Childminder in 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 162037 Inspection date 14/04/2009 Inspector Claire Sheldrake

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, ten and eight years in Street, Somerset. The whole of the ground and first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 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. When working in partnership with a co-childminder, they are registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time, of whom no more than six may be in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

She is a member of a local childminding network and is currently working towards an NVQ level three qualification. She has been awarded the National Childminding Association 'Quality First' quality assurance certificate.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of children's individual needs which supports the uniqueness of each child, and ensures that all aspects of their welfare and learning is promoted. The childminder provides a wide variety of play based activities to cover the six areas of learning, which are planned around children's individual interests. Partnerships with parents are very well established and information about each of the children is readily shared verbally, and through written daily diaries. The childminder has produced an accomplished self evaluation of her provision which shows how she has effectively identified and prioritised areas of improvement for the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 review and develop child record forms, to include more information about who has legal contact and parental responsibility for each child.

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provision

The childminder provides an excellent environment for children to make significant progress in their development and learning. She organises her time and resources carefully to meet the needs of all the children who attend. The childminder is very This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 well trained, having a diploma in Home based care. She has attended a vast array of Early Years courses and is near completion of her NVQ level three in Children's care, learning and development.

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provision

She has been awarded a level two 'Quality First' quality assurance certificate, and is a member of the local childminder network. This ensures she is up to date with current, and any changes in legislation, and child development. An exceptional set of documents is effectively used to support children's welfare needs. There is an strong emphasis on children recognising and managing their own health and safety, and becoming independent and confident in their daily lifestyles. Detailed health and safety checks are carried out regularly to reduce potential hazards for children, in the format of risk assessments, emergency evacuation plans and fire precautions, and these are recorded and evaluated.

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provision

The childminder has completed an informative self evaluation, which has identified the things she has introduced as part of her ongoing commitment to improve. These include the labelling of toy boxes, and a folder with photographs of all of the activities she provides, to help children who have not yet developed their language skills fully, to participate in all areas.

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provision

The childminder works closely with the parents of her minded children. She shares information on the children's day verbally and in written format, gains written consent for children and values the parents' input on her provision and her practice. Strong evidence of this is seen as written feedback to their child's learning journal from one parent.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of how children learn and develop. She is intuitive to the needs of all children and ensures that her practice is fully inclusive. She supports children to manage an unfamiliar situation, for example a new visitor to the house. Children are happily engaged in purposeful activities which have been well planned and resourced. They enjoy creative activities, carefully painting their clay models using a variety of brush sizes, to extend their dexterity and co-ordination. The children enjoy the close interaction and concentrate well. They are proud of what they have made, and flourish as the childminder praises their efforts, promoting children's self esteem. From this activity the childminder skilfully extends the interest in the painting activity and provides rollers and sponges for children to continue the fun.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows the children well and responds to their interests. She shares a favourite book about dinosaurs with a child, and on finishing, they both go and find the dinosaur box and sort through to find their preferred model. The child's interest in this topic is then extended further as the childminder suggests that the child take the book home to share it with mum. The childminder makes regular observations of children's activities, achievements and progress, and these are recorded and illustrated with photographs and examples of children's work. The childminder effectively uses these observations to assess children's progress and plan for their future learning, although the final format of these has yet to be This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 decided.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being is effectively supported and all necessary steps are taken to ensure that children are cared for appropriately if they become ill. The childminder encourages them to manage their own routines, such as hand washing and teeth cleaning after eating, to promote and support a healthy lifestyle. The children are looked after in an environment which is rigorously checked for safety. This is carried out through a robust risk assessment of the house, garden and when children go on outings. The children are learning about looking after their own safety too, when they walk on the pavement on the way to school and toddler groups, and when going on the trampoline one at a time.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to learn about the world around them, they enjoy regular trips out to toddler groups for social interaction, and music sessions at the Children's Centre where they are learning how to sign. Photographs show children involved in local fund raising events such as the 'Toddle Waddle' and children are encouraged to care for the environment, where they are involved in recycling, and walking to school rather than driving.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that all documentation is shared with parents and this includes contracts, written consent for emergency treatment and all medication given. Accident records are completed in full and signed by parents, however the child record forms do not yet include information on who has legal contact and parental responsibility for each child. 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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