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 EY370237 Inspection date 27/04/2009 Inspector Linda Dawe

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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 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 lives in a four bed-roomed semi-detached house in the Hooe area of Plymouth. She shares the house with her husband and two children. The house is situated in easy reach of schools, parks and other local amenities, including a beach. Children have use of a living area and kitchen for eating and craft activities. Children have access to an external playroom in a separate building adjacent to the house. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in April 2008 and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for two children on the Early Years Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a welcoming homely environment where children engage in a range of interesting and enjoyable activities that support their progress and development. The childminder knows each of the children well and uses this information effectively to meet their individual needs. Although she has not yet completed a formal self assessment the childminder is aware of her need to gain more experience and further develop her knowledge and skills. This demonstrates a good capacity to improve.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop assessment systems in order to match the observations of children to the expectations of the learning goals and to identify learning priorities for each child  continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to enable effective self-evaluation to take place

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provision

The childminder strives to provide good quality care and learning opportunities for the children in her care. She is aware that as yet she has limited experience and that her knowledge of all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage remains an area of development, as is her self-evaluation. However, the childminder is being proactive in investigating undertaking a level 3 childcare qualification to develop her skills and knowledge.

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provision

The childminder works closely with the children's parents, for example, discussing toilet training and behaviour management with them. She completes a daily diary to exchange information and provides parents with photographs of what the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children have been doing throughout the day. Alongside this she undertakes more formal observations and assessments, which she is currently developing, to identify future steps for learning. None of the children she currently cares for attends other childcare provision.

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provision

The childminder has a basic knowledge of the appropriate steps to take should she have any concerns about children's welfare and policies are in place to underpin children's care. Documentation is clear and well-organised and freely available to parents with regards given at all times to confidentiality. Children play happily in a safe environment where they can freely access a range of toys appropriate to their stage of development. They learn about how to keep themselves safe, for example, by the childminder explaining to them the dangers of hot drinks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are clearly happy and settled with the childminder who supports them well in their play. The childminder knows the children well and as a result their individual needs are acknowledged and met. Children respond well to the childminder's gentle and encouraging manner and clearly have built a good relationship with her, often going to her for comfort and reassurance. Children are eager to take part in the activities offered and photographs provide evidence of them learning through play. For example, children learn about the natural world as they plant and grow seeds, they investigate colour and texture as they paint using brushes and sponges. They develop good social skills as they play with other children at toddler groups and when the childminder gets together with other local childminders. Children begin to learn basic numeracy as they count naturally during their play such as counting the spots on a toy Dalmatian with the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder. Children enjoy looking at books and listening to stories, which provides them with an understanding that print carries meaning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are kept healthy as they play in a clean and safe environment, where the childminder practices good infection control, for example by wearing gloves when changing nappies and cleaning the changing mat each time it is used. Regular risk assessments are carried out taking individual children's needs and abilities into account to ensure they are kept safe. Children receive lots of praise from the childminder to encourage them in their learning and are gently reminded to calm down when play becomes a little boisterous, which they respond well to. Children are taken out regularly to access fresh air and exercise, which benefits their overall health and well-being. 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? 3 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? 3

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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

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