Childminder in South Gloucestershire

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 EY248501 Inspection date 18/06/2009 Inspector Yvonne Campbell

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and four years in Longwell Green South Gloucestershire, close to Longwell Green School. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed area for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. (Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are currently six children on roll. Of these, four are in the early years age group. The family have fish in an indoor tank. The childminder walks to the local school and nursery to take and collect children. She also attends preschool groups on a regular basis. The childminder works with a family member as her assistant.

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Description of the childminding

She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has achieved Level 3 qualification in Care Learning and Development.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children are progressing well and engage enthusiastically in play and learning as the childminder provides exciting challenges where each child is involved and their contribution is highly valued. The childminder has completed an inspection recommendation and has evaluated her practice by completing the self-evaluation document provided by the regulator. She has a clear understanding of the strengths and possible areas for development and endeavours to work closely with parents other providers of care and education.

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further?

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

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further?

 further enhance learning and development and ensure observations of children's development informs plans for adult-led activities.

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provision

The childminder has excellent organisation and a thorough understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This ensures that children's needs are met to a high standard and their play and learning is fun, and very enjoyable. The home is set out to create learning opportunities for children both indoors and outdoors. The spacious dining room is the main area for activities and contains stimulating images. The room overlooks a well maintained garden where children look out to see the birds that come to feed at the bird table. Children choose resources for play and also rest and relax on comfortable chairs when they need to. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder ensures that she shares information with parents so they know about planned adult-led activities and trips. This is done through displays on the notice board and regular newsletters. Parents share in the observation process and

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provision

observe children's play at home and complete parent observation forms which the childminder links to the relevant area of learning to inform general assessments of progress. Children are protected from the risk of abuse as the childminder has a good understanding of the procedures and knows the action to take if she has concerns abuse has taken place. The childminder's assistant has completed Criminal Record checks and is able to act in children's best interest in medical emergencies as her has a current first aid certificate. The childminder continues her own professional development though close links with a support network and by attending training to update her skills.

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provision

The childminder practice is inclusive and she ensures that children work together and contributes. This is carried out by the delegation of small tasks to each child according to their developmental needs and ability. The childminder is aware of children's home culture and they have opportunities to learn about difference and other cultures. Activities for children who have additional needs are carefully thought through to ensure children take part and the environment is reorganised accordingly to meet stated needs. Documentation is very thorough and the childminder shares all her written policies and procedures with parents. These are organised, accessible and demonstrate her methodical approach to meeting children's needs. Documents include children's progress records with observations of play. The childminder has identified an area for improvement in the use of observations and she is working towards linking observations she makes of each

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provision

child into the plans for adult led activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in all areas of learning through a variety of activities and learning opportunities in the childminder's home and in the community. Children attend toddler groups regularly where they meet with their peers. They are beginning to understand the different expectation of playing and getting on with others in a more structured environment. The childminder plans activities where children work together and take turns. For example, during cooking, children take turns to weigh the ingredients, pour liquid into the dry ingredients and also mix as they follow written instructions read by the childminder. She extends language and introduces the use of words such as, yeast, mix, pour and weigh. Children are developing essential life skills as they learn about how different equipment and utensils are used. They predict what will happen to the dough when it is placed in the sun. They later express excitement

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

when they see the dough has doubled in size. The transformation of the ingredients is complete as children see the cooked finish product of their efforts.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's self-esteem is promoted by the childminder awareness of and respect for their feelings and she offers children many choices so they express preferences. For example, though a cooked lunch is planned, when asked, children choose to have a picnic. The childminder is flexible in adjusting lunchtime plans This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and offers children further choices for sandwich fillings allowing each child to make their own. Learning opportunities are created as children discuss the shape of their sandwich such as square and triangle. On fine days, trips are organised to a local farm for children to observe the animals and learn about the natural environment and seasonal changes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's healthy development is highly promoted and they have a varied choice of nutritious meals and have opportunities to exercise. The childminder obtains information from parents regarding dietary needs and complies with their wishes and feelings about the food provided for their children. She also complies with local authority guidelines and has achieved the healthy eating aware for childminders. Children enjoy walks to the nearby school and have play in the garden using a range of equipment including scooters, hoops and ride on toys which helps to develop their physical strength, coordination and stamina. Thorough risk assessment of both indoor and outdoor area enables children to learn and explore in safety. Regularly fire drills help children become familiar with the procedures for leaving the premises quickly in case of emergency.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave very well and have a sense of being part of a group. The daily routine and structure provided by the childminder means they are purposefully occupied and always eager to contribute. They are also aware of the need to look after animals and put out scraps of bread on the bird table. 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? 1 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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