Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY334811 Inspection date 19/10/2009 Inspector Zahida Hatia

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and nine years old. They live in a four-bedroom semi-detached house in the residential area of Abbeydale, on the outskirts of the City of Gloucester. The whole of the property is registered for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden for outside play with grass, patio and path areas. The family has two small pet dogs and there are fish in a covered outdoor pond.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range. She offers full and part-time care. She currently has 11 children on roll on a part time basis, two of whom are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She also cares for children over eight years of age. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children on outings. The childminder does not wish to provide overnight care.

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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

The childminder provides children with a good level of support to enable them to make effective progress in their learning and development. She shows good commitment to providing an inclusive environment where all children are respected and their individual needs are met. She presents herself as a positive role model to children which encourages them to develop a positive attitude towards diversity and difference. Children experience a wide range of stimulating and exciting activities, all of which take into account their interests and specific needs. The childminder has detailed written observation, monitoring and assessment procedures in place, which are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She has developed excellent partnerships with parents and other providers, such as local schools and nurseries. She has begun to focus on areas regarding her strengths and weakness and is beginning to identify areas which she aims to

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop opportunities for younger children to access information and communication technology resources  implement a process for monitoring and evaluating the provision This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Effective written policies and procedures are in place, including parental consents, which ensures that children are appropriately safeguarded. All documentation and records are very well organised and confidentially maintained. Children's safety is given priority as detailed risk assessments are used, taking into account both the indoor and outdoor environment, including outings. The childminder has a good understanding of Local Safeguarding Board procedures, having attended training. She fully recognises her responsibilities for protecting children. The childminder’s written safeguarding policy includes the procedure to be followed should an allegation be made against her or a member of her household.

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the early years provision

The childminder is proactive in ensuring her knowledge relating to childcare and children's learning and development are sound. She has completed a level 3 childcare course, as well as other relevant training to enhance her knowledge and understanding. She has an extremely good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage having completed her level 3 qualifications. The childminder is beginning to consider ways of improving her practice as she looks at the service she offers and identifies any training or new resources she may need. However, her self-evaluation procedures are not yet fully in place.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are excellent, as the childminder values their contributions and keeps them well informed about all aspects of their children's development and achievements. Very good detailed information from parents is used effectively in planning, to ensure activities and learning opportunities meet children's individual needs. An information pack is available to all parents which includes the childminder's policies and procedures and details of the EYFS, including areas of learning and her planning. She has received very positive written comments from parents about the service she provides. The childminder shares information verbally with parents on a daily basis and they have access to children's daily diaries and development files which include observations, photographs and children's work. The childminder has made excellent links with other services used by the minded children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has very good observation and assessment records in place, which are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage and used to monitor children's development and to identify their next steps of learning. She plans a wide range of activities, which she adapts to ensure each child reaches their full potential and to meet all children's individual needs. The childminder's flexible plans are based on children's interests. This ensures that children are happy and engaged in their learning and play. There is a very good balance between adult-led and child- initiated activities and children are able to make their own choices from the well resourced playroom. They happily help themselves to toys and readily ask for assistance from the childminder, if needed. She listens to the children as they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 'chatter' amongst themselves and she responds in a caring and friendly manner

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and outcomes for children

when they ask questions and ask her to join in the play. The children thoroughly enjoy playing with the construction toys, for example setting up the garage and placing cars on different tracks and watching these speed past them on the floor. Children also have free flow access to the fully enclosed garden where they choose to play football, riding the push along toys or climb on the climbing frame which is suitably situated on the grassed area of the garden.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settle well into the environment as they feel secure in their relationship with the childminder. She supports them well during their play as she gets down to their level. She makes eye contact and encourages their language skills as she asks open ended questions and repeats certain words to younger children to encourage their language development. Number is used in everyday play; for example, the childminder counts and encourages children to count with her. Children make very good progress in their social skills, as they have regular opportunities to visit local toddler groups. They also participate regularly in a range of outdoor and physical activities, including visits to the nearby park, meeting up with other childminders and their minded children and walking to the local shops. Older children regularly use the information and communication technology resources. However, younger children do not have the same regular opportunities.

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and outcomes for children

Children visit the local library once a month, they have access to a wide range of resources that show positive images of equality and diversity, as well as celebrating different festivals and cultural events.

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and outcomes for children

Good health and well-being are well promoted as the childminder uses her detailed information on children's dietary and health needs appropriately. There are comprehensive written health and welfare policies and procedures in place, including a detailed sick child policy, all of which are shared with parents. Hygiene procedures are promoted as children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times and there is discussion about the reasons for doing so. Healthy snacks and meals are planned and menus are shared with parents on a regular basis. The childminder takes time to talk to the children about safety, both in the home and when out and about. Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's home. She is very responsive to their needs and ensures they feel comfortable, safe and secure while in her care. Children are extremely well behaved, have very good manners and are learning about sharing and taking

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and outcomes for children

turns. They respond very well to the childminder's routines and boundaries. They happily help with the tidying up and respond very well to all the praise and encouragement she gives them. 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 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 2

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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

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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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