Childminder in Isles of Scilly

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 EY293425 Inspection date 23/06/2009 Inspector Sarah Jane Wignall

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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 2004 and lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 11 on the Island of St Mary's in the Isles of Scilly. Children use all areas of the childminders home. A garden is used for outdoor play activities. The setting is open each weekday from 8.00 until 18.00 all year round. A maximum of six children aged from birth to eight years may attend the setting at any one time and of these three may be in the early years age range. The childminder has a variation in place to allow her to care for four children in the early years age range at specified times.

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Description of the childminding

There are currently seven children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. They live locally and two also attend the nursery class of the local primary school during term time. The childminder cares for children with learning difficulties/disabilities. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 and a Certificate of Early Years Practice at level 4. She is an accredited childminder and a member of the Network Kernow Quality Assurance Scheme.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall quality of the provision is outstanding. Children flourish and make excellent progress in this highly organised, safe and secure setting. The childminder is very skilled and uses her extensive knowledge of children's individual needs to plan appropriately for them in all areas. Partnerships with parents are extremely well established ensuring care is complementary and consistent. The childminder continually monitors and evaluates all areas of her practice resulting in a setting that is continually developing and improving.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 extend sharing of information with parents to include targets for next steps.

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provision

The childminder is an extremely competent and committed professional. She is dedicated to delivering high quality care and education to children and ensures she keeps herself fully up to date with changes and developments in childcare. She subscribes to several childcare publications and attends numerous training courses and events. She has established excellent links with other childminders on the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 island and is fully involved in planning group activities and meetings. She is highly organised and is instrumental in planning interesting and exciting activities for children such as a visit from the local fire engine followed by a picnic with friends.

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provision

The home environment is extremely well organised allowing children the opportunity to play safely and securely both indoors and out. Comprehensive risk assessments are carried out and regularly reviewed. The childminder provides excellent levels of supervision and support to children and systems to safeguard them are highly effective. The partnership with parents is a key strength of the provision. The childminder encourages and values their contributions helping to keep her very well informed on all aspects of children's care and home routines. She keeps parents extremely well informed through a range of methods such as email, daily diaries and discussions. Parents receive photos each week and learning diaries are sent home regularly to inform them of progress made. The childminder is keen to further develop her links with parents in ensuring they are well informed and consulted on children's next steps in learning. Parent feedback is extremely

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provision

positive and they value the high standard of care and education their children receive. Comprehensive and well organised documentation supports her practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a secure and stimulating environment from which to explore, develop and make very good progress in all areas of learning. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how children learn and she provides them with a range of activities and experiences that interest and motivate them. She plans activities that make full use of the wonderful outdoor environment and children thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to explore the garden learning about growth and development as they plant vegetables and flowers. The childminder helps children to understand where food comes from as they plant potatoes, courgettes and peas, and enjoy the taste of home produced vegetables at mealtimes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are free to explore and play with the wide range of age appropriate and very well organised resources. They confidently select boxes of bricks when wishing to build a tower or put dolls in the buggy to take for a walk. The childminder offers a very well balanced day with the emphasis on free choice and self-selection. She uses her extensive knowledge of individual children to plan and provide resources that will interest them and extend their learning. For instance, when children show an interest in water she provides water trays outdoors where they can explore the texture and uses of water for filling different sized containers or washing the tractor. She uses her regular observations of children to plan appropriately for the following week so that all experiences are based on children's interest at the time and as a result are relevant and meaningful for them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have formed very strong relationships with the childminder and other children at the setting. They are confident and independent helping to set the table for snack time, washing their hands and helping to tidy away. The childminder skilfully uses daily routines to reinforce understanding of numbers and counting. She asks children to determine how many plates and cups are needed for the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 number of people present. Young children confidently assess the correct number. The kitchen area is very bright and welcoming with lots of photos of children displayed around the room giving the childminder the opportunity to discuss them with children during snack times promoting conversation and developing language skills. Young children confidently recognise their name as they select their own hand towel. Pictures in the bathroom remind them to wash their hands and follow

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children with learning difficulties/disabilities are extremely well supported by the childminder. She has developed strong links with both parents and professionals undertaking relevant training so that her care mirrors that offered in other settings and at home. Children develop a very healthy approach to life enjoying a wide range of nutritious snacks and meals. They develop good physical skills as they participate in daily exercise while playing in the garden or going for walks around the island visiting the beach, woods and other places of interest. The childminder ensures the home is safe and secure and children learn about safety as they practise regular emergency evacuation procedures and learn about the role of the fire service as they paint pictures and talk about their forthcoming visit. Children are clearly valued in this setting. They receive extremely high levels of praise and encouragement in all they do. As a result they are highly motivated and develop a

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

very positive approach to learning. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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