Childminder in South Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY303367 Inspection date 02/09/2009 Inspector Saida Cummings

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 was registered in 2005 and lives with her family in a residential area situated on the outskirts of Bristol. There are local shops, parks, playing fields, daycare settings and schools within walking distance. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and daycare settings. Children are taken on local visits and outings. The family has two cats.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The main areas used for childminding are situated on the ground floor, with bathroom and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder has procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language. She is registered to care for three children at any one time and there is one child on roll within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also cares for older children. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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

Children's learning and development is very well promoted as they benefit from a wide range of stimulating and interesting planned and spontaneous activities. The childminder ensures that all children are able to take part in activities and children are making very good progress in all areas. Children's welfare is successfully promoted in a safe, friendly and homely environment where they are equally valued and included. There are effective partnerships with parents and carers as the childminder ensures they are kept fully informed of their children’s care arrangements. The childminder has a positive approach to self-evaluation, continuously reviewing her work which gives her a clear overview of her practice and enables her to prioritise areas for improvement, thereby maintaining a service which is responsive to children's needs.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve safety for children by ensuring written parental consents are obtained for taking children on outings.

p.4

the early years provision

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has a very good understanding of Safeguarding Children procedures. The childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of the signs of possible abuse and neglect and has clear written This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures and guidance in place. These are shared with parents and carers to ensure they are made fully aware of the childminder's responsibilities as a child carer. The childminder takes positive steps to promote children's safety particularly in relation to ensuring the premises are safe and secure. Risk assessments are robust and successfully used to ensure all hazards to children are minimised. However, although the childminder has completed thorough risk assessments for outings, she has not obtained written parental consents for taking children on outings to ensure their safety is fully protected.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates enthusiasm for her work and is motivated to continue to make changes that improve the outcomes for children. She is highly committed to improvement and through the good use of reflective practice and self-evaluation she identifies and takes positive actions which improve the outcomes for children. Recent improvements include the introduction of completing written observations and assessments of children's progress, enabling the childminder to plan appropriately to ensure each child is given the opportunity to move on to the next stage in their development. Children make very good progress in their learning and achieve well because the childminder effectively uses resources to ensure each child is provided with well-planned activities to enable them to develop their skills and reach their full potential. The environment is welcoming and children are able to freely move around the play areas, instigating

p.5

the early years provision

their own spontaneous play from the broad range of easily accessible interesting and stimulating toys. For example, they use the lounge for quiet activities and the dedicated play room for joining in with age-appropriate floor activities, such as construction play and completing jigsaw puzzles. Inclusive practice is promoted well as the childminder encourages children's positive self-esteem and respects all children's backgrounds and any specific needs. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are fully included in all activities and play. These are tailored to meet their individual stages of learning to ensure they are able to take part and develop at their own pace.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is very well organised and children’s health, safety and welfare are effectively promoted because most of the required consents, policies and procedures are in place. There are many detailed documents in place which are regularly reviewed and updated, taking into consideration current legislation affecting the care of children. Children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to providing good quality childcare. She has up-to-date knowledge and understanding of childcare and has a positive attitude towards further developing her skills and knowledge. She regularly attends local appropriate training events and implements the latest guidance and legislation into the overall organisation. Children benefit from continuity of care as the childminder has developed very good relationships with their parents and carers. She has also started making connections with some of the other local providers and plans to extend this once

p.5

the early years provision

she is caring for any children who also attend any other settings. Parents and carers are kept constantly informed about their child's day through informal discussions and the use of daily diaries. This ensures that important information is shared through effective communication systems and that individual children are able to make links in their learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children benefit from playing in a well-organised environment which allows them to be independent and make choices. They are progressing very well in their learning and development as they benefit from an exciting range of activities which are specifically planned to ensure individual children’s preferences and interests are fully catered for. Good planning and careful daily organisation ensures all children are actively engaged as activities are matched according to each child’s age and stage of development. The childminder has developed effective systems for observing children and assessing their progress. She successfully uses this information to help plan stimulating activities which ensure children are well supported and able to develop to their full potential. Children are provided with many opportunities to enjoy a well-balanced selection of adult-led and child-led activities. The childminder plans exciting and stimulating activities, taking into

p.6

and outcomes for children

consideration the children's individual interests and experiences. She is a good role model and creates an environment that encourages children to respect boundaries and begin to control their own behaviour. Their positive behaviour is encouraged and praised and they are taught to share, take turns and give consideration to each other.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children’s awareness of the world around them and the wider society is encouraged though a range of activities and outings. This includes outings within the local community and regular visits to children’s groups where they have the opportunity to mix with other children of their own age group. Play equipment and other resources are well maintained and include positive images of differences. Children have very good opportunities to develop their skills in communicating, literacy and numeracy. Their language skills are developed through their love of books and story telling, as well as encouragement to join in with relaxed and interesting conversations. For example, they sit with the childminder, relaxing whilst reading and looking at some of their favourite books. The childminder consistently and positively interacts with the children to encourage their involvement and learning, such as encouraging their speech development by

p.6

and outcomes for children

skilfully asking them open questions that encourage them to think and extend their vocabulary. Children have many opportunities to extend their imagination, hand/eye co-ordination and problem solving skills. They eagerly join in with puzzle games and enjoy using a variety of interactive toys. Their creativity is encouraged through involvement in a variety of age-appropriate craft activities, such as painting and creating colourful pictures using different painting techniques.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children’s safety and well-being is very well promoted through effective health and safety procedures. They are made aware of healthy living through a variety of activities which include daily opportunities to exercise and develop their physical skills. They enjoy using the various age-appropriate play equipment to develop their physical skills in the outdoor fresh air and also enjoy joining in with indoor physical activities, such as singing and dancing along to some of their favourite nursery rhymes. For example, they love to join in with ring games, such as 'Ring-a- Ring-a-Roses', holding hands as they walk round in a circle and carrying out the different actions at the appropriate times whilst singing the song. Children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provided with a varied diet of nutritious and healthy snacks and meals which are planned to ensure any specific dietary needs are catered for. Their independence is

p.6

and outcomes for children

developed and nurtured as they confidently make decisions about what they would like to play with. They are encouraged to develop their basic skills through everyday routines, such as helping to lay the table before meal times. They are taught safety through everyday routines, such as being made aware of car safety when being transported. Children's confidence is encouraged and nurtured as they are able to explore and experiment in a safe environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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.8

Stage

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

p.8

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.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9