Childminder in Devon

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 EY383074 Inspection date 11/06/2009 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 2008. She lives with her husband and their 15 month old son. They live in a first floor flat in Axminster, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. All areas of the property are used for childminding and access to the property is via stairs. The childminder uses local parks for outside play. The family has two cats, fish in a tank and African snails.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two children may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends a toddler group on a regular basis. She holds a level 3 qualification in childcare.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The good partnership with parents and other carers ensures the childminder effectively meets children's individual needs, and promotes an inclusive provision. Children enjoy their time with the childminder, they spend their time actively engaged and make good progress in learning. The childminder has begun to use self-evaluation to identify her own development needs, and to gain an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the provision. Children are kept safe through good supervision and their health is promoted successfully.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop observations and assessment systems in order to match the observations of children to the expectations of the learning goals and to identify learning priorities for each child

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 keep a record of risk assessments carried out for outings, with the date of the review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation) 18/06/2009

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provision

Children benefit from the good links which exist between parents and other providers. For example, extensive information is sought on children's families, interests and individual needs. This enables the childminder to understand each This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child's background and use the information to promote their welfare, and learning and development. Good information is obtained from a nursery children also attend, which ensures consistent care and complementary learning experiences. The childminder uses Devon Childminding Association policies and procedures, and provides written copies for parents. Good information is sought to safeguard children and ensure parents' wishes are met. The childminder has begun to use self-evaluation to identify the strengths of her provision and any actions needed to make improvements.

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provision

Most necessary documentation is in place. The childminder carries out a full risk assessment of her premises and records any actions or equipment needed to minimise risks. However, she does not record all risk assessments for outings, which is a requirement, to safeguard children. The childminder has attended all necessary training and continues to identify her own development needs. For example, she has a good awareness of child protection issues, however, she has sought further training to ensure her knowledge remains up-to-date. The childminder organises her premises and documentation effectively to benefit the children in her care. The emergency evacuation procedures are regularly practised, and resources are checked to ensure they are suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are given good opportunities to explore resources for themselves, this promotes their imagination and their ability to be independent learners. The childminder makes regular observations of children's achievements and uses these to plan for their next stages of learning. However, they are not currently linked to the learning goals, to enable the childminder to identify learning priorities in all areas of their development. Children have good opportunities to take part in adult led activities. For example, babies explore paint, cornflour and ingredients for cooking. Children enjoy books and the childminder provides good interaction, naming items for the very young children. She responds to babies as they babble and make noises, thus promoting their communication skills. They enjoy looking at their reflection and the childminder talks to them about what they can see.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in clean premises and the childminder takes appropriate steps to promote their health. For example, she plans daily opportunities for children to go for walks and use the local park. The good nappy changing procedures protect children from cross contamination and babies have their own sheets, blankets, flannels and towels. The childminder notices signs when children are tired and organises her time effectively to meet their needs. She is calm and gentle, and builds good relationships with the children. Babies are given their bottle in her arms and enjoy eye to eye contact making them feel secure. Children attend toddler groups and visit places of interest in their local environment, where they meet other children and people in the community. 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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