Weedon Helen Christine

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY280547 Inspection date 02/12/2008 Inspector Rachael Williams

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered and also approved as a home child carer in 2004. She lives in Worle, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset. The whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder regularly takes and collects children from school and escorts them on outings and visits within the local community.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old at any one time. She is currently minding four children under eight who attend on a part-time basis; one of whom is in the early years age range. The childminder also looks after children who are over eight years old.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are confident as the childminder is excellent at valuing their uniqueness. She provides a safe, supportive and enabling environment where children independently make choices from an abundant range of well chosen activities, toys and resources; hence, they make good progress in their learning and development. Assessment systems rely on sensitive observations which are sometimes recorded and linked with children's progression towards the early learning goals. Partnership with parents is a strong focus through an efficient exchange of information to ensure children's individual needs are successfully met.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 review assessment arrangements to record what you know about each child's development and learning in order to identify children's progression towards the early learning goals

p.3

provision

The childminder organises her home and daily routines well to provide children with a variety of learning opportunities within a safe and secure environment. There is an abundant range of toys and resources which meet children's age and stage of development in order to stimulate and challenge their learning. An accurate attendance record ensures ratios are maintained and that children are closely supervised, especially on outings. The childminder shows good understanding of the welfare requirements and has improved the maintenance of records, policies and procedures since her last inspection to ensure a stable This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 environment is provided for children.

p.3

provision

The childminder has a strong commitment to working closely with parents. They receive a wealth of information, for instance through the comprehensive welcome pack and the daily exchange of information, regarding the childminding practices. Excellent relationships are established which contribute greatly to the children's care and learning as there is effective and ongoing communication. There are exceptionally good links with other providers and outside agencies to ensure continuity in children's care. Both parents and children contribute to the monitoring of the provision, for example, through questionnaires. At present, the childminder is completing her self-evaluation form and this has assisted her in identifying areas for improvement, such as the planning of activities for children during the holidays.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is developing her understanding of the learning and development requirements within the Early Years Foundation Stage and organises a good balance of experiences for the children. She uses sensitive observations to ensure each child is confident and settled within the homely environment. The childminder is very good at acknowledging children's interests and ensures the activities she provides stimulate the children's learning. For example, acknowledging that a child is very receptive to photograph books, she encourages him to match animals to the sounds that they make. She interacts well with the children, for instance responding to a young child's developing language as he beeps the horn of a highchair toy. Excellent use is made of the local environment to enhance children's understanding of nature and to develop their physical skills, such as when visiting the museum to learn more about the pier after the recent fire. The childminder

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

uses a scrapbook and Wow book to record some of the children's achievements, however, this does not sufficiently record children's progression through linking achievements with relevant stepping stones.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides an enabling environment where children can make choices as they feel valued and confident. The childminder's understanding of behaviour management is very good as she acknowledges that some strategies will not work for all children, hence adapts her provision accordingly. Children's behaviour is exemplary as they are involved in establishing house rules to ensure they are clear on routines, boundaries and limits. Each child's uniqueness is acknowledged and nurtured and excellent relationships are established to ensure children feel valued.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a very safe and secure setting where organisation of the indoor and outdoor spaces encourage children to move freely and independently. Children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded as the childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues. Comprehensive risk assessments of the premises, and most outings, and fire safety arrangements ensure that possible risks are identified and prompt action taken. Children are introduced to healthy lifestyles. For example, older children have enjoyed the responsibility of creating a book of recipes which the childminder uses to provide a healthy and nutritious This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 menu. There are robust systems in place to ensure that administered medication and accidents are confidentially recorded and promptly shared with parents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.8

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.

p.8