Childminder in Cornwall

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 EY101497 Inspection date 02/02/2009 Inspector Sarah Jane Wignall

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 13 in the town of St. Austell in Cornwall. Children use all areas of the childminder's home. Bathroom facilities are located on the first floor. A garden area is used for outdoor play activities. The family have one dog. The setting is open each weekday from 08.00 until 18.00 all year round. A maximum of four children aged from birth to eight years may attend the setting at any one time.

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Description of the childminding

There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). They live locally and some also attend the early years unit of the local primary school during term time. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Restormel Childminders' Group and the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are safe, well cared for and make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of individual needs and provides a range of activities that interest and engage all children. Thorough systems of self-evaluation are used to identify areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop inital child profiles in partnership with parents and carers to establish individual interests and abilitites on entry to the setting, helping to plan relevant learning experiences in the early stages of attendance  provide a range of activities and resources that develop positive attitudes to difference and diversity.

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provision

The childminder places a high emphasis on safety and undertakes regular risk assessments to identify and minimise hazards in the home and garden. She provides an environment where children can move around safely and she ensures they are well supervised as they play. Systems to safeguard children are effective. Daily routines are well planned taking account of children's need for both quiet and active play. Activities are well thought through and include a good balance of child This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 led and structured activities.

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provision

Relationships with parents are well established. They are provided with comprehensive written information and have opportunities to discuss children's daily routines on a regular basis. Recently completed learning and development records are used to share progress and outline areas for ongoing development. Systems to identify children's interests and abilities on entry are not well established. Parent questionnaires are used effectively to inform practice. The childminder is keen to develop her provision and has identified areas for improvement such as updating her food hygiene training, gaining confidence on the computer and planning more activities for children that encourage healthy eating.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They are confident and settled in her care. She provides a wide range of activities each day covering the six areas of learning. Weekly planning is used to provide a focus to the learning and is informed by children's interests and abilities. Regular observations and assessments are used to identify progress. Activities are tailored to individual interests for instance she helps children to learn about road safety as they discuss how Danger Mouse would cross the road. Children confidently report that he would need to 'stop, look and listen' in order to avoid traffic on the road. Children gain pre-writing skills as they enthusiastically write the word 'Danger' on the back of their pictures. The childminder skilfully supports this learning giving them symbols to copy and sounding out the letters as they write.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to cooperate and work together. They help each other when trying to put a road track together and they enjoy chatting as they sit to have a snack. The childminder makes good use of snack times to reinforce and extend learning, for example, by asking them to name the different colours on their plates or their clothes. Children's health and well-being is promoted as they make regular use of the garden and participate in physical activity sessions. They learn about healthy foods as they are provided with fresh fruit each day. Children excitedly report that they have eaten their banana first and then their toast for breakfast. The childminder ensures she is fully aware of special diets or allergies and follows parents' wishes regarding the provision of different foods.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good use is made of the local environment to provide variety and interest. Children are regularly taken to soft play sessions, toddler groups and visits to local parks and places of interest. They have opportunities to mix and socialise with others and they learn important skills of concentration as they join in with singing and signing sessions each week. The childminder has correctly identified that she needs to provide more resources and activities that inform children about difference and diversity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well. They respond to the positive praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. She encourages their independence gently, reminding them to wash their hands after using the bathroom. Babies are included This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in activities and they respond with smiles and delight as the childminder talks to them while changing nappies or cuddling them in to sleep. She ensures they feel included handing them toy cars to hold and handle as older children run cars down a track. The childminder has established good links with other providers of the EYFS ensuring that her practice is complementary and supports children's learning and development. 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

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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