Childminder in Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY397741 Inspection date 13/01/2010 Inspector Jan Healy

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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 registered in 2009. She is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and four years of age in the town of Yeovil, Somerset. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years, of which two may be in the early years age group at any one time. Currently, the childminder is caring for seven children, of which five are in the early years age group. The children have access to the whole of the childminder's home except for one bedroom and to a fully enclosed outdoor play area. The family own two pet cats, Oscar and Merlin. There are five steps before entering the premises and on-road parking.

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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 children are making good progress in relation to their starting points. Toys and resources are fit for purpose, age appropriate and stimulate their interest. The available space is well utilised and the childminder ensures equality of opportunity.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a method of self-evaluation to include the views of the children and parents

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the early years provision

The childminder has good knowledge with regard to safeguarding the children in her care. She keeps herself up-to-date about child protection issues and understands her responsibility to ensure the children are protected at all times through the attendance of training courses. She knows the children very well and so is in a position to notice any significant change in their general well-being or behaviour and has the ability and confidence to refer a concern to the appropriate authority.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed in helping the children make progress in their learning and development. She successfully promotes their welfare, and the planning of an exciting range of play opportunities allow the children to swiftly achieve at their own pace. Successful links with both parents and providers that deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensure there is consistency of care and learning. Inclusive practice enables the childminder to promote their individual needs, so they achieve as well as they can. There is effective and efficient use of resources, the majority of which are stored at the children's height, so they are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 able to self-select items of their choice, which helps to further their independence.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an ambitious vision about the improvements she would like to make, as she has begun to self-evaluate her provision to help her identify her strengths and weaknesses. She has a high expectation of herself and is committed in providing the children with a continually improving setting, however, the views of the children and parents are not yet in place.

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and outcomes for children

The children are well cared for, as the childminder takes appropriate precautions to ensure their safety at all times. Risk assessments are in place for the home, garden and for all outings the children attend, to help in the eliminating of any hazards. Smoke alarms are regularly tested and the children take part in an emergency evacuation procedure, so they become familiar with the leaving of the property without delay. When walking to the local park, the children are taught about road safety and they are protected from adults who are not vetted. The children enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks and have access to fresh drinking water at all times. Meals are taken together whilst sitting at a low-level table where not only do the children further their social skills, but as they are encouraged to chat to their friends, they extend their vocabulary. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an accident, with details being retained and

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and outcomes for children

shared with the parents. A suitable nappy changing routine helps to prevent the spread of cross-infection and the children are taught about the importance of maintaining their personal hygiene.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for the children where they flourish in their learning and development. The home remains to a comfortable temperature and suitable furniture and resources allow the children to play in contentment. Their artwork adorns the walls making for a child friendly atmosphere. Books, posters and toys reflect the wider community and the children are taught to respect themselves and others. The children's behaviour is good and they speak to each other with kindness. Older children enjoy helping the younger ones when, for example, they require assistance with the interlocking of a jigsaw. The children are learning about their own culture and about the culture of others through play and stories. The childminder has a strong understanding about the Early Years Foundation Stage enabling her to further their progress in all areas of learning. Good quality planning begins with the children's starting points and

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and outcomes for children

focuses upon their interests, including animals and music. The children are suitably challenged by the experiences provided, such as when building a model using recyclable materials. Details about the children's progress are shared with the parents as each child has a folder containing information about the level of development they have reached and their next step of learning. 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 2 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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