Childminder in Kent

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21/03/2013 01/04/2010

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early years provision

This inspection: 1 Previous inspection: 3 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 1 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 1

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This provision is outstanding

 Children make excellent progress in their learning and development across all areas of learning, with the use of innovative activities that stimulate children to want to learn.  The childminder supports children's communication and language development exceptionally well as she encourages children to sing or answer questions that promote their thinking skills.  Children benefit creatively from exceptional opportunities to explore and experience a wide range of textures and materials.  The childminder has an extremely good understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe and help them learn to keep themselves safe.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed the rooms used by children.  The inspector observed children and childminder during play activities.  The inspector had discussions with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of safeguarding knowledge, took account of the childminder's self-evaluation and the views of parents.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2009. She lives with her husband and two young children in Ashford, Kent. The home is situated close to shops, parks and schools, public transport. The ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding and babies can sleep in a bedroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a house rabbit. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently minding four children and of these, three are in the early years age range. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 consider different ways to provide children with writing resources for both indoor and outdoor play strengthening the opportunities for children to write for different purposes about things that interest them.

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who attend

The childminder supports children extremely well in their learning and they make excellent progress. She competently uses a computer programme as her recording system. This includes her precise assessments of children's progress against the 'Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage' guidance. This enables the childminder to accurately record where individual children are in their learning and development, from their starting points. She is able to quickly identify if there are any learning gaps and focus on planning purposeful activities to help narrow these. The childminder has meticulous individual learning plans for each child with a next step against each area of learning. Weekly planning is in place to ensure that all children are fully engaged in activities to help them progress, taking into account their own interests. Parents are able to log on to the computer system at any time to view their own child's records confidentially. This enables

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who attend

them to have an extremely informed awareness of their child's current progress. They can view the identified next steps and add comments about what their child achieves at home. The childminder prints out detail for those parents who prefer this and has regularly verbal discussions with all parents. Consequently, the processes in place are highly successful at engaging all parents in supporting their child's learning in the setting and at home. The childminder is fully aware of the need to complete progress checks for two-year-olds. Her comprehensive assessment process means she is able to print off up to date detail for parents to share with their health visitors. The childminder ensures that her assistant is significantly aware of children's plans so she can also provide excellent support.

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who attend

The childminder creates an excellent welcoming and homely environment where children flourish and settle extremely quickly. The impressive skills that children gain significantly prepare them for their future learning and school readiness. Children are exceptionally enthusiastic and confidently make easy choices about their play. The childminder talks to children about what they want to do and at times she lists these on a white board. Children then excitedly cross them off as they complete them. The childminder is highly effective at emphasising initial sounds of words and encouraging spontaneous singing to inspire children's developing language. The childminder asks questions that encourage children to think about their answer rather than just giving a 'yes' or 'no' response. Children have immense fun as they play with a range of different materials and textures. For example, exploring jelly and paint encourages a whole range of physical skills as

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who attend

children use different tools and containers as well as their hands. Children develop excellent skills as they use writing tools to draw or practise writing their name.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children benefit greatly from the nurturing relationships they have with the childminder and her family, developing impressive self-esteem and confidence. The childminder thoroughly encourages children's independence. For example, as they go to the toilet unprompted or get plates out of the cupboard for lunch. The childminder significantly supports children with any transitions they may experience, such as attending nursery or school. Children are exceptionally able to entertain themselves but enthusiastically engage with the childminder in the exciting activities. Children's behaviour is excellent and the childminder sensitively deals with issues such as expressing feelings and emotions.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The indoor environment is organised to provide a spacious and highly stimulating play area. Children have very easy access to the extensive range of quality resources and engage in challenging activities. However, tools for writing purposes are less accessible at times for children to use freely during their play or other activities. A new outdoor play area leads from the lounge and, when the weather is suitable, enables children to decide for themselves whether they want indoor or outdoor play. The childminder regularly takes children on walks or out to the parks so they benefit from, enjoy, play and exercise in the fresh air.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder significantly helps children learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Children engage extremely positively with the childminder during innovative activities, such as learning how germs pass from one person to another. Older children competently prepare themselves for lunch, such as washing their hands without a reminder. The extensive detail that the childminder obtains from parents before children start means that the childminder has an excellent knowledge of individual care needs and routines. The childminder effectively helps children learn to keep themselves safe. They regularly practise safe walking near roads and demonstrate how to carry scissors safely.

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provision

The childminder meticulously meets the safeguarding and welfare requirements. The organisation of her documentation is excellent so all required details and records are to hand. The computer system that the childminder uses enables all parents to have instant access to her fully embedded procedures and practices. The childminder ensures that her assistant is competently aware of all the required documentation and recording systems. The childminder is extremely confident about her role in helping to safeguard children, recently completing training to fully embed her knowledge in child protection. The childminder maintains a very safe and secure home, completing daily safety checks that take account of any changes such as the arrival of new children. On outings, the childminder and the assistant carry laminated cards that record children's individual details, providing excellent information in the case of an emergency. The childminder is

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provision

exceptionally clear about the need for children to experience safe risks so they learn to keep themselves safe.

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provision

The childminder is highly reflective and regularly evaluates her personal progress. She has thoughtful development plans in place to improve outcomes for children, such as improving their growing awareness of diversity in the wider world. The childminder attends training courses to motivate her to develop and regularly updates her knowledge or ideas by reading childcare magazines. She has met the recommendations made at her last inspection exceptionally well. The childminder has made outstanding progress since, demonstrating a highly significant capacity to improve. She is extremely capable at inspiring children in their ongoing learning and development. The childminder monitors children's progress exceptionally well and is highly effective at involving parents. Relationships with parents are excellent. They are more than happy with the care she provides and thoroughly appreciate the fact that they have instant access to their child's

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provision

records. The childminder ensures that when children attend other early years settings they are fully aware of her involvement. There are two-way discussions about children's learning and next steps, enabling them to work in partnership, providing consistency for children's care and learning.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY397423 Local authority Kent Inspection number 844797 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 9 Number of children on roll 4

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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