Childminder in Plymouth

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 EY370757 Inspection date 25/11/2008 Inspector Janet Butlin

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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 2008. She lives in a three bedroomed house in Eggbuckland in Plymouth. She shares the home with her husband, their young child and occasionally her school aged step son. All areas of the home are used for childminding. The dwelling is accessed by steep steps at the front of the house. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently three children enrolled. The family have no pets but do keep three land snails.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and well cared for and are making good progress. The childminder ensures that all children's individual needs are met and works closely with parents to plan for their development and enjoyment. She reviews her practice regularly, but has not yet established a system which fully reflects the current regulatory framework. She has a very secure capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the use of risk assessments to ensure all areas of the learning environment are included  continually review and evaluate provision to reflect all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage

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provision

The childminder has only been minding for a short while, but in that time has reviewed and improved the effectiveness of some of her systems, for example, the way she records and plans for children's progress. She has not yet established a method of self evaluation which fully reflects all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage and this is an area she intends to develop. She is proactive in seeking further training and has a vision of building on and increasing her level of childcare qualifications to enhance the experiences of the children in her care.

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provision

The childminder works closely with parents and they are keen to convey, in writing, their complete satisfaction with the service she provides. They comment on how they appreciate the new improved method of communication she has established, in particular the way they are invited to make comments and therefore be genuinely included in the planning process. The childminder takes care to identify children's individual needs and plan activities and routines to ensure these This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are fully met. She confidently describes how she would communicate with other providers and agencies in order to plan effectively to meet children's specific needs.

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provision

Children are well protected whilst in the childminder's care as she helps them to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, by not touching certain plants. She ensures that all who come into contact with the children are suitable to do so and has a secure understanding of the child protection procedures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals according to their individual starting points. The childminder has a good understanding of how to plan and provide a balanced curriculum and is experienced and qualified in this area. She knows each child very well and uses this knowledge to plan activities that will interest them and help them to progress. This information is recorded in an attractive and very clear format in children's individual diaries and parents' written comments are used effectively to help the childminder's planning. Children develop their language as the childminder tunes in to their method of communication and repeats their early attempts at words and sentences back to them. They also communicate well with each other. They make marks and convey meaning in their pictures, which they are keen to describe to adults. They delight in counting their crayons in and out of the container and recognise differences in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

size. They learn about the wider world as they go on outings and also observe the land snails that live in a tank on their play table. They talk about how they feed them and what they like to eat. They develop their muscles by manipulating small toys and by playing active games in the garden. Their learning is fully supported by the childminder's constant engagement and encouragement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and confident with the childminder. They are kept healthy as they enjoy healthy snacks of fresh fruit and freshly prepared, home cooked meals. They are protected from infection as good hygiene is observed throughout the home. They are also well cared for in the event of having an accident or becoming unwell as the childminder is qualified in first aid and has all systems in place to respond appropriately. Children are kept safe as the premises are secure and there is a clear routine to be followed in the event of an emergency. All necessary fire equipment is in place. The childminder has created a risk assessment which is checked each day and this ensures that all hazards are identified and addressed. However, there are areas that have not yet been fully included in the written risk assessment process. The childminder has a conscientious regard to safety and is rigorous in ensuring all areas used for childminding are checked before use.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They respond to the childminder's constant attention and her calm manner. They are polite to one another, for example, the older children help and are considerate towards the younger ones. They are developing skills for the future by learning how to get along with their playmates and behave in an acceptable way. 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? 3 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 registration.

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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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