Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY440808 Inspection date 03/07/2012 Inspector Janice Walker

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 2012. She lives with her husband and their one- year-old daughter. The family live in a cottage situated on a farm near Brinsley in Nottinghamshire. The home is within walking distance of local facilities including schools, parks and shops. It is accessible by three steps. All areas of the property may be used for childminding with toilet and sleeping facilities available on the ground floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family keep two cats. There is livestock on the farm, including chickens, sheep and cows, all within close distance of the house.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age range. Currently, there are two children on roll, both of whom are in the early years age range. She provides care all-year round. The childminder has a vehicle available for her use. 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

The childminder provides a safe, friendly and inclusive environment for children where they make good progress in their learning. They are all valued and the environment and daily routines are organised well to meet their individual needs. A good range of policies and procedures help ensure that children are safe and their welfare promoted. Strong relationships with parents and carers contribute effectively towards ensuring continuity and progression for each child in their learning and development. The childminder demonstrates a good commitment to the continuous improvement of her provision and is beginning to make effective use of self-evaluation to support this.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the use of self-evaluation in order to support continual improvements across all aspects of the childminding provision  extend the level of information shared with parents on admission to include information about children's existing skills in order to establish clear starting points for learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

High regard is given to ensuring children's safety. The premises and equipment are secure and well maintained. The childminder has undertaken a risk assessment to identify possible hazards and carries out daily checks prior to children's arrival and this contributes greatly to minimising the risk of accidents. She has a clear understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection; she has attended relevant training to support this and has relevant information ready to hand if needed. Robust procedures help to ensure that adults are appropriately vetted and are suitable to be in contact with young children. Clear records, policies and procedures are in place and implemented effectively to ensure the safe and efficient management of the provision. The childminder makes good use of space within the home with comfortable areas for children to eat and rest and ample room for them to explore their toys.

p.5

the early years provision

Positive relationships are established with parents. The childminder shares her written policies and procedures so that they are clear of her practices. They comment positively about the warm and friendly environment and wide range of activities their children enjoy. Information about children's routines, care needs and their achievements is exchanged on an ongoing basis both verbally and through use of the daily diary. This is also shared with other carers which ensures that there is consistency and continuity for children attending. The childminder is a newly registered provider and has made a strong start to her childminding business. She strives to keep abreast of current good practice through effective use of relevant internet sites and her links with other local childcare professionals. She is making good use of reflective practice to identify her strengths and which areas would benefit from further improvement. She actively seeks the views of

p.5

the early years provision

parents through ongoing discussions and more formal feedback questionnaires which feed into her evaluation processes. However, self-evaluation systems are not yet fully secure in ensuring the continual improvement across all aspects of her provision.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. She provides a warm and welcoming environment with a wide variety of toys and activities that support their all-round developmental progress. The ground floor areas are well organised, with ample space and equipment for young children to practise newly acquired walking skills. Toys and play materials are in good condition, visible and easily accessible and children. They move around confidently making their own selections regarding what they want to play with. The childminder's ongoing interaction with children supports their learning well. She talks to them about what they are doing and what is happening around them, repeats simple words and shares picture books to encourage their use of language. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder gathers useful information from parents relating to children's care

p.5

and outcomes for children

needs enabling her to swiftly and sensitively respond to, for example, signs of hunger or tiredness. However, initial information shared does not yet extend to include information relating to children's learning and development. This means that starting points for learning are not established as quickly as possible. The childminder does however make ongoing observations of what children can do and develops a good understanding of their levels of ability. She makes good use of her knowledge and effective use of relevant guidance to ensure that children make progress across all areas of their learning and development by planning purposeful play opportunities to support this. Within the home, young children use their senses to explore materials such as paints, melting ice and cornflour. They happily explore a wide selection of battery operated toys, pushing buttons, turning dials and pulling levers to generate visual images, and sounds; beginning to develop an

p.6

and outcomes for children

awareness of early information technology. In the local community they attend groups which provide opportunities for mixing with other children and participating in larger group activities. They regularly enjoy stimulating and fun activities in the surrounding rural environment. For example, they watch tractors at work, observe baby ducklings and help care for new born lambs, developing an understanding of the wider world.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children remain safe due to the childminder's good level of supervision. They begin to develop an awareness of possible dangers and how to keep themselves safe through routines such as safe procedures for walking and getting in and out of the childminder's vehicle. They demonstrate a strong sense of security through their spontaneous smiles and laughter and eagerness for her physical affection when they are upset or tired. Children's good health is promoted well through the provision of varied, nutritious, home-cooked meals. Additionally, the home is clean and the childminder implements good hygiene routines such as ensuring they wash their hands before and after meals. All children enjoy regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise through daily walks, outdoor play times in the enclosed garden and planned activities in the surrounding woods and farmland. Children behave well and gain in confidence as a result of the childminder's warm and

p.6

and outcomes for children

caring engagement with them. Through her positive interaction and gentle support they are developing an eagerness to actively play and explore and consequently are developing the skills and knowledge they will need to support future learning. 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