Childminder in South 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

p.1

Unique reference number EY371314 Inspection date 26/11/2008 Inspector Valerie Anne Curotto

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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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 registered in April 2008 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and one year, in Winterbourne, South Gloucestershire. Most of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for up to three children under eight years of age. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently two children on roll.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a secure and stimulating environment for young children. Each child’s needs are met as their individual routines are maintained and positive relationships with parents ensure relevant information is shared. Children's assessment records and planning continue to develop well. These demonstrate the wide range of activities which benefit children and the childminder's good understanding of young children's development. The childminder is committed to the ongoing development of her provision through additional training and continued self evaluation of her practice.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 consolidate links between evaluation and assessments to further promote parents' involvement in planning for individual children's learning

p.3

provision

A comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures has been developed by the childminder to ensure children are safe and well cared for. These support children's care by ensuring robust systems are in place to promote their welfare. For example, clear records are maintained of checks undertaken to ensure the premises are safe and equipment is clean. As a result, children have freedom to explore their surroundings while not compromising their health and safety, as suitable measures are in place to minimise hazards. The childminder is familiar with the local authority's safeguarding procedures and has a suitable child protection policy in place.

p.3

provision

Useful, initial information is gathered from parents about their children's development and information about the setting is shared effectively with them. Children's progress is recorded in daily diaries and additional monthly observations which are routinely shared with parents. These indicate a good awareness of children's stages of development by the childminder and how individual children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 respond to activities. While parents are not yet involved in planning the next steps in children's learning, the childminder keeps them well informed and takes their views into account. Parents comment positively about the care their children receive and the quality of communication with the childminder.

p.3

provision

The childminder continues to attend suitable training courses and is able to discuss how she has incorporated ideas from these into everyday practice. For example, young children increasingly use Makaton to develop their communication skills and she has made additional resources available to promote their understanding of diversity. The childminder regularly evaluates planned activities for their effectiveness and has review systems in place for everyday policies and procedures.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Colourful displays in the entrance hall provide a welcoming environment for children and their families. Children play in attractive, well organised space and comfortable areas are available for them to rest in. Young children are able to choose their favourites toys and books and begin to show interest in other equipment which is displayed well in accessible, low level units. A range of measures are in place which contributes to a safe environment for children. This includes house rules for visitors, regularly practised fire drills and equipment, such as safety gates and sleep monitors. In addition, risk assessments include detailed consideration of children's well being on local outings.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Sample menus are shared with parents and demonstrate the childminder's good understanding of children's nutritional needs. Snack times are relaxed, sociable occasions and children benefit from balanced, healthy meals and regular drinks. Their independence is fostered as they learn to use their spoon alongside the childminder as she feeds them. Routines to promote hygiene such as nappy changing and hand washing before meals are observed well to promote their health. Appropriate records are maintained for medication administered and accidents as well as children's individual health and dietary requirements.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children receive individual attention as low placement numbers are maintained by the childminder. As a result, children’s interests are taken into account and challenging activities for individual children contribute to their sense of achievement. Children are given caring, consistent, messages about expectations of their behaviour and play well together.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Planning incorporates a varied range of experiences for children, from creative activities with dough and paints to obstacle courses which promote children's problem solving skills and confidence. These are complimented well by activities in the local community, such as 'sing and sign' and social opportunities at local groups. A combination of daily diaries, photographs, monthly observations and parental reviews contribute to records of children's progress. However, links between these different aspects and activity evaluations are not yet fully developed to further inform planning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Within the setting, young children confidently crawl around using available space and pull themselves up using equipment which promotes their mobility. They dance to music and imaginatively ride their 'horse' as they move around to a favourite rhyme with the childminder. Their senses are stimulated as they enjoy

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

putting glowing and vibrating balls in a large cardboard box, before climbing in themselves. They initiate their own play as they post shapes and independently wave 'bye' as they go shopping with their trolley around the room. Children's communication and language skills are fostered well as the childminder responds to their sightings of wildlife in the garden. Young children call out to others excitedly and proudly exclaim when tasks are completed. Children enjoy songs and stories as part of the daily routine. They make 'star hands' as the childminder distracts them, singing 'Twinkle Twinkle' during nappy changing. Familiar routines, such as a story before bedtime adds to their sense of security. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

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 registration.

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