Childminder in Herefordshire

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 223303 Inspection date 29/04/2009 Inspector Deborah Ball

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 13 years on the outskirts of the village of Brimfield, North Herefordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Children are taken on local outings and walks. The childminder has procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language. The family have a dog as a pet and have guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and sheep on their land.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and there are currently three children on roll within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Partnerships with parents and other agencies are strong and this enables the knowledgeable and experienced childminder to support children's individual needs within an inclusive and child- orientated environment. Effective systems for reflection and self-evaluation mean that the childminder is constantly reflecting on and improving the provision so that outcomes for children are consistently of a high standard. This is further evidenced in the ongoing access to a wide range of training, advice and support from other agencies and a commitment to continually develop the provision for children. Thorough policies and procedures are fully implemented to ensure that children's individual needs are sensitively nurtured so that they can progress and develop securely in a safe, caring, homely and exciting environment.

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further?

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

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further?

 consolidate the systems for linking ongoing observation and assessments to the development matters stages in order to continue to support children's progress towards the early learning goals.

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provision

Children receive warm, welcoming, good quality and secure care within a homely environment. Strong and effective systems are implemented on a daily basis so that children's individual needs and requirements are fully provided for. Clear and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 detailed written policies and procedures reflect the good practice and caring relationships evident in the childminding service. These procedures are readily available to all parents, are fully adhered to and regularly reviewed to ensure that they remain working documents.

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provision

Children benefit from a consistently maintained, strong and effective partnership with parents and other providers. This means that the childminder knows the children very well and can therefore meet their individual care and development needs on a daily basis. Systems for two-way communication include daily detailed discussions about what the children have been enjoying, daily diaries and comprehensive 'Learning Journeys' which include many photographs. Close working relationships have been developed with the local school and pre-school to ensure children's individual needs and requirements are fully supported and addressed.

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provision

Children are well safeguarded as the childminder ensures that her home remains safe, suitable and child friendly. Robust risk assessments are carried out regularly both on the home and for visits and outings. The childminder organises her time well to enable her to provide children with a high level of support and supervision. She has a very good understanding of child protection issues and has a detailed safeguarding policy in line with local guidance.

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provision

Access to a wide range of relevant training, alongside regular support from the local authority, means that the childminder successfully builds on her experience in early years and this allows her to continually improve outcomes for all children. In addition, ongoing self-reflection and systems for self-evaluation have enabled her to highlight areas of improvement so that her childminding practice continues to afford children good opportunities to develop and progress. In particular, the childminder has highlighted a need to consolidate her formal assessment systems to fully utilise the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 'development matters' stages.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a well-organised home which supports children so that they can access enjoyable and fun activities within a homely, caring and relaxed environment. A wide range of colourful and interesting toys and resources are readily available at low-level so that children are able to access chosen activities within a free play environment. Children are encouraged to become independent learners, develop their self-esteem and confidence and make decisions about what they want to do because there is a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led opportunities available. A well-developed knowledge of each child’s individual needs ensures that the childminder promotes all aspects of children’s learning with success. She shows a clear understanding of the EYFS and uses observations and assessments well to help children move forward in their development. Learning journeys are provided for each child using photographs and observations to track

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

what children have done and what they need to learn next. The childminder works hard to involve parents in their child’s learning and development. She keeps parents updated on how their children are cared for and what they achieve each This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 day and shares information with them to promote parents’ understanding and involvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are engaged in a broad range of opportunities within an environment which fully supports child-initiated learning. They enjoy construction activities, exploring discovery toys, 'small-world' play and looking at books within the routine of the day. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their imagination and creativity, such as art and craft activities, role play, musical activities and mark-making. Effective use is made of outdoors and the local community. Children have regular opportunities to go outside and enjoy physical activities and fresh air. The garden provides an attractive area where children can explore, test and develop physical control with a wide range of outdoor activities and resources. For example, they can play on wheeled toys, plant flowers and kidney beans, cut willow trees to make forest dens and develop their imaginative role play in Ladybird House. Outings to the local toddler group and pre-school

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

provide children with additional learning experiences and the opportunity to be sociable with other people. Children benefit from the opportunity to develop an appreciation of the world in which they live through the celebration of festivals from other cultures and countries.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with healthy, balanced and nutritious snacks and home cooked meals throughout the day. The children are able to take a drink when they wish as the childminder provides individual, age-appropriate cups and prompts younger children to take a drink frequently. Children have good opportunities to learn about healthy eating because they are involved in activities such as planting runner beans and harvest the produce to eat at meal times. Records and documentation are in place to ensure children's health needs are met, in line with the wishes of parents. 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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