Childminder, Out-of school day care 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 EY357799 Inspection date 07/08/2009 Inspector Heather Morgan

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children in the village of Belstone, near Okehampton, Devon. Children have access to the ground floor of the childminder's house, which consists of a large kitchen, hallway, lounge and toilet. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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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. She may care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding a total of 12 children, three of whom are in the early years age group. All of the children attend on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a Diploma in Pre-School Practice and is also a supervisor at a local pre-school. The family have a Jack Russell Terrier, who can be excluded from children if necessary and a rabbit who lives in a hutch in the garden.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder and also enjoy the company of other children attending. They have good opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities that reflect their interests and promote their progress and learning. Good attention is paid to ensuring that all children can participate in the activities of their choice and that their individual needs are met. The childminder has a strong commitment to improvement and uses self-evaluation effectively to identify ways to improve her practice in ways that will promote positive outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop procedures for exchanging information with others in order to further support children's progress and development.

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provision

The childminder is well organised and uses documentation effectively to underpin her good practice and demonstrate how she meets the regulatory requirements. For example, there is an informative folder for parents which provides clear information about the childminder's policies and procedures so that they are clear about the service she provides.

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provision

The childminder's thoughtful reflection on her childcare provision is used effectively to identify areas for improvement. She has a clear commitment to improvement, attends regular training events to keep her knowledge and skills up to date and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 seeks ways to promote children's welfare, learning and development. For example, she has recently improved her procedures for recording risk assessments, to demonstrate how she keeps children safe, and has reviewed her procedures for observing and assessing children's progress.

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provision

The childminder values good relationships with parents and ensures that regular discussions take place to support her in meeting children's individual needs. These discussions are used to exchange information about health issues, to agree children's next steps for learning and to provide continuity of care when responding to children's changing needs.

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provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding issues and draws upon her experience in working at the local pre-school to underpin her knowledge and understanding of her role in keeping children safe. She has given careful consideration to the implications of lone working as a childminder and is confident in her ability to respond appropriately in the event of any concerns. The childminder is diligent in implementing procedures to ensure that all household members are appropriately vetted.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children arrive enthusiastically at the childminder's home and clearly enjoy renewing acquaintances with friends they have played with before. They are sensitively supported in separating from their parents and quickly settle to a variety of activities. They have opportunities to play outdoors and get plenty of exercise as they run around the garden, go out for walks and explore the local moors. They have a clear understanding of the importance of personal hygiene and receive good support to ensure they wash their hands thoroughly. Children enjoy regular drinks and snacks in addition to the packed lunches they bring with them. A keen interest in what grows in the garden encourages them to taste new foods such as fresh peas, and good attention is paid to meeting their special dietary requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing a good awareness of safety as they regularly discuss some of the simple rules that are in place to keep them safe. For example, they learn that they should not run around indoors wearing only socks on their feet as they might slip over. Children use a variety of tools with increasing confidence and attention to safety, such as using scissors to cut different materials.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Most children attend the setting for short periods of time, such as after school, or during the school holidays. Nevertheless, the childminder pays good attention to evaluating their achievements and supporting their progress and development. Children are given good opportunities to choose what they would like to do. Consequently, activities sustain their interest well. The childminder provides sensitive support to ensure that children can all participate in the activities if their choice, and that they are offered appropriate challenges. For example, when children ask to make something they are provided with a wide range of materials and tools to enable them to work out how to design and construct models. Older children work independently whilst younger ones are given support and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouragement to develop the necessary skills to complete their chosen task.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children engage in lively conversation as they play and the childminder encourages them to talk about what they have been doing or places they have visited. She knows the children well and has a clear understanding of their stages of development. Observations of their play are used effectively to identify what they need to learn next. The childminder regularly discusses children's progress with their parents and because she also works at the local pre-school, she has good knowledge of their development and achievements. She is currently developing her assessment procedures to include regular summaries of children's progress in each of the six areas of learning, in order to improve exchange of information with other early years providers, such as the local school. 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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