Childminder in Wiltshire

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 EY298810 Inspection date 28/01/2009 Inspector Charlotte Jenkin

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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

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.

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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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and two children in a four bed-roomed house in Melksham. The whole house is registered for childminding although downstairs is mainly used for play, with sleeping areas upstairs. The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years, and when working with an assistant she is able to care for six children under eight years. She currently cares for five children in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The family has two dogs. They live close to local amenities, including the library, parks and schools. She attends local toddler groups with the children.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children have their individual needs well met by a childminder who knows them, their routines and their personal interests. This helps the children demonstrate a sense of belonging and security in her care. All children are encouraged to play together and to learn to build relationships with their peers. They have their individual interests recognised and respected and these are used to help children progress well towards the early learning goals. The childminder has evaluated her provision and identified areas for future improvements, action needed to achieve these and the impact on outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 plan for children's next steps in their learning and development and assess their progress in relation to this  develop the outdoor area to offer children more opportunities for sensory experiences and exploration

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provision

Children are cared for by a suitable and appropriately qualified childminder who is currently studying for a recognised qualification to improve her knowledge and skills in the early years. All required policies and procedures are implemented to ensure the safe and efficient running of the provision. All required information is gained from parents regarding their children's individual needs and this enables the childminder to organise her day in order that these can be incorporated. This helps the children feel settled and at ease in her care. Risk assessments are carried out and these are effective in minimising hazards to children. Hence, children freely move around the provision and play in safety. The childminder is very aware of her role in safeguarding children and has a good knowledge of child protection This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 issues and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. Hence, she fully

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provision

promotes their welfare in the provision. Children benefit from the solid partnership with parents as they have their routines respected and they are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Good communication with the parents ensures that children's needs are met and continuity of care offered. The childminder discusses children's progress with parents, but has not yet formally shared their learning records with them or encouraged them to contribute to these. The childminder has the capacity to improve and has made good improvements since the last inspection. She is committed to improving her practice and attends regular training to support her professional development. New ideas are implemented into her practice, including acquiring confidence in the knowledge of child protection procedures and in recording children's existing injuries. Hence, this has improved outcomes for children. The childminder has put in place a personal development plan and as a

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provision

result of this reviews her policies to ensure they reflect her current practice. She effectively evaluates her provision, identifies future areas for improvements, how these will be achieved and the impact on outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children appear settled and at ease in the childminder's care. They confidently explore the toys and choose those they wish to play with, including cars, puzzles and animals. The childminder responds well to the children's interests, getting down to their level to play with them. She interacts with them, talking to them about what they are doing, thus, she supports their language development fully in the provision. Children, therefore, become confident in communicating their wishes to the childminder, using both verbal and non-verbal communication. Children demonstrate a positive attitude towards their play, being keen to join in with the activities. The childminder encourages them to persevere, when completing puzzles, she offers them support on how they may fit the piece in. Children show pride when they achieve this, smiling at the childminder and the other children. Children are encouraged to form relationships with their peers, sitting together to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

play with the toys and interacting. Children have access to a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities that help them make good progress towards the early learning goals in all six areas of learning. The childminder is very aware of children's individual stages of development and their interests with regard to play. She regularly observes them at play, records their progress in the six areas of learning and takes photographs of them engaged in activities. She identifies the next steps in their learning and development, but has not yet put systems in place for ensuring these are planned for and children's next achievements are recorded.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. They have pegs for their coats and there are posters on display and this helps them develop a sense of belonging in the childminder's care. Children have access to a wide range of toys that support their development in all areas. These are stored at low level and children are encouraged to choose those they wish to play with. This helps promote their confidence and independence in the provision. Children are encouraged to learn about safety issues in the provision. They are encouraged to move around freely, with confidence and to gain an awareness of possible dangers, including running indoors. Children develop their awareness of healthy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 eating through the nutritious snacks and meals they enjoy in the provision. The childminder provides freshly cooked meals daily and these are balanced to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

promote their health and development. The childminder is aware of the importance of maintaining a clean environment and in promoting the good hygiene with the children. Children have regular access to fresh air and exercise. They have trips out to local parks and woods where they have access to a range of climbing equipment. In the garden children have access to various toys that support their physical development. However, the garden is used mainly in better weather and is not fully developed to offer children more sensory experiences and exploration. 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 no complaints have been made to Ofsted.

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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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