Stephanie Dawn Venables

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 EY386461 Inspection date 05/05/2009 Inspector Christine Slaney

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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 2008. She lives in a rented three bedroomed house in Totnes, in Devon. She shares the house with her partner and two lodgers. The house is situated on a small housing estate. It is accessed by a sloping drive from the road and steps to the front door and within walking distance of local shops, schools, pre-schools and parks. The house is arranged on two floors and children mainly use the downstairs of the property. They have use of a kitchen, front room, conservatory and downstairs toilet area. There is a small secure rear garden. The lower part of the garden is included in the conditions of registration. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years, of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder also occasionally works with an assistant.

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Description of the childminding

The bedroom used by lodgers is not included in the registration. There are currently 12 children on roll, all of which are within the early years age range. Family pets comprise of two cats.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and thoroughly enjoy themselves. They enjoy a range of free play and adult led activities, and the childminder is attentive to their individual needs. Children have frequent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and explore the local environment including the local park. The childminder enjoys a good relationship with parents. This includes the opportunity to discuss their children’s progress. There are important policies and procedures in place. However, some paperwork lacks detail. There are informal links in place with other providers and the childminder has correctly identified that this needs further development. The childminder's capacity to maintain continuous improvement is good.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure all paper work is fully completed and share appropriate copies with parents  further develop links with other child care providers and professionals to ensure all children’s needs are supported appropriately, including learning needs

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provision

The childminder is aware of the benefits of self-evaluation and has involved parents by use of regular questionnaires. This means parents have good opportunities to discuss practice. In addition, the childminder regularly reviews and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 thinks about her practice; as a result there is some great strength in the service she provides. This includes a range of well planned free play and adult led activities, including cooking and frequent opportunities to explore the local environment.

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provision

The childminder provides a flexible service that supports children and their families. She accesses training to keep her knowledge up to date and to support her continuing professional development.

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provision

There are good systems in place for safeguarding children. This includes ensuring those who come into contact with minded children are suitable to do so. The childminder maintains close supervision at all times. There are suitable policies and procedures in place. However, some paperwork, such as consent forms and children’s information lack full detail and are not shared with parents. Comprehensive risk assessments have been completed. Young children learn about keeping themselves safe and healthy. For example, they understand the importance of washing their hands after a trip to the local park. In addition, children spontaneously stop at the road curb, checking for cars before crossing safely with the childminder. They are further protected as the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident. They eagerly explore both indoor and outdoor environments, having free access to toys and games. The childminder interacts well with the children who are relaxed and enjoy the childminder's company, sharing a warm and loving relationship. Children’s individual starting points are known and the childminder regularly observes and monitors their ongoing progress. Parents are informed about their child's development through day books, learning webs and photos. This helps to identify their next step in learning, meaning children’s progress is good.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is aware that some children attend dual child care provision and discusses this informally. However, she recognises the need to further develop to ensure all children’s needs are fully met. Every opportunity is used to extend children's learning. This means that while out walking to local shops and parks they excitedly count eggs in a box. In addition, they spontaneously count how many steps they climb to reach the park. Children behave very well, they are encouraged to be polite and show care and concern for others. For example, children give their friends a cuddle and check if they are okay. The childminder regularly offers appropriate praise and has a calm manner with the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a clean home where good standards of hygiene are implemented. The childminder ensures they have clean hands after visiting the park. This means they are well protected from cross-infection. They enjoy healthy snacks and benefit from the childminder's understanding of the benefits of using fresh produce to prepare dinners. Children are well cared for in the event of having an accident as the childminder is qualified in first aid and has systems in place to respond appropriately. Children are kept safe in the home and also when on outings. 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? 2 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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