Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY391226 Inspection date 06/10/2009 Inspector Michelle Tuck

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 registered in 2009. She lives with her husband and one child, aged four years, in the town of Frome, Somerset. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children on roll, all are in the early years age range. The children have access to the whole of the childminder's home, except for the computer/music room. There is easy access to the childminder's property, which has a drive for parking. The family own a pet cat.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The children are making steady progress in their learning and development. They have fun with the childminder, who joins in with their play and interacts with them at their level, making for a happy atmosphere. The children are treated with respect and kindness, and all have equal access to the toys and resources available. The childminder is maintaining continuous improvement through her effective implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 further develop the systems to monitor and support children's learning and development through planning and assessment for children's individual needs, taking account of their starting points.  ensure the fire blanket is wall mounted appropriately  ensure knives are inaccessible to children.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has written polices and procedures which she shares with the parents. The childminder keeps the parents verbally up-to-date about their child's progress and about the achievements they are making. She has also begun to develop a system to record children's progress which is also shared with the parents. The childminder is beginning to work in partnership with other providers who deliver the EYFS to enable her to identify the children's learning needs and to ensure consistency.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has begun to make use of a method of self-evaluation to enable her to identify her strengths and weaknesses and to reflect upon and review her provision. For example, she has identified that although she has introduced scrap This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 books for the children, she needs to link the observations of the children to the EYFS and make the planning more individual to each child. She offers a range of quality toys and equipment and satisfactorily uses these to interest and involve the children. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding and awareness regarding equality and diversity. She makes her resources available to all and is careful to equally include children, while being aware of some individual needs.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder frequently risk assesses her home and garden and also risk assesses the outings that the children take part in, such as an outing to a duck pond. She is committed to improving the setting for the children and has the capability to do so. The childminder has a sound understanding about the importance of safeguarding the children in her care. Therefore, they are adequately supervised at all times and are protected from adults who are not vetted. She is aware of the procedure to follow in the event that she has a concern, and has suitable knowledge about the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She is confident to request an explanation from a parent about a pre-existing injury and keeps a written statement about her responsibility with regard to child protection, which she shares with the parents.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children learn about safety through discussion with the childminder. For example, she explains how to cross the road safely. There is an appropriate emergency evacuation procedure in place, however, the childminder has not yet practised this with the children. Children's dietary needs are met through the childminder working in partnership with parents. They freely access their drink during play when thirsty. They have regular opportunities, both indoors and out, to reinforce and further develop their physical skills to maintain a healthy body, with free access to equipment such as bikes and scooters. There is a fire blanket kept in the kitchen, however at present, it is not wall mounted and therefore could not be used in an emergency if necessary. There are also some sharp knives which are stored in a drawer in the kitchen which are not inaccessible to children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are confident and sociable and readily turn to the childminder for cuddles, support and reassurance showing that secure and trusting relationships have been formed. The childminder provides children with a variety of play opportunities which allow them to develop their skills in all areas. She makes observations and is aware of the need to plan for individual interests and to link her observations to the EYFS.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder helps to support the children's learning as she has a sound understanding about the EYFS and has learnt how to sign to ensure she can fully support any children who find it difficult to communicate verbally. She does not currently record information about the children's starting points, although she is very knowledgeable about the children in her care. The children have lots of fun, taking part in many outdoor activities. They enjoy collecting insects and looking at them closely in bug boxes through magnified glasses. They look carefully at books, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning to understand the importance of print. They help to plant and care for vegetables in the garden, which they then pick and eat for their lunch. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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