Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 102601 Inspection date 06/10/2009 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 12 years, in a hamlet a few miles from St Austell. The house is within walking distance of a pre-school and other local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding which includes the playroom, kitchen, dining room, bathroom and one bedroom. Children play in a securely fenced back garden. The family have two dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently nine children on roll, seven of whom are in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups and 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder is highly qualified and experienced in her care of young children. She has excellent working relationships with parents, carers and others, which contributes significantly towards meeting children’s individual needs. The childminder successfully promotes each child’s learning and development and provides a thorough inclusive service. A positive commitment to continuous development is evident, with a strong capacity to further improve the professional practice.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 seek information from parents about children's capabilities and starting points to enhance planning for individual progress  continue to develop the procedures to observe, assess and plan for children's individual development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent awareness of the procedures to safeguard children’s welfare. She has completed a number of courses in relation to child protection and has good links with other agencies. Policies and procedures are up date and readily available to parents, which further promotes positive partnerships in safeguarding children. The childminder completes robust risk assessments of the home and for outings. As part of her own evaluation she now reviews these twice This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a year to further ensure safety for children. She helps children to learn about keeping safe in a fun way within routine activities. Good partnerships and positive strategies are effective in the promotion of children's self-esteem and behaviour. The childminder is sensitive to children's needs and consistent in her approach to managing behaviour.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly effective in her organisation of her childcare provision. Resources are in good condition and accessible to children. Pictures on the front of the boxes help younger children to make independent choices and to help sort toys after use. Records and documentation are maintained in excellent order and all policies and procedures are in place. This fully ensures that children benefit from consistent care and that their individual needs are securely met. The childminder has a wealth of experience in caring for children with differing needs. She seeks additional support as required for individual children in order to help them reach their full potential. The childminder also uses 'Makaton' signs with all children, which enhances communication and helps them to understand that people are unique. Positive partnerships with parents are very well promoted. Notice boards provide clear information for parents, including plans for children’s activities.

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the early years provision

Parents are invited to contribute to the children’s records of development and to take them home to share with other family members. Views are sought from parents about the provision and they provide very good feedback in the questionnaires. The childminder records details of children’s specific requirements, their preferences and personal routines, when they first attend. However, this does not include information on children’s current stage of development, which the childminder could use to inform initial plans for their progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder has made very good progress in the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. She has begun to develop and review systems to observe, assess and plan for children’s individual development. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of how children learn and develop and they make excellent progress in her care. Effective links are in place with other providers of the EYFS, where children attend more than one setting. This ensures continuity of care and complementary learning opportunities for children. The childminder has successfully evaluated and assessed her practice, identifying suitable areas for further development. Previous inspection recommendations are fully addressed to enhance security and the complaints procedure. The childminder continues to attend a wealth of training in relation to childcare practice. At the last inspection the childminder had an NVQ level 3 and has since achieved a higher

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the early years provision

qualification in early years practice. The childminder demonstrates an exemplary approach and commitment to the care of children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely happy and very well cared for in the childminder’s home. They develop affectionate relationships and feel secure in the highly stimulating environment. Children show delight as they investigate and explore the child- focussed play room. They independently select resources from boxes or shelves, carefully examining them to find out what they do. For instance, a toddler picks up This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a toy phone and carefully presses and pulls buttons. This helps younger children to experience ‘cause and effect’ and to discover how things work. Children show further understanding as they play imaginatively with the role play equipment. They pretend to use the cooker and kitchen utensils, carefully ‘pouring’ from a teapot into a cup. Children use descriptive language and chatter constantly throughout the activity. For example, children ‘cut’ pieces of replica food, naming

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and outcomes for children

different fruit and vegetables as they do so. Children make ‘shopping lists’ as they play or prepare for an outing. These activities effectively promote all areas of learning in children’s individual development. The childminder is highly skilled in her engagement with children, gently extending and challenging their learning in play. For instance, children are encouraged to count and make simple calculations as they play. Children instinctively use mathematical and positional language in their activities. They readily contribute their observations and ideas, demonstrating a very good understanding of what they are doing.

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and outcomes for children

Children play very cooperatively together, sharing toys and equipment. They concentrate for extensive periods as they construct a track together for their vehicles. Children benefit from social opportunities as they visit groups, or other childminders and children. They develop confidence, high self-esteem and positive attitudes within the setting. Children learn to have care and respect as they begin to understand about the needs of others. For instance, the childminder sponsors a guide dog and children enjoy receiving letters and photographs from the organisation. Children behave exceptionally well and demonstrate a very good understanding of the routines to promote health and safety. For example, in role play children talk about ‘washing their hands’ before they ‘cook food’. They routinely clean their teeth after meals, which also promotes independent skills. Children understand how to behave in different situations, such as, holding hands

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and outcomes for children

near a road and knowing when it is safe to run around.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder displays her plans and has frequent discussions with parents about children’s activities. They are encouraged to be involved in children’s learning, for instance, in providing photographs or topical items from home. Families also contribute to children’s awareness of diversity, such as, in language and cultural celebrations. Children further develop their knowledge and understanding of the world as they sow and grow plants. They use the computer and electronic toys, which effectively promotes their early understanding of technology. Physical play opportunities are available in a variety of activities. Children enjoy outdoor play in the garden, trips to indoor soft play areas and the local parks. They are competent in their use of tools and equipment, demonstrating good coordination skills. Children thoroughly enjoy creative play, including imaginative play, music, and ‘messy’ activities. They are proud of their

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and outcomes for children

achievements and their paintings or pictures are displayed on the wall or taken home. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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