Henry, Diana Joy

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 EY249331 Inspection date 01/10/2008 Inspector Jan Healy

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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 2003. She is registered on the Early Years Register, and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 8, 14 and 15 years, in Corsley, Wiltshire. The family own two pet rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The children have access to the ground floor, except for the indoor swimming pool, and to a bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for eight children aged from five months to under eight years.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder spends the majority of her time playing with the children, talking to them and answering their questions. She clearly enjoys her role, resulting in the children being confident and settled. Activities take place both indoors and outdoors, providing the children with a broad range of experiences. However, there are few resources which reflect positive images of diversity. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, of why the children are taking part in a particular activity and what she intends them to achieve. However, there is a lack of evaluation, resulting in little evidence of the children's progress in relation to their starting points and next stage of learning. The childminder's close partnership with parents helps to ensure both are informed about most issues and a daily diary enables the parents to have an insight into their child's day. The children's good health is promoted, with ample opportunity for the

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

children to engage in outdoor activities. The childminder makes effective use of self- evaluation to ensure continual improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the system for evaluating activities, focusing on the children's starting points, and plan clearly for the next stage of learning  ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice

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provision

The childminder has begun to complete a self-evaluation form and to reflect how she wishes to improve her practice. She has a reasonable knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, so she is able to focus on why particular activities aid the children's development and what she wishes the children to gain out of their play. However, she does not evaluate their achievements and, consequently, there is a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 lack of focus on the planning for the children's next stage of learning. Since the last inspection, the childminder has made the garden safe for children to play in and has improved her knowledge and understanding with regard to child protection issues.

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provision

Parents are made to feel very welcome upon arrival and a settling-in period helps to ease the children's transition from home. The childminder has begun to keep records of the children's daily activities, which provides the parents with details about their children's day. Some information is sought from parents about children's starting points. This is not enough, however, to show clear progression or to highlight any concerns. Parents have ready access to all the provision's policies and procedures. They are asked to provide their written permission for activities, for example, to take the children on outings. The childminder is beginning to build effective partnerships with external agencies that support the children within her care, which contributes to providing consistency. An attendance register details the times of the children's arrival and departure, so they can be accounted for in an emergency. The childminder safeguards the children, who are

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provision

protected from adults who are not vetted, and they are suitably supervised at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is kind and affectionate towards the children, who are confident and content in her company. The majority of the resources are within the easy reach of the children, being stored in boxes and on shelves. There is plenty of space for the children to spread out their floor jigsaws, so they are easily able to see each picture. The childminder and children play together, with the children receiving encouragement for their efforts both verbally and through positive body language. The day's routine is flexible, allowing the children to choose particular activities they wish to engage in. There are many opportunities for outings, which not only helps to enhance the children's social skills, as they are often accompanied by other children of a similar age, but also to learn about their local environment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder speaks gently and with respect to the children who emulate her behaviour, therefore, there is a calm and relaxing atmosphere within the home. The children are encouraged to abide by the house rules for the safety of all and they are reminded to share the available resources and to show consideration to each other. Consistency is applied, to ensure all the children are treated equally. Children are happy to be in the childminder's care, as is evident from the warm relationship they share.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Consideration is given to adapting activities for children who have a learning difficulty or disability, to enable them to participate in the play opportunities available. Arrangements are made to seek information from the parents about the children's first language, faith and about their culture. There are, however, too few resources that reflect positive images of diversity to aid the children's understanding about the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder enables the children to play safely within the home, as she takes This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 positive steps to prevent accidents. A regular risk assessment takes place to eliminate any possible hazards in the home and outdoor play area. During outings, the children are reminded about the actions to take to keep themselves safe, for example, when crossing a road. They learn about the benefit of sitting in a booster seat and wearing a safety belt when being transported in a vehicle. The children are appropriately supervised and are protected from adults who are not vetted. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding about child protection procedures, and is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Therefore, she is able to follow the correct procedure should she be required to raise a concern.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder takes positive steps to promote the children's good health. The home is clean due to a regular routine and precautions are taken to prevent cross- infection, such as maintaining suitable hand washing and drying facilities. Sick children are not permitted within the home, to prevent any illness from spreading. If a child becomes unwell during their stay, they are swiftly reunited with their parents. Prior written permission is sought from parents for the administration of medication, with details being carefully recorded. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an accident should one occur. Mealtimes are taken at the dining room table, where the children have the opportunity to chat to each other about events that are important to them. This not only aids their social skills, but also helps to extend their vocabulary. The children eat at their own pace in a relaxed atmosphere. Food allergies, intolerances and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

religious requirements are known and are respected. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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