Childminder in Isle of Wight

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 EY225042 Inspection date 21/04/2009 Inspector Lilyanne Taylor

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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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and school age child in a detached house which is situated in a residential area of Haylands on the outskirts of Ryde on the Isle of Wight. All areas of the property are registered for childminding; however, there is a preference to provide care only on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder lives within walking distance of local shops, parks, schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from local schools and pre-schools and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3 in childcare. She has also achieved the National Childminding Association Quality First Assurance Scheme at level 3.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder operates Monday to Friday, from 07:30 to 17:30; children’s hours of attendance are able to be flexible within these times.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this setting as the childminder is exemplary in meeting the needs of the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through her work practice. She recognises the uniqueness of all children, ensuring their individual requirements are very well met. Through discussion and use of a wide range of resources the childminder ensures an inclusive environment is provided for all children. The consultation she has with parents and her ability to self-evaluate her provision demonstrates she has an excellent capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 extending the opportunities children have to gain an understanding that text they see has meaning by providing pictures alongside written words they see in the environment This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is very well organised to support children's care, learning and development. Comprehensive self-evaluation is a key strength, contributing to excellent delivery of the EYFS, and is an important tool to effectively identify strengths and build on very good practice. This is evidenced in the high quality of care and education children receive, which gives them an excellent start to their first steps in learning.

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provision

The childminder is continually adapting her practice to meet the requirements of legislation. This has a positive impact on how children are supported and ensures they make very good progress. Consultation with parents by means of general discussion and questionnaires ensures their views are known. Parents express how the childminder is an enormous asset to them in their children's upbringing and she has the talent to see the world through a child's eye. They are exceptionally pleased with the standard of care and education their children receive.

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provision

The childminder establishes an excellent and highly effective working relationship with parents. The extensive information she obtains from them when children start at the setting ensures all the children's welfare needs are known and their learning is continuously supported. Home books and shared care books inform parents of the care their children have been provided with, what they have been doing and any achievements they may have made. In addition to verbal feedback, parents receive a monthly written report of the progress their children are making and what the childminder plans to provide for their future learning and development. Parents are invited to share information about achievements they have noticed their children make at home or any interests they may have expressed. This information is then incorporated in the planning. Parents sign to acknowledge their agreement to the policies and procedures the childminder works to, so they are

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provision

aware of the care they can expect their children to receive. All required documentation is in place and systems for storing children's records ensure confidentiality.

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provision

The childminder has procedures in place to liaise with other EYFS providers the children attend. This ensures all children's learning is continuous.

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provision

Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment. Procedures and work practice to safeguard children are exemplary. The childminder has a very clear understanding of the procedures to be followed should she have any concerns regarding individual children's well-being. Risk assessments carried out for the premises indoors, outdoors and for outings children are taken on, are robust, regularly reviewed and ensure children are kept safe and free from harm at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The excellent level of interaction and support children receive ensures they are happy, confident and emotionally secure. The childminder recognises that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's emotional development is vital and that without this children cannot learn effectively. New children are provided with continuous reassurance, and are given time and space to join in and participate in all play activities. Equality of opportunity is highly promoted for all children as they are valued for their individuality. Children have the experience of food tasting activities, looking at books and playing with resources that raise their awareness of the diversity of the society they live in.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder’s warm, calm manner is an important factor in her ability to manage behaviour in a highly positive way. Children learn acceptable behaviour through discussion, and lots of explanation, whereby they become aware of the effect their behaviour has on others and how to be a positive member of society. They are encouraged to be polite and to say ‘please' and 'thank you' spontaneously from a very early age. Children are offered an abundance of praise and encouragement which has an extremely positive effect on their confidence and self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

New children feel secure and settle well. The childminder encourages parents to make pre-visits to her home with their children so they can become familiar with the environment in which they will be cared for and the childminder's family. During such visits the childminder finds out from parents what stage of development they feel their children are at. She then uses this information alongside her own observations to plan for the children’s next steps of learning and ensure their welfare needs are met.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Independence is extremely well promoted; children are encouraged to make their own choice of toys they wish to play with and put their own shoes on for outdoor play. Some older children are beginning to manage some aspects of their own personal care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy the time they spend at the childminder's and have fun; they participate in a wide variety of activities that cover the six areas of learning. They have access to a wealth of good quality resources, which are very well organised to be safe, stage appropriate and easily accessible. Children make very good progress in their learning as the childminder allows them to follow their interests, such as cutting the grass with a lawn mower or pretending to go on a bear hunt.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's effective verbal interaction helps younger children develop their language and communication skills. Children have some opportunities to understand that text they see has meaning; they sit with the childminder to look at pictures in books and associate them with the written word. However, boxes of resources are only labelled with written words.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children experience a wide variety of daily outings, which supports their physical development and ensures they get plenty of fresh air. For example, they visit local parks, soft play centres, beaches, and go to the canoe lake to feed the ducks. In addition, they have regular access to a range of equipment, such as slides, trampolines, and sit and ride toys, which are all available in the rear garden and in varying sizes to ensure children of all ages can have the same experiences. Children are able to be out in the fresh air each day, irrespective of the weather; This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 each child has their own wet weather clothing and in the warmer weather a gazebo is erected in the garden to provide shade from the rays of the sun.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe. They are introduced to road safety when on outings and they practise the procedures for evacuating the premises in an emergency.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are fully protected from germs and infection. The childminder ensures children wash their hands prior to eating and after toileting, and that the premises, equipment and resources are regularly cleaned. In addition, sick children are requested not to attend until they are fully recovered. Children have regular access to drinks throughout the day which ensures they do not go thirsty. 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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