Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY388765 Inspection date 12/10/2009 Inspector Anne Gunston

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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 registered in 2009 and lives with her partner and two children aged two and four years in a house in the Perham Down area of Andover. The home is in a rural setting close to the local pre-school and public transport links. The childminder's home is accessible and children use the ground floor for play. Rest facilities are provided on the first floor when needed. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The family have guinea pigs as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a total of three children, of whom two may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for two children in the early years age group and four children in the later years age range on a part time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Children are well settled and relaxed in the childminder's care, as good communication exists between her and their parents. The childminder clearly recognises the unique character of each child and has effective arrangements in place to promote their welfare. The childminder is not complacent about her working practice. She constantly monitors and completes self-appraisal of the activities and resources she provides for children ensuring these are tailored to meet their individual needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop systems for observing, assessing and recording children's progress to ensure all areas of learning are given equal importance  develop methods to ask parents for their views on the care and education you provide.

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the early years provision

The childminder has many systems in place to safeguard children in her care. Her records of risk assessment are particularly thorough and specific to each area of the house; she uses these effectively to ensure that children are protected at all times. Children use a homely environment where safety is a high priority. For example, the childminder keeps the front door locked whenever children are present and the key is always within her reach. The childminder uses safety gates appropriately on the premises; she sought and implemented the advice of the fire officer concerning use of smoke detectors in the home. The childminder completes This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 visual checks of her premises and garden every day, and is especially careful when taking children out of the home. She carries identity documents for each child, including their contact details, ensuring they can be well supported in any

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the early years provision

emergency. The childminder has secure knowledge of child protection issues, for example, she would be concerned by changes in children's behaviour, which could not be put down to illness, or unexplained injuries. She has a safeguarding policy and ensures that parents receive a copy of this, alongside the contact numbers for Children's Services and Ofsted should they have any concerns about her own practice.

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the early years provision

The childminder's aim is to provide a high quality service and help all children make as much progress as possible in their learning and development. She has a 'wish list’, which she began when first registered, and has implemented many of her plans. For example, a notice board exists in the hall containing certificates of registration and insurance, laminated information for parents on her policies and fire evacuation procedures. She arranges for each child to have a 'pigeon hole' in this area for storage of their belongings, providing a warm welcome for children and plenty of guidance for parents. The childminder is now focusing on offering more varied activities, such as setting up stepping stones in the garden to improve children's coordination and balance. She is researching the use of treasure baskets and the use of natural materials to provide increased stimulation for young children. She regularly attends the childminding support group and actively seeks

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the early years provision

the guidance of experienced child carers, improving her own knowledge and expertise. She is open to constructive advice and comment, although does not yet have a means to include parents in her process of self-evaluation and monitoring.

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the early years provision

The childminder shares children's progress records with parents each week, these are well written and include photographs of children enjoying the wide range of activities on offer. Parents comment that they value this record, as it is informative and reassuring. The childminder also has flexible settling-in arrangements and continues to provide reassurance for parents once their child is established. She offers that they can return to the home whenever they wish, to check that their child is happy and not distressed in any way. She works in an open manner with parents and shares friendly discussion with them daily, yet recognises that parents are sometimes short of time. Therefore, the childminder often writes to give written warning of her plans. For example, she advised parents that the toddler group were to have a Halloween party requiring costumes, ensuring children's participation and enjoyment in all activities.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes equality and diversity at all times and she ensures all children have equal access to resources in the home. The childminder puts out a selection for children's use in the lounge each day, chosen depending on the age and interests of children attending. She rotates these with others brought from storage on the first floor of the home. The toys are colourful and well maintained and the childminder organises her home well to meet children's needs. Children can help themselves to toys in the lounge as these are kept at floor level; the bookshelf is organised so younger children's books are at the bottom and within easy reach. Children confidently access their own drinks in the kitchen, where each has their own cup. Children enjoy meals and snacks, or activities such as cooking and arts and crafts at the kitchen table. They use a good range of resources This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

reflecting other cultures, such as books, jigsaws and small world characters in their play, raising their awareness of the wider world.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder maintains very good levels of interaction with children, she poses children questions and expects them to attempt to solve problems for themselves at all times. She observes children at play and has in-depth knowledge of each child's capabilities, although is not yet linking her observations to an area of learning to ensure all are covered fully. The childminder uses her knowledge of the children to extend their learning at every opportunity. For example, children begin to use number language as the childminder introduces one, two and three into the colour matching game. Children sit comfortably on the childminder's lap while playing this; they stand companionably at her side to listen to stories and show high levels of concentration at these times, encouraged by the childminder to 'look at this, what have we got here'. The childminder ably includes all children in activities and gives each child equal amounts of her time and attention. Children

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and outcomes for children

feel safe and secure as the childminder sits close to them as they play, often spending much of the day sitting on the floor. She keeps up constant dialogue with children, including when changing nappies, making children feel valued. Children demonstrate a great deal of confidence in the childminder, as she is always affectionate in how she speaks to them.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, and think about their own safety during play. The childminder believes that children must have freedom to learn through their experiences and ensures that she monitors children's behaviour to ensure safety for themselves and others. For example, children learn to sit properly on chairs and not to put small toys into their mouths. Children show awareness of others from an early age, encouraged by the childminder to have 'kind hands' with each other. They are generally behaving well as the childminder deals with any minor disagreements in a calm manner, expecting toys to be shared. She allows children to experiment with the resources available to them in a safe manner; for example, children stand on the ramp of the toy garage supported by the childminder and experience great enjoyment sliding down. Children are given plenty of flexibility and are confident in making decisions about their play.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder describes how children move from playing with the sand and water tray in the garden, to 'making dinner' with the flowers growing there, developing their imagination.

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and outcomes for children

Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their physical skills; the childminder makes effective use of her garden and brings equipment such as the play tent and tunnel indoors so children can exercise or enjoy games of peek-a- boo if the weather is poor. Children enjoy trips to the venues such as the hawk conservancy or owl and otter sanctuary where they learn about the natural world. Children benefit from nutritious meals and snacks when in the childminder's care. They make confident decisions about having yogurt and/or fruit at snack time and enjoy trips to the local greengrocer, which raises their awareness of the importance of vegetables in maintaining good health. The childminder prefers to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 cook main meals, which may be chicken casserole or sweet and sour chicken, using fresh ingredients. She is able to manage complex dietary needs well; she

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and outcomes for children

uses a separate area of her kitchen for preparation so no contamination occurs. Children quickly learn the importance of good hygiene and are familiar with using antibacterial hand gel and washing their hands before meals, to prevent risk of infection. The childminder arranges for children to have separate hand towels and encourages them to think about using tissues for their nose from an early age. 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 3 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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