Childminder in Devon

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 EY309132 Inspection date 11/05/2009 Inspector Pauline Pinnegar

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight months and four years old in the residential area of Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. The whole of the childminder’s home apart from the master bedroom is used for childminding. She has two dogs as a pets. The childminder cares for children on weekdays from 08.00 to 18.00 for 48 weeks of the year.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is also registered to care for one child overnight aged under eight years. She attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children thrive in this well managed, stimulating childminding provision which provides an inclusive service. Children's safety and well-being are promoted consistently well. They make good progress in their learning and development as they enjoy a variety of play experiences that are well planned to meet their individual needs. Good working partnerships with parents ensure the children receive continuity of care and that communication is open. The childminder evaluates her practice effectively and demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement, clearly identifying where updating of training may enhance her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the complaints procedure to ensure all contact details for Ofsted are included  develop the emergency evacuation procedure to include clear instructions relating to overnight care  continue to develop and analyse observations in order to clearly identfy and plan the next steps in children's learning.

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provision

The childminder places priority on planning for inclusion and supports children effectively. She embraces the importance of safeguarding children and demonstrates a really sound and sensitive understanding of associated issues. She has attended relevant training and has a detailed written procedure in place with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 contact details should she need to make a referral. Consequently, children are very well protected. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through instruction and everyday practices, for example, fire and road safety. The environment in which the children are cared for is safe and supportive. It is warm and accepting of everyone and supports children's learning and development. Systematic risk assessments take place on a daily basis to ensure children's welfare is well safeguarded.

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provision

The childminder is conscientious, strives continually to improve and aspires to provide a good quality service. She has addressed the recommendation from the previous inspection and has developed activities to support younger children's development, in line with the aspects and approach of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children benefit from the good organisational skills of the childminder. She keeps all necessary records and implements a wide range of effective policies and procedures which promote children's safety and welfare. However, the complaints procedure given to parents in the information booklet does not include full contact details and the emergency evacuation procedure does not include clear details in relation to the provision for overnight care. The childminder has attended various training, including on the EYFS, and has a positive attitude towards professional development. The childminder is making

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provision

good use of self-evaluation which has clearly supported her to identify the strengths and areas for development within her service. She continuously reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of her practice in terms of the impact on children and their development needs. This helps her clearly identify areas for further improvement.

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provision

The uniqueness of each child is valued and recognised. Parents communicate very effectively with the childminder by daily discussions and also by using the 'learning journal'. Detailed information from the parents helps the childminder to establish children's starting points when they first attend. Parents receive detailed information about the provision including copies of all policies and procedures within the setting. The childminder makes time for daily sharing of information and includes parents' views when planning next steps for children. Records demonstrate children's achievements. This helps parents to feel fully informed regarding their child's progress and enables them to be involved in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. They benefit from receiving warm and affectionate care and they are treated as unique individuals. The childminder's good knowledge of the EYFS learning and development requirements and practice guidance means that she is confident in helping children learn appropriately both indoors and outdoors. Her knowledge of individual children is good, which results in effective planning taking place. Consequently, children make good progress. Individual files are being collated showing observations of children and photographs. These link with the six areas of learning, which are then used to inform future planning. This planning is flexible to follow children's interests, which results in an interesting range of activities taking place. The systems for observing inform and guide everyday planning. However, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children's next steps are not always clearly included in children's 'learning journals', but this is an area under review at the moment. The daily environment also reflects children's observed interests well, as the childminder takes account of which activities children prefer. Resources are effectively arranged and accessible to children to promote their independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder currently cares for very young children and, although they are still developing their communication skills, she ensures that they receive constant reminders on how to remain safe, both inside and outside. They are gently instructed to be careful with toys and not to push or pull as this may hurt. They are shown how to move safely and confidently as they take their first steps. Children enjoy snuggling onto the childminder's lap for cuddles, enabling them to grow in confidence and self-esteem as they begin to understand that they are valued and special within the home. In addition, the childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries for children's behaviour so that they learn what is, and is not, acceptable in ways that are meaningful to them. Children are learning in a variety of ways. They explore the play equipment by themselves and participate in adult-supported activities. They have great fun as they explore and investigate

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

playing with the 'pop-up' ball toy. Children's early communication and language skills are promoted as the childminder introduces simple action rhymes into play such as, 'Row, row, row your boat'. Children explore their senses using a range of media, including jelly, gloop and cereals. The childminder is currently developing 'feely boxes' and treasure baskets to further develop this aspect of children's play. Children have opportunities to develop early problem solving skills as they manipulate simple 'inset' jigsaws and 'lift the flap' books.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Physical activities both indoors and out are providing learning opportunities as well as being fun. Children access large play equipment at toddler groups and at the local park and so are beginning to learn about their local community. They thoroughly enjoy using large sit and ride toys and bouncing on the trampoline. Children's independence is very well promoted. As well as having resources stored accessibly for children to help themselves to, the childminder enables them to learn important self-help skills safely. For example, young children feed themselves drinks from a bottle and plans are in place to introduce feeding cups to further promote independence. Children benefit from healthy snacks, such as fruit, but generally parents provide the meals. The childminder follows good hygiene practices, such as clear nappy changing procedures. She requests written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and follows children's individual

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

routines for sleeping and eating. 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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