand washing process are displayed for children to follow. Detailed This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information regarding sickness and different exclusion periods is given to parents. Children learn about not spreading germs by putting their hand over their mouth if they cough. They are given healthy meals and snacks. The childminder is very aware of food allergies and works with parents to make sure that children's health is appropriately safeguarded. Games and activities help children to make healthy choices about what they eat. For example, they have a fruit of the month, posters display different fruit and vegetables and there is good information about 'five-a-

p.5

and outcomes for children

day' displayed for parents. Children have great opportunities for exercise, both indoors and outdoors. For example, they enjoy the 'wake and shake' sessions when they stretch, twirl, curl and jump, becoming aware of different parts of their body and how they are used. They play in the garden daily, whatever the weather, use large equipment at the local parks and also go to music and movement groups.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is knowledgeable about how children learn and uses different ways to successfully promote their good progress. Her observations of the children and consequent planning ensure that their next steps are successfully supported and that there is a balance of activities across the different areas. During discussion, the childminder asks children to recap on a recent holiday by asking open questions to encourage their language. Children's independence increases as they try to solve problems and develop the confidence to find their own way of doing something. For example, they work out how to operate a new toy, thread wooden beads, strap teddy into the pushchair or put shoes on. Children enjoy books and know how they work. As they turn the pages they pretend to read the story. They sing songs and remember what words come next.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children become excited and involved in a jungle story as they enthusiastically do the actions and the animal sounds. This is helped by the childminder making the story interesting for them by using different voice tones, which children respond well to. Children explore change. Having put white flowers into coloured water they are watching to see if they change colour and are excited when the flower begins to change. Children see photographs of themselves doing activities throughout the setting. They can recognise themselves and their friends, which gives them a sense of belonging. Young children practise balancing and stacking plastic ducks in the water. They learn about early number when counting during routine activities, stories and songs. Children favour cause and effect toys, such as the torches, keyboards and electronic toys, giving them the experience of simple technology.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a feeling of trust and security with the childminder. They enjoy sitting with her and curl up next to her with their blanket when they feel tired. They recognise their own needs and are confident to ask for something that they cannot see or reach. They practise road safety when out in the local area and are beginning to recognise dangers indoors. For example, they know why they should sit sensibly on the chair and why they need to pick up some toys from the floor so that they do not trip. Children are very sociable. They have a routine, which helps them to understand the expectations of behaviour. House rules are displayed in picture form for those children who are too young to read them. The childminder encourages children to play cooperatively, be kind to each other and respect one another's views. She explains to children about what is right and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

and outcomes for children

wrong, using stories to reinforce ideals. She is very calm and manages any challenging behaviour successfully through discussion and distraction. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 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.8

Stage

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

p.8

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 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9