Childminder in Somerset

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

p.1

Unique reference number 507115 Inspection date 25/02/2009 Inspector Jacqueline Allen

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and four children aged eight, seven and one year old twins in Taunton. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding where toilet facilities are available and there is level access. The enclosed rear garden is available for outdoor play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years range. She is currently minding three children in the early years range and five older children. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, as well as the Early Years Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has completed a Diploma in Home-based Childcare, which is a level 3 early years qualification.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality of the provision is good. Children are happy, settled and confident in the childminder's care, as their individual needs are well known and met through effective ongoing communication with parents. Documentation is well organised with mostly clear policies and procedures which underpin her good practice. Children participate in activities which meet their interests and stage of development, although assessment records are not yet comprehensive. The childminder has identified areas for further development, which support children's ongoing welfare, learning and development, and shows her commitment to improvement.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 review the complaints procedure and ensure that Ofsted's address is included continue to develop children's assessment system so their achievements are linked to the six areas of learning, show their progress towards the early learning goals and more clearly identify the next steps in their development

p.3

provision

The childminder has completed a recent level 3 qualification which has broadened her knowledge and understanding of caring for young children and she regularly attends workshops and information sessions to keep her knowledge updated. Previous recommendations raised at the last inspection have all been addressed and she has a clear vision to ensure ongoing improvement.

p.3

provision

Parents feel their children are happy and settled and have written glowing letters This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in support of the childminder and her practice. Verbal communication between parents and the childminder is regular and ongoing which ensures children's needs are met. The childminder values children's input into her provision and has created a simple questionnaire for them to complete with their parents. Partnerships with other providers are in the early stages of development. A wealth of policies are available, most are regularly updated and shared with parents to ensure they are fully aware of the care she provides for their children.

p.3

provision

Children's safety is given a high priority. A comprehensive risk assessment of the premises has been completed, which shows the childminder's good understanding of potential risks and how to minimise these. In additional she has separate risk assessments for particular places and highlights important things she needs to bring or be aware of, to ensure children are safe. The childminder is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. She has a clear procedure to follow if allegations are made against herself or household members.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder establishes good routines which help children to settle and is flexible in providing a range of activities to suit the varying ages of children who attend. Her home is well resourced and organised to encourage children to access these independently. She offers good support through her ongoing interaction, whereby she asks meaningful questions to encourage children to think and respond and praises their efforts routinely. Activities provide sufficient challenge and match children's interests. For example, they decide to make a structure of their choosing using junk modelling and persist for lengthy periods of time as they work their way through to completion of a challenging puzzle, using clues provided by the childminder.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's achievements are routinely recorded through photographs, their own work and the childminder's observations, which shows their good progress. However, these are not organised to show children's progress in all six areas of learning or identify their next steps. Parents enjoy looking at their children's books and sharing information on their learning. Children also enjoy having a book of their own to look through and talk about what they were doing in the photographs.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the welfare requirements which ensures essential records are duly completed and organised to ensure confidentiality. Through good role modelling children behave very well and play harmoniously together, yet still have space to play uninterrupted when they want. Children routinely wash their hands before eating and are monitored by the childminder, to ensure this happens after toileting. They enjoy a range of fresh fruit for snack and are provided with healthy foods for their lunch by parents. Drinks are always accessible. There is good space inside to allow children to move freely between rooms and a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children visit the local parks, attend toddler groups and go on local walks to extend their physical skills. In addition, the childminder takes them to Crealy and the beach to vary and challenge their gross motor skills.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.5

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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?

p.5

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

p.5

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.7

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.

p.7

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.7

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.

p.7