Childminder in PlymouthOfsted inspection, 5 Mar 2009

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 EY360587 Inspection date 05/03/2009 Inspector Heather Morgan

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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 2007. She lives on the outskirts of Plymouth. The house is within walking distance of local schools and other amenities. Children have access to the whole house and securely enclosed garden. The childminder has a cat and two small dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and has recently achieved accreditation to deliver funded nursery education. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 15 children, 11 of whom are in the early years age range. She also provides overnight care. The childminder regularly works with an assistant. This provision is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children enthusiastically participate in a wide range of interesting activities that promote their progress and development. Children of all ages and stages of development are supported effectively and encouraged to participate in the activities on offer. The childminder and her assistant regularly reflect on their practice in order to identify ways to improve outcomes for children. The childminder accesses external support and training to enhance her professional development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop procedures for assessing children's progress and use this information to plan activities that build on what individual children know and can do  find more ways to help children understand about people who are different from themselves

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provision

The childminder is well organised and has all regulatory documentation in place. She implements her policies and procedures effectively to ensure the smooth running of her childcare service.

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provision

The childminder regularly reviews her procedures and identifies ways to improve them. For example, when some children were struggling to understand evacuation procedures, she created a story board using simple illustrations to help children learn how to respond. She reflects on her observations of children's learning and has identified that they have few opportunities to learn about people who are different from themselves. The childminder accesses training opportunities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 welcomes the support of other professionals to support her in maintaining continuous improvement.

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provision

The childminder fosters good relationships with parents and uses informal discussions to exchange information about the children, which supports her in meeting their individual needs. For example, she knows about their familiar eating and sleeping patterns, which are reflected in her daily routines. The childminder is also developing links with local schools and pre-schools and shares information appropriately to support children's progress and development.

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provision

The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues. She has a secure understanding of the importance of confidentiality and is clear about her responsibilities to safeguard children at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene and healthy eating as they engage in familiar daily routines. They enjoy regular, nutritious meals that are prepared using fresh, healthy ingredients. Children are able to help themselves to drinks throughout the day.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy regular opportunities to play outdoors in the fresh air, and particularly like taking the dogs for a walk. They visit local parks where they can run around in wide open spaces, getting plenty of exercise.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they regularly practise their fire drill. Clear explanations are given so they are confident about the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. Older children learn that they must be careful when playing with puzzles that contain small pieces, so that young children do not put them in their mouth.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children of all ages and stages of development have good opportunities to participate in a wide range of interesting and enjoyable activities. They usually initiate their own play, although sometimes they are encouraged to try new activities that the childminder plans for them. The childminder and her assistant know the children well and interact sensitively with their play. For example, they get involved with role play, read stories and show them different ways to use their chosen resources. The children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. They use numbers spontaneously as they play; for example, they count how many cups they set out when making an imaginary picnic. Younger children are encouraged to explore the world around them using all their senses. For example, they use their fingers to paint, they handle books with bright pictures that also make sounds and they enjoy listening to, and making music.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder observes children as they play and makes useful evaluations of their progress. She is beginning to use this information to identify what children need to learn next in order to build on what they already know and can do. 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

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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