Childminder in 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

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Unique reference number EY299367 Inspection date 12/12/2008 Inspector Shirley Ann Jackson

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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 2005. She lives with her husband, adult stepson and two children aged 12 and seven years. They live in the residential area of Matson on the outskirts of Gloucester. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Access to the childminder's home is via a pathway to the front door.

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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 five children under eight years. There are currently four children on roll aged from 18 months to four years. She also cares for five children over the age of five years. The childminder walks to a local school to take and collect children. She regularly attends the local parent/toddler group. There is a playgroup, park, library and shops within walking distance. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and Minders of Gloucester.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder meets the needs of all the children in her care by recognising their uniqueness. Children make good progress in their learning and development and enjoy their time with the childminder, becoming actively involved in activities. Good arrangements exist to ensure children's safety and health and encourage their involvement in the wider community. The childminder uses the self evaluation process and continuing risk assessment to identify strengths within her practice and areas for improvement. Effective links with parents and carers help to keep them fully informed of their child's progress and involves them in their child's care and education.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop partnerships with all adults involved with the children to ensure they all contribute to the assessment process and to promote consistency and continuity of care  continue to improve children's independent access to resources

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provision

The childminder has produced comprehensive written policies and procedures which reflect her daily practice. She completes rigorous risk assessments which are continually assessed to help to manage or eliminate risks. All required documentation for the safe and efficient management of the provision and to meet all children's needs are well maintained and stored securely. The childminder has attended child protection training and is aware of the indicators of abuse and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 neglect. She works closely with parents to ensure that they are aware of her procedures for children who are ill to prevent the spread of infection. Children eagerly wash their hands before eating and taking part in cooking activities. These procedures help to promote children's health, well-being and to help to safeguard them.

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provision

The childminder has built strong and effective links with parents and carers. Parents are provided with good information before care for their child begins. Information is then shared through a variety of ways, such as, daily sheets outlining sleeps, nappy changes and what they have eaten, regular newsletters, informal feedback at the end of the day and sharing their child's learning journeys. This two-way flow of information helps to ensure that parents are involved and informed and that each child's individual needs are well met. The childminder has obtained parental consent to share information with other setting which the children attend, but this is still in it's infancy.

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provision

The childminder is well organised. She uses the available space effectively to help children to become independent learners. The indoors and outdoors as well as the wider community, such as, visits to the city farm are used to build on children's experiences. The childminder has effectively evaluated the strengths and areas for improvement in her provision. For example, she is considering how to enable children to have year round access to her garden and to continue to improve their independent access to resources.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of their individual needs. They are happy and settled and have warm, secure relationships with the childminder. Some resources are easily accessible to the children, building their independence skills and giving them choice in their play. Children's self-esteem and confidence is promoted as the childminder involves them in daily routines, such as, tidying up the toys and trying to put on a t-shirt to protect their clothes, before eating. Younger children seek the childminder out to have a cuddle if they are unsure and need reassurance. Children's communication skills are fostered as the childminder talks to the children encouraging their vocabulary and language skills. She understands and responds appropriately to younger children's babbling. Children's love of books is built as they regularly share stories with the childminder and enjoy visits to the local library. Children have a sense of belonging as there are photos of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

them at play and examples of their work displayed on the playroom door. The childminder has effective systems in place to observe and assess the children at play. These are supported by photographs, are linked to each child's stage of learning and identifies the next step in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being is fostered. They are offered a healthy and nutritious meal each day which is freshly prepared by the childminder. Drinks are freely accessible to the children during the day, ensuring they stay hydrated. Well- established routines for nappy changes, monitoring sleeping children and hand washing ensure that children learn about personal hygiene. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they regularly practice emergency evacuation procedures. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder gives them clear explanations when they may be at risk and explains why. The childminder is a positive role model for the children. She has a calm and friendly manner. She uses sticker charts to encourage positive behaviour from the children and their behaviour is good. 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

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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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