Childminder in South Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY336914 Inspection date 26/01/2010 Inspector Hilary Elizabeth Tierney

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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 was registered in 2006. She is on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder lives with her husband and one child aged four years in the residential area of Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder also cares for one child over eight years of age. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the toddler group and takes children to the local library, park and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a National Nursery Examination Board certificate and has completed a National Vocational Qualification at Level 4 in Childcare qualification and child protection training. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and of a local childminder support group.

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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 has created a warm, safe, welcoming and friendly environment where children are able to learn and achieve. She is calm, caring and shows great affection towards all children in her care. Children are happy, confident and comfortable at the childminder's home and their individual needs are met well. The partnership with parents is good and detailed information is shared with them regularly. Detailed policies and procedures contribute to the smooth running of the setting. The childminder has not started the self-evaluation process, but through discussion was able to identify areas for improvement. This demonstrates a satisfactory commitment to improve.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the links between sensitive observational assessments and planning of activities that include children’s interests, so that all children’s individual needs continue to be met  consider evaluation of practice and the use of self-evaluation as the basis for ongoing improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded extremely well. Detailed risk assessments are carried out regularly and the premises is safe and secure when children are present. Doors are locked and keys remain nearby in the event of being needed in an emergency. A visitors' book is used effectively and their identity is checked carefully. The childminder has a detailed safeguarding children policy in place and understands the procedures to follow in the event of having any concerns about children in her care. She carefully ensures she records any existing injuries of children and shares these with parents. Children are supervised well at all times and they feel safe and secure at the childminder's home. Emergency evacuation procedures are regularly practised with children and detailed records kept.

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the early years provision

Resources are in good condition, balanced and easily accessible. Clearly labelled boxes are also see through so children are able to see what is available to them. Children are able to access these freely and make choices for themselves. Resources are balanced and reflect the diversity within the community. The childminder has a good understanding and awareness regarding inclusion. She offers excellent support for children who have English as an additional language. There are dual language books, signs around the room and the childminder has learnt key words in the children's home language. This has helped the children considerably to settle quickly and feel comfortable in the surroundings. There is a good partnership with parents and detailed information is shared with them at the end of the day when they collect their child and two-way daily diaries are also used to share information. The childminder shares all observations she has done on the

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the early years provision

children with parents and requests their comments which ensures they feel involved in their child's care. All written policies and procedures are shared with parents' and all necessary parental permissions are in place. There is a detailed complaints procedure in place and parents poster is clearly displayed. Although no children attend other early years settings at present the childminder has clear procedures and information sheets she will use to ensure the sharing of information between them when required.

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the early years provision

The childminder is able to discuss the areas for improvement and has addressed the recommendations from the last inspection satisfactorily. However, she is aware that she needs to improve her awareness of the self-evaluation process to help her improve and develop her practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, confident and safe at the childminder's home. The childminder recognises children as unique and meets their individual needs well. She shares her time equally between the children and ensures the youngest children are included in all activities. For example, the childminder was observed reading a book to the older children and ensuring she had the youngest child also nearby so they could hear. Children are active learners, interested in their play and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder provides them with challenging, stimulating activities which help them progress well in all areas of learning. The childminder has made good progress on observing children's progress and has clearly identified children's starting points and their next steps. However, she has not yet fully linked these to children's interests and the planning of activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children have easy access to books and enjoy looking at them alone and with the childminder, clear language used by the childminder helps the children to develop their language skills. The childminder constantly talks to the youngest children and responds to their noises. Children have easy access to all resources and are able to select them easily for themselves. Children were observed having a lovely time developing their imagination through the use of dressing up clothes and role play such as the home corner and a child was observed having a lovely time as 'Bob the builder' with a hat, and work bench and tools. The child 'drilled' items, used a 'saw' and 'hammers'. The child thoroughly enjoyed this activity. Children are learning about sharing and taking turns and the older children were observed giving the youngest child suitable toys, such as rattles as they played. They did this with no prompting from the childminder. Children have good opportunities to develop their

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and outcomes for children

early writing skills and imagination through creative play. They were observed using pens and paper and drawing and making marks on the paper. Children are learning to count successfully and are beginning to use their fingers for counting. The childminder helps them when required. Children develop a good understanding about the world around them and the childminder ensures they take part in walks around the area and she encourages their understanding and awareness about the diversity in the community. Children are developing skills for the future through clear guidance from the childminder, such as being polite to each other, showing care and respect for each other, making friends and being well behaved. The childminder is a good role model and speaks to children in a calm, caring manner.

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and outcomes for children

The children are beginning to learn about healthy lifestyles. They were observed washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The use of paper hand towels helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children were observed putting tissues in the bin after they had blown their noses. Children understand the rules of the home and take their shoes off at the door, visitors are expected to do the same. This helps to prevent the floor becoming dirty as the youngest children crawl and roll around. Children have good opportunities to explore, get fresh air and exercise through regular walks to the park and around the local area. Children enjoy healthy snacks and were observed eating well at the table. Children are given the choice of snacks from the fruit bowl, the childminder will then prepare the fruit for the children to eat. The childminder sits with the children as they eat, she ensures she picks up the youngest child and sits them on her knee so they are

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and outcomes for children

included in snack time, even though they are not old enough to eat the snack at present. Clear procedures are in place to ensure the good health of children which includes clear records being kept regarding any accidents that may occur and any medication that is given to children. 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 3 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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