Childminder in Luton

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19/12/2014 01/12/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 1 Previous inspection: 1 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

 The childminder has an exemplary understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Assessment is rigorous and planning for children's individual learning and development means that children make excellent progress in their learning. The childminder uses this information to provide a superb range of activities and inspiring outings.  The childminder is very experienced and extremely skilled in ensuring that teaching and learning is fun. As a result, children are highly motivated and enthusiastic learners.  The childminder demonstrates a robust understanding of how to protect and safeguard children. She attends regular training, carries out thorough professional development and successfully implements knowledge gained, so that her practice continually improves.  Children's sense of well-being and belonging is strong. This is because the childminder forms secure emotional attachments with them. She offers a very warm, stimulating,

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This provision is outstanding

homely environment, which helps children to settle rapidly. Consequently, children are extremely happy and feel safe in her home.  Partnerships with parents and other professionals are excellent. Parents are extremely complimentary about the care provided by the childminder.  The childminder continuously evaluates her practice to ensure that ongoing quality improvements are identified and addressed swiftly.

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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 spoke with the childminder, her co-childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records, information provided for parents and a selection of policies and children's records.  The inspector carried out a joint observation with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of parent's views expressed in references and thank-you cards. She also looked at and discussed the childminder's self-evaluation and improvement plan.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of the childminder's qualifications and of the suitability of all those living and working on the premises

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2003 and is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She works with her husband, who is also a registered childminder. They work with two assistants. She lives with her husband and an adult child in Luton. The family have three dogs, an owl and a ferret. The whole of the ground floor and a bedroom upstairs are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder offers overnight care. She attends age-appropriate groups with children. The childminder takes children to and collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. She supports children who speak English as an additional language and children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. There are currently 17 children on roll, five of whom are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round, from 5am to

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Information about the setting

9.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

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

 provide even more opportunities for younger children to manage their emotions and to express themselves, for example, by using visual aids, such as sand-timers, to further support children's understanding of the passing of time.

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who attend

Children are making excellent progress in their learning and development. This is because the childminder provides a homely child-centred environment and they actively take part in rich learning experiences. The childminder assesses and identifies children's starting points and ongoing developmental stages exceptionally well. She then devises an educational programme with children's individual needs, interests and specific learning styles in mind. This ensures that they are motivated and excited by the opportunities available to them. For example, children love making the wide variety of creative items to give to their families. Children's learning journals are of an exceptionally high standard, as they contain purposeful observations and the next steps in children's learning. The childminder has devised a highly effective method to record and monitor children's progress so that she can support them to make rapid progress in their learning. She

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who attend

knows each child's ability and stage of development, which enables her to offer them challenges and continuous learning opportunities. The childminder shares this information with her co-childminder and assistants so that they are all very aware of children's changing needs. Consequently, all children are developing first-class skills and attitudes in preparation for the next stage in their learning, such as starting school. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how children learn. This contributes towards her outstanding teaching skills. She effectively tailors children's learning requirements, including those with English as an additional language or children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. For example, she has learnt sign language to support children's communication skills. This, along with her enthusiasm and knowledge of some other languages, ensures that all children display the characteristics of effective

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who attend

learners. Children are enthusiastic and eager to learn because the childminder always links their interests to imaginative art and craft activities and purposeful outings. For example, they regularly visit woodland, where they love building dens, taking part in treasure hunts and have inspiring competitions. In addition, during summer months they are taken on exciting boat trips. Photographs show children enjoying picnics, cooking, fishing and cycling in rural areas. Children and their families are able to borrow books, story sacks, games and resources that interest them. This means that children are highly motivated and their continued learning at home is supported. The childminder is an excellent role model to promote children's language development. For example, she sings to them and reads stories, carefully encouraging them to take turns to turn the pages. She plays alongside them, offering a running commentary and allowing plenty of time for their

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who attend

responses. As a result, children's language development makes rapid progression.

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who attend

The childminder has a close but professional relationship with parents. This partnership working is securely embedded within the childminder's practice. The childminder provides parents with a wealth of information to help them to know about her practice. For example, each parent is provided with detailed information about the service provided, which incudes information about how children learn and the activities provided. The childminder ensures that parents are kept up-to-date with their children's progress through daily discussions. They are involved in planning, such as sharing information about what their children are learning at home. Children's achievements at home are celebrated in the setting. The childminder makes excellent use of the progress check for children aged between two and three years to plan for the next steps in their learning. As a result, the childminder is able to quickly implement activities to extend children's

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who attend

ongoing learning and development. This is shared with parents and health professionals. This means that any gaps in children's learning are quickly identified and supported.

