Childminder in Gloucestershire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY359625 Inspection date 04/12/2008 Inspector Ruth Tharme

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 registered in 2007. She works from the home of another registered childminder, who lives with her husband and three children aged 12, seven and two years. The childminder has a four-month-old baby of her own. The whole of the property is used for childminding, at the home-owner's discretion. There is a garden available for outdoor play. The childminder's home is within walking distance of a school, library and shops. The family have a pet rabbit, a cat and a small dog.

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Description of the childminding

Care is provided on a part-time basis throughout the year. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Currently there are seven children attending, five of whom are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Cheltenham Childminding Network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care, and make good progress in all areas of their learning and development. Good arrangements are in place to ensure their safety and health. Strong links with parents and others involved in children's care means that useful information is shared and children actively benefit from a consistent approach and good levels of support. Inclusion is well promoted so children's individual needs are appropriately met. Strategies for self- evaluation provide an accurate diagnosis of the strengths and weaknesses of the provision and actions taken are well targeted to drive future improvement in outcomes for the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 offer the youngest children freedom to explore, use their senses, and be physically active and exuberant whilst out of doors  regularly ask parents and children for their views on the care and education you provide

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provision

Well-considered policies and procedures and effective team working with a co- worker means that the setting runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis. A highly inclusive environment is provided as the setting is well equipped with positive images and resources which promote children's knowledge and understanding. The use of signing actively encourages communication, particularly for younger children, and a pro-active approach to training means that the childminder is well This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 equipped to manage medical needs, such as children's allergies. Well-established partnerships with parents and other professionals mean that the childminder is well informed and able share information, which is effectively used to support children. Links with a local playgroup and the area special-needs coordinator means that children with learning difficulties or disabilities benefit from a

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provision

consistent and well-considered approach. Good use is made of the self-evaluation form to identify areas for improvement and effective steps are taken to ensure that these are successfully addressed, for example, by attending training when gaps in knowledge are identified. The childminder is pro-active in seeking advice and guidance on how to improve provision from other agencies, such as the local authority. Parents and children also make suggestions but as yet there are no firm arrangements in place to ensure that their ideas and opinions are taken account of on a regular basis in order to develop the quality of the provision further.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good quality teaching and assessment arrangements implemented by the knowledgeable and well-trained childminder means that children take part in activities and experiences that are interesting and stimulating. They enjoy frequent opportunities to be creative, explore and socialise. Planning is in place for each individual child. It is clearly linked to the childminder's observations of children and good knowledge of their interests and needs. This means that children make good progress in all areas of their learning and development. They are developing their independence as the childminder actively encourages and supports them in tasks, such as taking off their own coats and outdoor shoes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Key relationships are strong and are well-considered, which means that children feel safe and secure and are effectively supported when new children join the setting. A clear knowledge of children as individuals allows the childminder to recognise and meet their individual needs, for example by providing familiar bedding so a new child feels at home and is able to settle quickly to sleep.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to keep themselves healthy as they are encouraged to eat a well- balanced and nutritious diet, including five portions of fruit or vegetables. Physical activity and time out of doors is planned each day so children benefit from the fresh air and exercise. However, during winter months the youngest babies are sometimes only able to go out in their prams, or whilst being held by an adult, which means that they occasionally have less opportunity to explore for themselves. Children's safety is given a high priority. A well-documented risk assessment programme is in place which identifies and addresses potential hazards. Children take part in regular evacuation drills so they learn what to do to keep themselves safe in an emergency situation. Children behave well as they copy the good example set by the childminder and her colleague. They have a positive self-image and high levels of self-esteem as they feel valued and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

acknowledged by the childminder who uses praise appropriately and recognises children's achievements. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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