Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY337988 Inspection date 27/10/2009 Inspector Anne Mitchell

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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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her partner and three children in Laverstock, near Salisbury. The whole house may be used for childminding, and there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A total of four children may be cared for at any one time, and of these, only one may be in the early years age group. There are currently two children on roll, both of whom are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The family has a dog and a cat. The childminder 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 making good progress towards the Early Learning Goals through a varied range of age appropriate play activities and outings, in and around the local community. The childminder knows the children well, through information gained from their parents, and meets their changing needs effectively. Systems to monitor the provision work well and, consequently, the capacity to make continued improvement is good.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain a record of the risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation) 24/11/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 provide opportunities for parents to contribute to children's developmental records  extend observation records to ensure all areas of learning are covered equally. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The systems to ensure children are safeguarded are good. The childminder knows the signs and symptoms of possible abuse, and has clear knowledge and understanding of procedures to follow in the event of concerns being noted. She has developed a written safeguarding policy to share with all parents. All areas of the home are safe and secure, and the childminder maintains daily visual checks to ensure children can play in safety. A written risk assessment has been developed, but there are no systems in place to regularly review this record.

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the early years provision

The childminder has identified areas of her practice that she needs to develop further. She uses useful internet sites to seek out additional resources to further promote children's learning. She seeks the views of children and their parents to involve them in making choices about the provision.

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the early years provision

Minded children do not currently attend any other childcare provision, so the childminder has no systems in place to share information about children's interests and progress. She has considered how she will do this, either by sharing their learning journeys, or through informal discussions. The childminder has developed suitable partnership with parents and carers. Information about their children's routines and daily activities is provided through informal discussion and written daily diaries. Policies and procedures are shared with parents from the outset. However, parents currently have limited opportunities for parents to contribute to children's developmental records. Parents complete information about their children's individual needs form the outset, and the childminder meets them well recognising each child's age and stage of development.

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the early years provision

Children learn about their own community through outings to local groups and the library. Their knowledge and understanding of the wider world is developing well through good quality play resources that provide positive images of cultural diversity. The childminder has developed a written equal opportunities policy to support her positive attitude to providing an accessible service.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled and happy. They have made good relationships with the childminder and her children, and turn to her for support and reassurance. She is very positive in her approach using lots of praise to promote children's self esteem and confidence. The childminder uses open ended questions well to help children think for themselves, asking 'What shape have you made? Clever boy. Well done'. Children enjoy a welcoming, child orientated environment, where they can easily choose from a broad range of activities. They are provided with a good balance of indoor and outdoor play. Children use the garden regularly, explore the local community and travel by bus or train to visit local towns.

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and outcomes for children

Children explore the home-made playdough. They use a range of tools and cutters This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to make models and shapes. The childminder extends children's play asking 'Can you make a happy face, or a grumpy face?' They gather together to listen to a story, read by the childminder. They listen intently and participate happily. One child spontaneously starts to sing their favourite songs, joining in with the actions and the childminder participates with enthusiasm.

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and outcomes for children

Well planned activities ensure children of all ages and abilities can join in. They make pumpkin lanterns which the childminder has pre-prepared and loosened the inside so children can scoop it out. They talk about the shape of the eyes, nose and mouth. Children draw the face shapes on the pumpkin to be cut out later. They enjoy a high level of interaction and discussion, about planting the pumpkin seeds, and making pumpkin soup. This promotes their vocabulary and language development well.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has started to record children's progress in a developmental record, which includes brief observations and photographs. These records provide a good indication of children's progress and include next steps for their development. However, they do not show the date of the observations and provide limited information about the areas of learning covered. Children's progress is also recorded against the Early Years Foundation Stage developmental stepping stones, so provides a clear indication of children's progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children's understanding of their own personal safety is promoted through reinforcement by the childminder. They talk about how they stay safe on the roads. One child tells the childminder 'Wait for the green man when we cross. We have to look out for the motor bikes'. The childminder gently reminds the children 'Careful on the sofa, you might fall off and hurt your head.' Children adopt healthy lifestyles through following good hygiene routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands and use paper towels to limit the spread of infection. Children enjoy healthy snacks of fresh grapes and oranges. They participate in activities that help them learn about healthy eating, such as making fruit salads and pizzas. Children complete healthy eating charts, from the government's 'Change 4 Life' campaign, so they can track how many portions of fruit and vegetables they eat. Children enjoy regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise through daily outings.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is good because the childminder uses positive strategies. She uses praise and encouragement and thanks them for being kind and helpful. The childminder has accessed a website for resources and posters to help children think about sharing, taking turns and listening well. Children relate well to each other and demonstrate a caring attitude. The childminder is a good role model and encourages children's good manners and provides opportunities for sharing. 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 3 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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