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

Children thrive in the childminder's home. Parents and children are offered as many visits, prior to attending for the first time, as they wish. This individually tailored settling-in arrangement is decided in partnership with parents. This ensures that children's care routines and specific requirements are superbly met and that there is a secure continuity of care. When children need additional emotional support the childminder is extremely sensitive to their needs. She recognises how events at home may affect the children's ability to learn and uses effective strategies to help children feel secure. The childminder meets up with other childminders and their children at age-appropriate groups and specific activities organised for childminders and their minded children. Therefore, children develop relationships with others outside of the setting and learn to interact positively in slightly larger groups. This contributes effectively to promoting children's emotional

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

readiness for the next stage in their learning, such as starting school.

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

Children are treated as part of the family. Photographs of them involved in a broad range of activities adorn the walls. Younger children eagerly point to other family members that they recognise and attempt to discuss where they were, such as swimming in the childminder's pool. This promotes children's self-esteem and contributes to children developing a sense of belonging as they are made to feel part of the childminder's family. The childminder has a very calm manner and ground rules and discussions help children learn right from wrong. Older children show that they are developing excellent skills for the future as they remind younger children how to behave at the setting. Occasionally, younger children express frustrations. The childminder uses effective strategies to aid their emotional development, such as reassurance and cuddles, so that children can continue learning. The childminder recognises the value of visual aids and how these could be used

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

more consistently to help children manage their emotions.

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

Children develop independence because the childminder ensures that an exceptional range of stimulating resources is easily available and reflect their interests. Children are also given opportunities to make decisions over where, what and who they play with. In addition, areas have been created for different types of play and a low-level table is used for stimulating play and mealtimes. Children learn to keep themselves and others safe through the routine and activities provided. For example, they know how to confidently negotiate steps when they use the slide. In addition, the childminder ensures that discussions take place about how to use the heated pool safely. Children are provided with an abundance of opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, in winter months ride-on toys are brought inside the gazebo for children to use. This means that children can practise their coordination skills and are effectively protected from the rain

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

and wind. In addition, visits to the local park provide opportunities for children to further develop their physical skills, such as running and climbing. Children are provided with a varied and healthy range of snacks and meals that are freshly prepared. The childminder encourages children to develop an understanding of having a healthy lifestyle. For example, she grows herbs and vegetables with them. These are used in their meals when further discussions take place about the benefits of eating home-grown produce.

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provision

The childminder is passionate about providing a high-quality childminding provision for children and families. She has developed an exceptional knowledge of her responsibilities to meet the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder has an excellent awareness and understanding of child protection procedures. She is very aware of the possible signs that children may be at risk and how to quickly take prompt action to protect children. This includes effectively working with outside agencies so that children's welfare is protected. She works extremely well with her co-childminder and assistants to ensure that their safeguarding knowledge is also secure. The childminder ensures that they are suitable for their roles by ensuring professional development is followed and Disclosure Barring Service checks are obtained. Their overall practice is monitored to ensure that they provide a high-quality service for children and

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provision

their families. The childminder completes comprehensive risk assessments for all areas used by children and outings. This means that high consideration is given to ensure children are safe and secure. The childminder has an excellent awareness about children's individual needs, such as providing opportunities for them to take supervised safe risks in their play.

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provision

The childminder has addressed the recommendations raised at the last inspection exceedingly well. She has reflected on her observations and assessment systems with positive impact. She now uses highly effective and detailed methods to monitor the progress and development of children. In addition, the childminder has devised a means to monitor the effectiveness of the educational programmes. The childminder, her co- childminder and her assistants work together to reflect on the provision, recognising strengths and areas for improvement. Children's and parents' views are highly valued and included. The childminder ensures that any suggestions are immediately implemented and monitored for the impact this has on children's care and well-being. She consistently monitors and evaluates in detail all aspects of her practice, including the work of her assistants and co-minder. As a result, she ensures high standards are continually

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provision

maintained and monitored. The childminder's drive and dedication to continuously strive to promote continuous development is evident throughout her practice. For example, the childminder undertakes continuous professional development, so that children's welfare if protected and that they are provided with high-quality experiences. The childminder is extremely well organised. She keeps comprehensive documentation and regularly reviews these to ensure that they are highly effective.

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provision

The childminder establishes excellent partnerships with parents. They are kept well- informed about the childminder's practice. For example, additional information about the service she provides is displayed on boards and walls within her home. Parents state that they are extremely happy with the high levels of care that the childminder provides. The childminder works in partnership with other professionals and agencies involved in children's care and learning exceptionally well. For example, when children start school she accompanies them and their parents to their new environment. The childminder ensures that information about children's welfare and learning needs are shared with teachers. Therefore, all parties work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for children. The childminder has strong links with the local children's centre. She is very aware about the range of services that this provides, which enables her to help parents to

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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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We re-inspect nurseries and pre-schools judged as requires improvement within 12 months of the date of inspection. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. 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 EY264350 Local authority Luton Inspection number 848466 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 17

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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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