Childminder in North 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 EY330479 Inspection date 06/04/2009 Inspector Rachael Williams

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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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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). 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 2006. She lives with her daughter and family dog in Clevedon, North Somerset. All areas of the house are used for childminding; sleeping and toilet facilities are situated on the first floor of the premises. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family home is close to local amenities and children regularly attend local toddler groups and places of interest. The childminder escorts children to and from a local pre-school.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for two children and is currently caring for five children on a part-time basis. The childminder cares for children five days a week throughout the year.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality of the provision is outstanding. Each child is given individual attention by a dedicated childminder. Supportive and caring relationships are established hence, the childminder has excellent knowledge of children's individual needs ensuring that their individuality is acknowledged and fully respected. Effective links with parents and other providers ensure continuity in children's care, learning and development. Children make good progress in their learning and development and enjoy their time within a homely environment. The childminder monitors her provision effectively using self-evaluation which includes both children and parents in identifying the strengths and areas for improvement of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop assessment arrangements to clearly identify the next steps in children's learning in relation to their stage of development.

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provision

Children are cared for by an enthusiastic and dedicated childminder who is focused on making outcomes for children good. She monitors her professional development well and is proactive in accessing relevant training such as, a safeguarding children course. Self-evaluation is an integral part of the childminder's practice. She is excellent at monitoring the provision identifying areas for improvement such as, linking observations of the children with learning and development requirements and providing hands-on experiences for the children. Parents and children are included in the evaluation process. For instance, parents are encouraged to complete questionnaires where they are able to identify ways the childminder may improve. Excellent relationships are developed with parents through a flexible settling in process and the regular exchange of information for example, through a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

daily communication book. Parents offer positive comments such as, how the childminder provides a 'warm, welcoming and loving environment'. Parents receive a wealth of information. For example, relevant policies and procedures which are regularly updated, to ensure continuity in children's care and well-being. Robust arrangements are established to ensure the childminder has excellent knowledge of children's routines and their starting points and capabilities. There are excellent links with other childcare providers. For instance, the sharing of profile documents and daily discussions, to ensure a smooth transition for the children.

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provision

The childminder has exemplary procedures in place to ensure children are cared for in a hygienic, safe and secure environment. Clear collection arrangements ensure that children are collected by suitable adults. For example, the childminder has met all adults who may collect the children in her care. The premises are secure and the childminder has completed comprehensive risk assessments which include daily checks to ensure her home is safe. Children are protected on outings as the childminder has completed a risk assessment for each type of outing which she regularly reviews and adapts according to the children in her care. There is an accurate daily register which ensures that ratios are maintained at all times hence, children are closely supervised by a vigilant childminder. The childminder has excellent knowledge of child protection issues ensuring that appropriate procedures would be followed should an incident occur.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children have an excellent sense of belonging within the family home. They are given individual attention by a supportive childminder who interacts with the children exceptionally well to develop their communication skills and to challenge their learning and development. Children are encouraged to make decisions about their play and are very confident and settled in the well organised setting. An abundant range of high quality toys and resources are easily accessible in low level units and children thrive in the opportunity to explore their surroundings. The furniture is strategically placed to challenge young children's mobility. For instance, one child thoroughly enjoys pulling themselves up on a chair and descending safely relishing the independence it gives them. Children have a wonderful sense of belonging and the conservatory is vibrantly coloured in positive images of diversity and children's creations. The childminder acknowledges children's achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

For example, a young child chooses to mark-make and once they have finished she immediately displays their picture, positively rewarding their achievement. Children's behaviour is exemplary. They are fully engaged and there is little opportunity for children to become disinterested or bored. Children are clear on expectations and boundaries which are consistently applied.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes regular observations of the children in her care. For example, she notices how a young child is beginning to match colours, he shows her two yellow wax crayons and two yellow stacking cups. The young child thoroughly enjoys stacking the cups showing good coordination; they also show developing understanding of size as they successfully balance the cups on top of each other. Children become skilful communicators as the childminder consistently talks to the children and introduces new vocabulary. She responds well to young This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's 'babble' supporting them to repeat keywords. The childminder is developing her assessment systems and acknowledges she needs to progress from formative to summative assessment in order to fully identify learning priorities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The family home is clean and well maintained. For example, there are very good pet arrangements in place to ensure children are cared for in a hygienic environment such as, the garden is checked before use. The childminder has robust systems in place to ensure hygiene is maintained at all times and that children are introduced to a healthy lifestyle. Children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times and are aware of why it is important. Hand sanitizer is used to maintain hygiene when children have colds to reduce the spread of germs and infection. There are robust arrangements in place to ensure that medication and accidents are routinely recorded and promptly shared with parents to ensure continuity in children's care. Appropriate consents have been gained from parents to ensure children's well-being such as, to seek emergency medical treatment and to transport children in the car. Children become aware of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their own safety. For instance, through practising the fire evacuation plan and through gentle reminders such as, why it is not safe to throw balls near the television.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to make healthy choices. For example, a young child is offered fruit for their snack and they decide on apple and banana. Children are offered drinks regularly and these are replenished to ensure children remain hydrated. The childminder provides healthy and nutritious meals such as, roast lamb with fresh vegetables. Parents are provided with a sample menu and the childminder adapts it to include children's special dietary requirements. There are very good opportunities for children to be out in the fresh air and be physically active, for example, through visits to the park, duck pond, toddler groups and soft play areas. 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? 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 C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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