Childminder in GloucestershireOfsted inspection, 11 May 2009

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 EY383280 Inspection date 11/05/2009 Inspector Shirley Ann Jackson

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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 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 first registered in 2008 and trades as 'Little Peas Day Care'. She lives with her partner and their three children, aged 17 months, eight and ten years, in a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Brockworth. The whole house is registered to care for children but most care takes place downstairs. There is a garden available for outdoor play. The family have two pet guinea pigs, who are cared for in the garden. The house is within easy travelling distance of Gloucester, Churchdown and Cheltenham. Local amenities include shops, library, community centre, children's centre and schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There is currently one child on roll aged four years. The childminder also cares for children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder will take and collect children from Castle Hill Primary School.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder meets the needs of children by recognising them as unique individuals. She offers care and education which is tailored to their needs and which helps them to make progress in their learning and development. Children are effectively supported and offered a range of activities and experiences which interest them. Children's welfare is effectively promoted by the childminder, ensuring their safety and well-being. Partnerships with parents are strong, however, links with other settings which children attend have not yet been forged. Ongoing, appropriate reflection of her practice enables the childminder to identify areas for development and plan for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 build links with other registered settings, to ensure that all adults who interact with children can contribute to the assessment process  continue to analyse observations to plan the next steps for individual children ensure that the trellis in front of the greenhouse cannot be used to climb on

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provision

The childminder organises the available space effectively to encourage children to learn and develop. The indoors, outdoors and local area are well used, depending on which activities are being enjoyed. The childminder has conducted risk assessments of all areas of her home and for all outings enjoyed with the children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 However, she has not identified the potential climbing risk of the trellis placed in front of her greenhouse. She has produced written policies and procedures which reflect her daily practice. All required documentation is in place to meet all of the children's needs and to ensure the safe and efficient management of the provision. The childminder is aware of the indicators of abuse and has contact details easily accessible if she has concerns about a child in her care. This helps to safeguard and protect children. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure they

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provision

are aware of her procedures for children who are ill, to help prevent the spread of infection. This practice helps to promote children's health and well-being.

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provision

Partnerships with parents is strong. When parents first make contact with the childminder she shares her folder containing personal information as well as her policies and procedures. Ongoing information is then shared through informal feedback, children's diaries and sharing children's progress books. Although their working relationship is fairly new, parents are happy with the care their children receive. The childminder has not yet built links with other providers, delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, which minded children also attend.

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provision

The childminder is committed to improving the service she offers to children and their families. She uses ongoing, effective reflection of her practice to identify her strengths and areas for development. For example, she has separated resources and stored them in boxes with labels including photographs and text to encourage children's independent access. She has also enquired about a training course which would extend her knowledge and skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the childminder's detailed knowledge of their individual developmental needs. They are happy, settled and have secure relationships with the childminder. This relationship enables children to try out new experiences and activities. The childminder's home is organised to give children the freedom to move around from one room to another, exploring different activities. Systems have been introduced for observation and assessment. Some detailed observations of the children playing are supported by photographs and examples of the children's work and are linked to areas of learning. The childminder uses these observations to identify the next steps in children's learning and plans purposeful play based on the children's interests.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that children are taken outside every day to enjoy fresh air and exercise. This may be playing in the garden, visiting local parks to play on the equipment or going for walks in the nearby area. The childminder teaches children about good hygiene practices and they are beginning to understand this. For example, the childminder's young son was trying to take a piece of cucumber from the child's lunch plate and the child quietly explained that she had a cold and if he ate it he may catch it. In the garden, children find out about the natural world as they dig in their own raised bed and help the childminder to care for her plants, fruit and vegetables. Children's social skills are developed as they regularly visit the nearby Children's Centre for 'stay and play' sessions. Children's self confidence and self-esteem are raised as the childminder gives them some tasks to give them

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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 responsibility. For example, they help to pull herbs from the garden to feed the family's guinea pigs. Children develop a love of books as they listen to stories read by the childminder with increasing attention. Children's creativity and imagination are fostered as they enjoy taking part in small world play, making up their own stories with the play figures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn how to keep themselves safe when out and about as the childminder talks to them about the importance of holding hands and road safety. They regularly carry out fire evacuation drills to ensure they are aware of what to do in an emergency. Children's health is promoted as well-established routines are in place. For example, children wash their hands after handling the guinea pigs and know that this is so that 'we don't catch their germs'. Parents provide a packed lunch for their children, ensuring they enjoy their own familiar food. Lunches are stored appropriately by the childminder to ensure they stay fresh and safe for the children. The childminder promotes positive behaviour with her calm and friendly manners. Children follow this example and their behaviour is good. 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

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