Childminder in Nottinghamshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY439866 Inspection date 02/08/2012 Inspector Tina Garner

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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 2012. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and two years in a suburb of Nottingham. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a rear garden for outside play. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. The family has cat. The childminder has a vehicle available for her use. There are facilities close by, such as parks, schools and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, one of whom may be in the early years age range. She currently has one child on roll in this age group. When working with another childminder they may care for maximum of 10 children under eight years at any one time, four of whom may be in the early years age range. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for one child.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups and 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 feel happy and settled within the childminder's well-organised and inclusive home. She introduces stimulating and varied play and learning experiences into the daily routine, which children enjoy. This ensures children gain the most from their play and learning experience and they make good progress overall. The childminder takes time to review her practice, focusing on specific areas for on-going improvement and further training to enhance her professional skills and knowledge. She continues to develop positive and trusting partnerships with the children and their parents, helping them to feel welcome and reassured.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance the system of assessing and recording children's progress, clearly prioritising next steps for them to work towards in each of the six areas of learning, and use the information to plan practical play activities to help each child reach their full potential  develop parents' contribution to the Learning Journeys to support in assessing children's starting points and their ongoing development  request written parental permission for children to take part in outings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded and well protected in the setting as the childminder has a good knowledge of local safeguarding procedures. She is well informed about child protection and the appropriate contact details are available should she be concerned about a child. All household members are suitably vetted. Children are kept safe while in the childminder's care as she is vigilant and supervises them well. Effective risk assessments which cover all areas of her home, including the garden, are carried out and successfully documented. This means that children are well protected when using equipment and resources. Children are further protected as the childminder keeps clear records, including those for accidents, medication and attendance. Parental consent is gained prior to administering medication and for the seeking of any future medical advice or treatment. However, written consent for children to take part in outings has not yet been

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the early years provision

requested, which means that parents may not be fully informed.

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the early years provision

The childminder is knowledgeable about the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this well to support children in their individual learning and promote their differing interests. The environment is effectively organised. There are a wide range of exciting resources for children to choose from, including a good range of small world equipment. Children are able to choose what they would like to play with and can access all resources for themselves, such as books and the role play equipment. This means that they are able to thrive and make good progress in their development. The childminder has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures that underpin her daily practice. She regularly reviews her practices and is developing an effective system for self-evaluation which reflects on her service and identifies strengths and targets for improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established good relationships with parents and carers. She obtains useful information about each individual child, such as what they can do for themselves, as well as their dietary and personal care needs. This means that parents' wishes and children's individual care needs are effectively met. Children's learning and development records are readily available for parents to view. However, opportunities for parents to share what they know about their children's starting points and development at home are limited. The childminder is aware of the benefits of maintaining positive links with other professionals involved in the care and education of the children to promote consistency in their care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are content and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They are actively engaged in a well-balanced programme of adult-led and child-initiated play which offers good levels of challenge and interest. Many sensory and practical activities are offered every day and children clearly love to experiment with a wide range of substances and materials. For example, they enjoy drawing spiders, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 painting pictures and creating collages of flowers. They experiment using natural materials as they plant and grow sunflowers and work together to mix ingredients for cake baking. They demonstrate confidence in exploring and accessing the role play equipment and playing imaginatively. They particularly enjoy playing with small world equipment, such as train sets and cars, which grab their imagination. Children are generally making good progress with their learning. The childminder

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and outcomes for children

observes their learning and records their achievements in 'all about me' folders, which she makes available to parents. However, children's starting points and their most relevant next steps in development are not yet fully identified to ensure each child's future development is clearly planned for.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder sits at the children's level and provides encouragement and praise as she allows them the freedom to explore. They feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. This is evident through their continual smiles and caring interactions as they respond very positively to her kind, caring and calm manner. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity and provides resources and activities that help children develop an awareness of the wider community, their own and other cultures. For example, they enjoy trips to the local park and shops, the local toddler group and the library. They eagerly take part in activities associated with the Olympic games and have opportunities to look at the various countries taking part.

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and outcomes for children

Opportunities for investigation and exploration are further enhanced through outdoor play. Children find out how things work and why things happen as they use the bubble blowing equipment. The childminder supports children's learning as she demonstrates how to blow bubbles and watches as they float into the sky. This successfully encourages children's curiosity in the world around them. Children are physically active, benefiting from regular fresh air and exercise. They run, jump, climb and hop during active games and learn how to push and peddle wheeled toys with their feet. They learn how to play safely and to take care of each other, which helps them to form strong bonds and friendships. They enjoy healthy lifestyles, eating nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder follows children's individual dietary needs, offering a variety of fruit and vegetable snacks with water or juice to drink. Children become independent in their self-care, practising how to

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and outcomes for children

dress and undress themselves for outdoor play. They follow and understand good hygiene routines, as the childminder emphasises the importance of washing their hands. 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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