Childminder in Herefordshire

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 EY305859 Inspection date 26/02/2009 Inspector Josephine Mary Hammick

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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 partner and one child, aged four years, in a rural location in Herefordshire. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed front garden for outside play. Access is via two steps to the front door. Children are taken on outings and walks into the surrounding countryside.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Registers. She currently has three children on roll in the early years age range. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The family have one cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 3 in Childcare and Education and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides good care for children. Children play happily in this effective childminding setting. The childminder includes all children and the diversity of her provision encourages children's understanding of the wider world. All children are warmly welcomed into the family and their individual needs are successfully met. The childminder works with commitment and enthusiasm. She makes good use of self-evaluation to develop her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 match observations to the expectations of the early learning goals. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain information about who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 31/03/2009

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provision

A clear set of written policies and procedures are available, copies of which are given to parents. They guide the childminder in her daily practice and her record keeping is well maintained. The provision is effectively organised so that children can develop their independence and they make steady progress. The childminder keeps up-to-date with current legislation and procedures by reading publications, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 carrying out research on the internet and attending training whenever she can. This ensures that she has the most current knowledge for the benefit of the children in her care. She uses self-evaluation effectively to identify her strengths and address areas for development. She works effectively to ensure high standards of care and learning, and takes account of children's individual experiences at home and at other provisions. The childminder has close links with the local

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provision

Steiner Academy and this has an influence on the ethos of her own provision. For example, children spend the majority of their time outside, learning through play in a natural environment. When inside, they use toys and resources made from natural materials.

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provision

The childminder develops good partnerships with parents and other carers. She provides useful information about the care on offer. Parents and carers are encouraged to share what they know about their children before minding starts and throughout the children's time with the childminder.

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provision

The childminder takes action to ensure the children's safety in the home and on outings at all times. She has a solid understanding of safeguarding issues and she knows the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. However, the childminder does not establish who has legal contact or parental responsibility for each child. Therefore, children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn effectively in this supportive environment. The childminder takes time to play enthusiastically with the children and she reinforces their imaginative and language skills by introducing new words and extending fictional scenarios introduced by the children. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that cover all six areas of learning and spend a great deal of time outside in the garden or enjoying walks in the surrounding countryside. Children grow their own fruits and vegetables; they prepare the soil and nurture the plants to fruition. They harvest their efforts to make soups and bread for their home cooked meals that are unprocessed and free from additives. The childminder consolidates their understanding of shape, number, weight and size during these routines tasks. The children gain a greater understanding of the changes in the weather and seasons and how it impacts on animals and the food they grow. Children bring in items

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

from outside to create an interest table; they make a chart of the birds they can see feeding in the garden. The childminder uses lots of praise and encouragement to develop children's self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children help themselves to a well balanced range of resources that are stored within easy reach. They benefit from interesting outings to local facilities, such as local toddler groups and 'Jump Start' gym sessions to enhance their learning experiences. They play outside in the garden in the snow and wear protective clothing so that they can take part whatever the weather, and benefit from regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Observations assist the childminder when she is thinking about suitable activities for the children. However, although the observations are evaluated, they are not formally monitored towards the early learning goals to ensure progress. The youngest children play happily with the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 older ones and the childminder offers a fully inclusive provision where children's individual needs are met. Children learn to acknowledge the needs of others

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

through all activities and they know how to share and take turns. Parents are kept informed of children's activities and progress through the detailed learning journeys and feedback at the beginning and end of the day.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder conducts full risk assessments of the premises and for outings to minimise any hazards to the children. Clear fire evacuation procedures are in place and fire exits are clearly marked to assist children when they are learning how to keep themselves safe. Older children make the safety posters displayed on the walls; they understand the messages and know how to adhere to the basic rules. This contributes to their safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children are welcomed into the provision and the childminder is pro-active in ensuring children's individual needs are effectively met. Children are provided with healthy, freshly cooked meals that take account of specific dietary requirements. For example, the childminder has thoroughly researched the vegetarian diet so that she can guarantee the food she offers is suitable and this is a strength of the provision. Children learn good hygiene practices throughout the daily routine. For example, they learn the importance of washing their hands after playing outside, before food and after using the toilet through consistent reminders and visual prompts.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder calmly employs suitable strategies that take account of children's ages and stages of development, to manage unwanted behaviour. Children play and learn happily. The childminder is committed to provide a quality service and this is reflected in her provision. 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? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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 the last inspection.

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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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