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 EY380554 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Beverley Blackburn

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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 registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged four and ten, in Melksham, Wiltshire. Shops, playing fields, parks, a library and other town amenities lie within walking distance. The childminder can take children to, and collect them from, local schools and pre-schools. The family keeps a rabbit as a pet. The entire house is registered for childminding and a fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Her registration permits her to care for two children in the early years age group at any one time. She currently minds four children on a part-time basis during term time only.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and homely environment. The childminder knows the children very well because good information is exchanged between parents and herself continuously; as a result, she meets their individual learning and development needs effectively. The childminder has made improvements since her registration, which impact positively on the experiences for children. The childminder improves her practice through being self-critical and undertaking additional training. She has plans in place for further development of her service.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to evaluate the children's progress effectively and move them on to the next step in their learning and devlopment

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provision

The organisation of the childminder's service is very effective. All the required documentation for the safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is in place. Records are comprehensive and well organised. The childminder is proactive in making sure she has the latest information in order to ensure she meets the needs of all the children in her care. She has a good knowledge of child protection procedures and is confident in explaining her role and responsibilities should there be a concern. This enables her to safeguard the children in her care effectively. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is skilful at risk assessing her home environment and any outings on a regular basis. Her record of risk assessment is detailed and thorough, for example, any action taken is signed and dated. She takes positive action to ensure

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provision

any risks to children are minimised, for example, carrying out regular fire drills with the children which are recorded. She also assesses and evaluates all practices, looking at how she can improve the process for the benefit of the children. Children are taught about stranger danger and park areas are checked before children enter. The childminder considers the children's safety to be paramount and is vigilant in ensuring this. She has an effective risk assessment procedure in place to help children stay safe at all times.

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provision

The childminder has reflected on her practice and shows good capacity to improve. She effectively evaluates the strengths and areas for improvement in the service that she offers. She has already identified some areas for development, such as a more comprehensive record of observation and assessment in order to move the children on to the next steps of their learning.

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provision

The childminder has developed a good relationship with the parents, enabling her to work together in partnership with them to provide consistency and continuity of care for the children she looks after. She readily discusses with the parents any concerns she may have about the children in her care. She places great importance on gathering and sharing information with the parents. She communicates well with the local school, a link which the parents very much appreciate. The childminder is aware of the importance of liaising with other providers to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled and have a good relationship with the childminder. They enjoy being in her company and have a good relationship with her. They are well behaved and respond positively to the childminder’s requests. She takes time to understand their needs and respond appropriately to each child. This helps to promote children’s confidence and self-esteem, as well as promoting sensitive relationships with each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children can easily access a good range of toys and resources, enabling them to be independent in their choice of what to play with. They experience a wide range of activities daily, such as painting, reading books, physical exercise in the garden, puzzles, messy play, and playing in the peat building castles. The childminder plans interesting activities according to the ages and stages of development of the children, for example, welly walks, visits to the post office or building a den in the garden. The childminder supports their learning well, as she uses many opportunities during the activities to talk about colour, shape and numbers. During the inspection, children gained skills in mixing colours and enjoyed the experience of feeling the texture of the paint with their fingers. This then developed into a spontaneous activity of finger painting, encouraging children to be creative and take charge of their own learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has a good knowledge of the EYFS and shows a sound understanding of how children learn and develop. She is beginning to observe what children can do and assess their progress. She plans individually for each child, taking account of what they enjoy and any relevant information provided by parents. As a result, children are making good progress in their learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to learn about healthy lifestyles. The childminder teaches them good hygiene and encourages independence. Children enjoy regular outdoor exercise and outings, healthy and nutritious snacks and are encouraged to keep hydrated by the regular drinks made available. They are learning to keep themselves safe, as the childminder gives clear instructions about road safety and looking after themselves when playing and exploring within the home, for example, by clearing away toys after finishing playing and encouraging the safe negotiation of the stairs. The childminder supports children to learn and develop in a safe environment. 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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