Childminder in North Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY400649 Inspection date 10/03/2010 Inspector Rachael Williams

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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 was registered in 2009. She lives with her parents, partner and two siblings in Kewstoke, North Somerset. All areas of the family home are registered. Childminding, predominately, takes place on the ground floor with first- floor bedrooms being used to accommodate children's sleep. There is a fully enclosed rear garden which is accessed via steps. The family care for a pet dog and rabbit.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old. At present, the childminder cares for four children in the early years age group.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a level 3 early years qualification.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Close relationships are established with the children so that they are confident and settled within the family environment. The childminder engages well with parents to ensure each child is recognised as unique and their individual needs are met. Partnerships with other early years providers are being developed to ensure continuity in children's care. On the whole, the welfare of the children is effectively promoted. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder is developing self-evaluation systems to ensure they play an integral part in the improvements that she wishes to make to improve outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop risk assessments for each type of outing (Safeguarding and welfare) 26/03/2010

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure systematic observations of each child's engagement in activities to evidence children's achievements.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are cared for by a qualified early years practitioner within a family environment. Children are engaged in a range of learning opportunities suitable to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their age and stage of development. Resources are of good quality and are easily accessible to the children. The childminder encourages their independence through labelling the resources with photographs so that children can make decisions about their play. The childminder respects and acknowledges children's individuality. She acknowledges the need to extend her toys and resources so that children become aware of the diversity in our society.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder ensures a safe and secure environment which is appropriately risk assessed so that children can move freely and independently. All adults residing within the family home have been appropriately vetted to ensure their suitability. Robust systems are in place to ensure that children are collected by suitable adults, for instance, through the use of a password system. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and is in the process of accessing further training to support her knowledge and understanding of appropriate procedures.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has established positive relationships with the parents and ensures flexibility in the settling-in arrangements to ensure she has good knowledge of children's interests, routines and care plans. Through the use of a daily diary parents are able to contribute fully to children's care, learning and development; this is also shared with the reception class teacher. Parents are well- informed about the childminding service through relevant policies and procedures. Parents offer positive testimonials regarding the childminding practices, such as 'a warm and inviting environment' and comment on how 'accommodating and easy to talk to' the childminder is.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a positive approach to self-evaluation and through this has a clear sense of direction. For example, the childminder wishes to convert the garage into a dedicated play room and apply for a grant to extend outdoor provision. She had analysed this and related it to the impact it will have on children's development. She uses her support childminder well to adapt her practices, such as developing children's learning profiles to identify learning priorities.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children confidently explore their environment. The childminder ensures that children have the opportunity to engage in a balanced range of experiences and has regard for their interests. A toddler thoroughly enjoys exploring mark-making equipment. He holds the wax crayons appropriately, using a pincer grip, to explore colour. He shows excellent fine motor skills as he carefully places the crayons back into their container. At snack time he shows good spatial awareness as he places pieces of fruit on the edge of his bowl, giggling at his achievements.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder is beginning to make observations of the activities children engage in and record them alongside the areas of learning. However, these are not extensive and do not fully evidence the progress children are making. Observations are linked to children's stage of development. The childminder completes a summary of children's progress three times a year to share with parents and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identifies learning priorities to appropriately challenge the children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are introduced to healthy and hygienic lifestyles. For example, the childminder is a good role model and, whilst preparing the fruit snack, encourages a toddler to wash his hands alongside her using antibacterial soap. The children enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks and meals prepared by the childminder. Alternatively, the childminder appropriately reheats and serves meals and bottle feeds prepared by the parents to ensure children's special dietary needs are met. Children have opportunities to be outside in the fresh air, for instance, through visits to the local park. Social skills are enhanced through weekly attendance at a local toddler group.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder ensures that children are closely supervised and that ratios are maintained through the use of an accurate attendance record. The childminder is aware of ensuring children's safety when on outings, for example, through the use of appropriate car seats. Children become aware of their own safety as the childminder is beginning to discuss road safety with older children. The childminder has completed an appropriate risk assessment for trips to the park, however, for other types of outing, such as visits to the local children's centre and school, these have not been completed. This is a breach of specific legal requirement. The childminder is vigilant within the family home and has established appropriate safety measures to protect children, such as stair gates to prevent access to the first floor and to the front door to ensure children's safety. Accidents and existing injuries are routinely recorded and promptly shared with parents. Robust systems

p.6

and outcomes for children

are in place to ensure that medication is appropriately administered including the last dose the child was given at home. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

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