Childminder in WiltshireOfsted inspection, 23 Sept 2009

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 505840 Inspection date 23/09/2009 Inspector Carole Argles

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered childminder since 1997. She lives with her husband in Westbury, Wiltshire. All areas of her home are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged 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 three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The children are very happy and settled with the childminder who promotes their welfare and safety effectively. They make good progress in their learning because she tailors activities to match their individual interests and requirements. She works well with parents and other agencies and this allows her to provide good support for all children, including those who have specific needs. The childminder reflects on the quality of her provision and has a positive attitude towards further improvements. She regularly undertakes training and has identified areas of her practice for further development to enhance the outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 continue to develop systems for recording the children's learning and development which increase the involvement of their parents and assist in evaluating the success of the activities and provision  continue to extend the range of resources and activities which can be used to help children find out about and learn to respect others in society

p.4

the early years provision

Suitable records and effective policies and procedures are in place to support all areas of the children’s welfare and development. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in safeguarding children from harm. She checks on her premises daily to minimise risks to their safety and gives thorough consideration to potential hazards when they are out. She knows what to do if she is concerned about the welfare of a child in her care. She helps children learn to protect This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 themselves, for example, by discussing issues such as ‘stranger danger’. The childminder promotes good hygiene and her premises are kept clean. There is clear space for children to play safely and take part in a variety of activities. There is a suitable range of toys and equipment to support all areas of their development and accessible storage allows them select resources independently and make

p.4

the early years provision

There is continuity in the children’s lives and they are well supported by the positive partnerships between the childminder, the parents and others involved with their care and learning. Parents are kept well informed about their child’s progress through daily discussions with the childminder and she suggests how they can continue with their learning at home. She works closely with parents to support specific aspects of children’s development, for example, by following programmes of activities planned by other professionals. The childminder helps children develop non-stereotypical attitudes, for example, by commenting that men as well as women can be nurses. Through discussion, she helps children develop an acceptance of differences in themselves and others. However, at present she provides fewer activities or resources to help them find out about the traditions and beliefs of people in their community and the wider world.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has developed a sound knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has made many positive changes in her practice since the previous inspection. She reflects on the quality of her childminding service and how well she supports the children’s learning and welfare. With assistance from her childminding development officer and others, she has correctly begun to identify areas of her practice for continued development and how she can undertake further improvements.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children develop warm and trusting relationships with the childminder. They feel safe so they are relaxed and confident in her care. They develop good self- esteem because they receive praise and recognition for their achievements. Independence is encouraged. The children initiate their own play and activities and learn to manage their personal care. The childminder enables children to succeed in what they are doing. For example, when they are having difficulties cutting up ribbon, she provides a sharper pair of scissors and encourages them to try again, giving copious praise when they achieve their goal. There is a high level of interaction and conversation between the childminder and the children and this supports their language development effectively. Simple sign language is used to help the younger children communicate with others. The children readily ask and respond to questions and talk about real and imaginary situations. The childminder

p.5

and outcomes for children

makes very good use of unplanned opportunities to extend children’s thinking and learning by asking them open questions as they play. For example, she takes the advantage of their pretend play to ask simple number problems, enquiring how many plates will be left if she takes two away. She uses an activity of drawing around hands to count the number of fingers and to compare sizes. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The children are encouraged to lead healthy and safe lifestyles and develop skills that will help them in their later lives. They have many opportunities to be active and frequently visit local parks. They are encouraged to drink regularly and eat fruit for their snacks. They learn good hygiene routines and know that they have their own towel for drying their hands. They talk about healthy eating and learn about road and fire safety. During pretend play, the children use oven gloves when

p.5

and outcomes for children

handling ‘hot’ dishes and they talk about how vegetables are good for them and help them to grow strong. The children show good levels of concentration and sustained involvement and enjoyment in what they are doing. They are interested in words and letter sounds and enjoy completing puzzles. They try out their own ideas in creative activities and are curious about how objects such as colanders and slotted spoons are used. The children generally behave very well and are polite and spontaneously helpful to others. They learn to share fairly and play cooperatively together. Good behaviour is celebrated with praise and stickers so children understand when they have done well.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder observes the children as they play and has a good understanding of what they can achieve. This allows her to make decisions about the next steps in their learning and identify any child who may need additional support. She plans activities that are well matched to their individual needs and interests, for example, to support their fascination with objects of different textures or with the colours of church windows. She keeps brief records of some areas of each child’s development and this helps her to monitor their progress towards the early learning goals. Although she encourages parents to have a look at and discuss these records with her, at present they are not asked to contribute what they know about their child to ensure there is an all-round picture of their achievements. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8