Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY359241 Inspection date 15/09/2009 Inspector Sue Taylor

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2007. She lives with her two children aged four and eight in Eastbourne, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two cats and a lizard.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years and is registered by Ofsted on both parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder’s knowledge of each child as an individual makes sure that she promotes children’s welfare and learning. Partnerships with parents and other Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) providers are good, making sure that the needs of all children are met, along with any additional support needs. As a result, children are relaxed, happy and progress well. The childminder is keen to continue developing her practices.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that written consent from parents for emergency medical consent and advice is obtained and accessible for all children (Safeguarding and Welfare). 23/09/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 develop processes that monitor children's progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage across the areas of learning to ensure a balance  continue to encourage parents' involvement in their child's learning and their contribution to the assessment process. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures her home is safe and secure for the children. The written risk assessment demonstrates how identified hazards are minimised. Risk assessments are carried out for all types of outings, though these are not recorded. The written policies and procedures shared with parents include child protection and inform them of her responsibilities in safeguarding children. The childminder is secure in her knowledge of the process to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care. The required records and documentation are in place and include a number of written consents from parents, however not all children are covered for emergency medical treatment or advice and this is a breach of a legal requirement in the EYFS.

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the early years provision

The varied range of good quality resources is stored at low level to be accessible to the children. The organisation of the childminder’s home enables children to use the playroom and lounge as they wish, access the toilet easily and, in good weather, choose free flow play in the rear garden. The observations the childminder makes as children play mean she can meet individual learning styles as she identifies children's next steps. Equally, this process ensures that the planning of activities is inclusive to all children who attend. Children’s learning journeys show the progress they are making, although there is no monitoring to ensure a balance across the six areas of learning or to clearly demonstrate their ongoing progress from their starting points within the EYFS framework. As a result, parents are not effectively informed as to their child’s development towards the early learning goals. The childminder is aware of this and plans to develop her practices.

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the early years provision

She attends further training where possible and, as a reflective practitioner, is clear about her strengths and where she wants to make improvements. The childminder develops friendly relationships with parents and regularly shares children’s learning journeys, although parents are not contributing to the assessment process in a meaningful way. The childminder is aware of the need to liaise with other providers of the EYFS when a child attends other settings. Good sharing of information results in continuity for the child and ensures that all adults involved know the child as an individual.

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and outcomes for children

Children settle well and have a close bond with the childminder. They make progress in their learning and development across the EYFS. The observations and identified next steps help ensure children’s progress is good. The childminder gets to know the children in her care and uses their interests effectively to encourage their learning. Children are keen to show what they have learnt and show a sense of pride in their achievements. Being able to make choices about their play enables them to take the lead and enjoy activities that the childminder has planned. Children show sustained play whether on their own or with the childminder. The older children enjoy learning about numbers, recognising the number, as a label as well as using it for counting. Good quality open questioning by the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 helps children think and extend their thoughts or their game. The range of

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and outcomes for children

resources encourages exploration of toys that require manipulation or problem solving, such as puzzles. In addition to man-made toys the childminder has a small collection of interesting objects for children to investigate, with careful supervision for the younger children. There are resources indoors and outside that cover the six areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn to keep themselves safe through the childminder’s explanations and guidance. For example, they practise fire drills and crossing the road. They are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they use their own towel for hand drying or access their drink when they want to. The snacks and meals provided by the childminder are nutritious and balanced. Children learn to try new tastes and enjoy eating the results of their potato and leek growing. Discussion with parents of young children helps the childminder follow home routines; as a result, they are relaxed and content. Resources and activities help children gain an awareness of the wider world and they learn to respect differences. When a child uses English as an additional language, the childminder is aware of the benefit in valuing and incorporating the child’s home language into their day. Children behave well and are responsive to the childminder’s requests to help tidy away. Overall, they are

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and outcomes for children

keen to learn and develop skills for the future. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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