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

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Unique reference number EY301039 Inspection date 15/04/2009 Inspector Michelle Tuck

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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 and young children in Wells, Somerset. The house is accessed via an uphill slope and steps. Childminding predominantly takes place on the ground floor. Children have access to the bathroom on the first floor. The family have two guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder has a level three qualification in childcare.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. All children are welcomed into the childminder's home and particular care is taken to develop effective links with parents. Children engage enthusiastically in a wide range of activities both indoors and out, which are generally planned according to their individual needs. Children are well supervised at all times, and provided with a generally safe and secure family home environment in which to play. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to attending training, and uses the knowledge and information she gains on courses to promote better outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the use of assessment and planning to ensure activities are linked to children's interests and identify how children will be supported in taking the next step in their learning  conduct risk assessments and maintain a record of these checks  ensure hand washing procedures promote the good health of children and help to prevent the spread of infection

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provision

The childminder is well organised and manages daily routines effectively to accommodate the individual needs of the children attending. For example, she ensures that children are able to follow their familiar home routines for eating and sleeping during the day. A range of clear documentation underpins the childminder's good practice. Policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure they are fully aware of the service provided for their child.

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provision

Parents receive regular information about their children's care, learning and development. Daily diaries are used effectively to exchange information that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 supports the childminder and parents in working together to meet each child's individual needs. Informal discussions take place regularly to further develop good relationships with parents.

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provision

The childminder continually looks at what she provides and considers ways in which she can further develop areas to make improvements. For example, she keeps a diary of what she does each day with the children, she now links this to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure planning reflects individual children's needs and covers all areas of the curriculum. She accesses training to support her professional development and uses information gained from this to develop her own practice.

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provision

The childminder is fully aware of possible risks to children and her responsibility to safeguard them, however, she has no formal system in place to risk assess, although she makes visual checks of toys and resources on a daily basis.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to develop healthy lifestyles as they regularly play outdoors in the fresh air and visit local indoor and outdoor play areas. Their daily routines include opportunities for regular meals, drinks and snacks to keep their energy levels high and prevent them becoming dehydrated. They learn about the importance of following good personal hygiene routines, however, they currently share a hand towel to dry their hands.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children engage in a wide range of enjoyable activities that sustain their interest well. They have good opportunities to initiate their own play, as well as participate in activities that are planned for them. A good variety of age appropriate toys are stored well to allow children to select what they want to play with. Children's play is supported well as the childminder is actively involved throughout the day. She chats to them about what they are doing, helping them to develop language and solve problems. They explore the art and craft materials and enjoy cutting out and sticking. Children make crowns which they wear with pride and help one another to put the puzzle pieces into the correct places. Children learn to play together and develop a secure understanding of how to share and take turns as they play. They are very polite and use good manners when communicating. They are encouraged to say please and thank you and those that are old enough ask if they can get

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of how children are learning and developing. She observes them as they play and uses written records and photographs to note their development. She produces some plans for activities, however, plans do not specifically demonstrate how children will be encouraged to achieve these goals and do not always reflect children's individual interests or preferences. Overall, the good range of activities the children engage in and the high level of support they receive from the childminder ensures they make good progress in their learning. 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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 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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