Childminder in South GloucestershireOfsted inspection, 18 Jan 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY396048 Inspection date 18/01/2010 Inspector Sue Vernon

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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 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.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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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

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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 lives in the Oldfield Park area of Bath, with her husband and two children aged three and five years. Childminding generally takes place on the ground floor of the house which includes toilet facilities. Children have access to an enclosed rear garden. The house is within walking distance of local facilities. The childminder is registered to care for up to four children under eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently three children in the early years age range on roll.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a pet cat.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that she gathers clear information about each child in order to meet their care and welfare needs. She builds good relationships with children which enables them to benefit from her support and enjoy the interesting play and learning opportunities presented to them. Partnerships with parents and other providers are secure and supported through the exchange of generally sound records and policies, although one required permission is not in place. The childminder's systems for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of her provision are not yet effective in improving outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure permission for treament in an emergency is sought for each child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 31/01/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of observations to identify the next stage of learning for each child  continue to develop systems for self-evaluation in oder to further improve outcomes for children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe environment for children to play and explore where risks have been assessed and minimised effectively. Adults in the household hold suitable checks and the childminder is clear as to when to notify the regulator of any key changes. She has a satisfactory understanding of safeguarding issues such as signs of child protection issues and shares a written policy with parents in order to ensure her procedures are clearly understood. The childminder has in place records and documentation which contribute to children's health, safety and well-being however 'permission for treatment in an emergency' is not available which is a regulatory requirement. Risk assessments are used and reviewed for regular outings which helps children safely experience new settings such as soft play or toddler groups. This helps them build their social skills.

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the early years provision

The childminder builds good relationships with parents/carers. She uses established settling-in routines and shares clear information on her procedures through her written policies. A good variety of feedback ensures that children's individual care needs are known and carefully supported and parents feel involved in their child's daily experience. The childminder builds consistency in care as she relates to other settings that children attend. She supports each child's individual routines or care needs, such as supporting any special dietary requirements which helps both parents and children feel secure. The childminder sets out her toys and play resources well in order to promote opportunities for children to enjoy both adult led and child led activities. Children learn about valuing differences through a good range of play resources and both boys and girls are encouraged to enjoy the full range of play opportunities.

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the early years provision

The childminder aims to continue to develop her practice and values support and extra training such as visits from the childminding support worker. She is still in the early stages of establishing effective self-evaluation systems in order to continue to improve outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident in the everyday routines which includes mornings spent out of the home attending children's groups. This gives children opportunities for developing their social skills and experiencing a wider range of toys. Daily walks or visits to local parks and soft play centres help children develop their physical skills. Children develop a good understanding of healthy eating as they enjoy tasting a variety of fresh fruit for daily snacks and develop independence as they pour themselves regular drinks of water. The childminder makes sure she supports each child's individual needs, such as care routines or special dietary needs. Children confidently follow good hygiene routines within the daily activities, knowing to use their own towels for regular hand washing.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is skilled at building good relationships with the children which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensures they feel secure in sharing their play and learning fun together. She prompts their thinking and learning well through her use of open questions and she extends each activity to include several areas of learning. She prepares written plans and thinks ahead well to gather resources to support activities. For example, she gathers a selection of different fruit and a doll so children can act out a well known story, then children discuss shapes, sizes and tastes as they cut up the passion fruit and pineapple for snack time. The childminder uses observations to track children's progress and identify some next stages of learning, though these are not all strongly linked into future planning for each child.

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and outcomes for children

Children confidently explore the range of play activities set out for them, such as small world play with figures. They learn about the world around them through an interesting selection of play resources and activities, such as packing a pretend suitcase for a hot or cold weather holiday and discussing travel brochure pictures. The childminder helps children develop language and make phonetic links as she helps them make marks and learn letter shapes. They count and use mathematical language within all activities and develop their language skills as they relish sharing stories and describe their art work. Imaginative play is supported through a wide range of craft activities which builds concentration well. Children learn about the value of technology as they enjoy push button toys and books with sounds, as well as remote control toys.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a positive approach to managing behaviour which she shares with parents. She is calm and consistent as she gives praise for children learning to share and take turns. She remains consistent as she helps children learn to cope with their feelings and ensure children can generally enjoy all the play activities offered. She builds their self-esteem well with her praise and encouragement and values their attempts as well as their achievements. 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 3 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 3

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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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