Childminder in Bath and North East Somerset

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 EY256516 Inspection date 29/04/2009 Inspector Elaine Douglas

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and nine year old son. They live in a house in Midsomer Norton, near Bath, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and toilet facilities are on both floors. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three children may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years and occasional care in the school holiday. The provision is registered 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 level 3 childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She regularly attends toddler groups and a childminding group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of every child and adapts her provision to meet their individual needs. The partnership with parents and other carers is a key strength and ensures children's needs are met and their protection is assured. Children's learning and development is very good in relation to their starting points and capabilities. Highly effective systems keep children safe and ensure an inclusive provision. The childminder effectively identifies her own development needs and is beginning to use self-evaluation to evaluate the provision for children's welfare learning and development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continuing to develop the system for self-evaluation to identify priorities for development in children's welfare learning and development

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provision

The childminder provides a welcoming, attractive environment where children's welfare, learning and development needs are extremely well met. She is responsive to the individual needs of each child and their family, and strives to provide high quality care and education. Extensive risk assessments keep children safe while promoting their independence. For example, children can access the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 toilet and use a step to safely reach the sink, while a stairgate prevents them accessing the stairs. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of her well thought through emergency contingency plans and thorough safety policies, this means that exemplary measures are taken to safeguard children.

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provision

The childminder develops very strong partnerships with parents; they are provided with extensive documented information on the provision, policies and procedures, and their child's development. Sensitive settling-in procedures ensure confident children and enables the childminder to gain all relevant information to keep children safe and meet their needs. The childminder also works closely with other carers to provide cohesive support and care for all children. For example, regular communication with pre school staff ensures that children attending both settings access a balanced curriculum.

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provision

The childminder regularly evaluates activities, seeks feedback from parents and attends any workshops or training to improve her provision. She is beginning to use self-evaluation to monitor outcomes for children and prioritise actions for ongoing improvements. Children of all ages and abilities now have very good access to books, which was raised as a recommendation at the previous inspection. This ensures that children develop an enjoyment of books, learn to handle them appropriately, begin to recognise that written words have meaning and that books can be used for information.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Each child is extremely well supported in accessing interesting activities and resources, which motivates their learning and development. For example, in the water play children notice how the small cup of water only half fills the large but when the exercise is reversed it overflows. The very young children try using a sieve and the childminder points out that although the water has passed through, the bubbles have remained. Children become confident in their learning as they make independent choices, as good attention is paid to the presentation of resources. The uniqueness of each child is recognized and valued by the childminder. She makes regular observations of their achievements and links these to the expectations of the early learning goals; this enables her to plan the next steps in their learning. Consequently, children made very good progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Outstanding policies and procedures are implemented on a daily basis to keep children safe and promote a healthy lifestyle. All children have opportunities to be outside and active. They regularly use the garden, local park and go for walks. They rest or sleep according to their individual needs and the childminder recognises signs when children need comfort and cuddles. High levels of hygiene are maintained and children develop excellent hygiene procedures. For example, all children wash their hands after using the toilet or having their nappy changed. They use soap and recognise their own towels to prevent cross contamination. Children are provided with regular drinks and healthy snacks. Outings to the park are used to sensitively make children aware of 'stranger danger', and at the childminding groups visits from the community officer and firemen help support children in recognising people they can trust and will help them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder provides a calm, positive role model and uses effective strategies to support children in managing their own behaviour. The childminder gets to know the children and their families well, to ensure her provision is inclusive and responsive to their needs. Each child receives a welcome pack when they start, to make them feel special, this includes their own flannel, diary and toy. Children are gaining a very good awareness of their own community and the wider world, through attending local toddler groups, helping to take care of the environment and playing with resources which provide positive images of people's differences. 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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