Childminder in Herefordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY399089 Inspection date 01/02/2010 Inspector Kathryn Mary Harding

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 has been registered since 2009. She lives with her husband and their two children in Shropshire but on the border with Herefordshire. Downstairs areas of the house, which is accessed via one step, are used when childminding. The bathroom facilities are on the ground floor. The garden is available for children's use. The family has three dogs and one cat which live outdoors.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register to care for up to four children under eight years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals. A well-developed knowledge of child development enables the childminder to successfully promote children's welfare and learning. She actively promotes an inclusive environment and children are beginning to develop an awareness of diversity. She has a strong partnership with parents and understands the advantages of partnerships in the wider context. The childminder has a very positive attitude to improvement and has good systems in place to evaluate her practice in order to identify strengths and areas for development. However, some required documentation is not yet in place.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 conduct a risk assessment and review it regularly, at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 15/02/2010

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the assessment system in order to clearly indicate how individual children's progression is used to inform planning and identify the next steps in their development.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She closely supervises the children and knows of her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 responsibility to ensure all people living in the house are vetted. The implementation of risk assessments for outings, help to keep children safe and ensure effective actions are taken to manage and eliminate risks. The childminder visually checks areas of the home and garden before the children arrive but written risk assessments are not yet in place, so children's safety is not fully promoted.

p.4

the early years provision

Children's care and learning is promoted well because the childminder has a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and implements this effectively to promote successful outcomes for children. She undertakes regular observations of children's progress and introduces the right balance of adult-initiated and child-led experiences to promote their development well. She has flexible plans based on children's interests. However, this system does not yet show how the next steps can be effectively planned for. She creates a welcoming, child-friendly environment where, resources and toys are accessible for children, helping to promote their independence. Younger children's routines are respected and met.

p.5

the early years provision

The children enjoy continuity of care because the childminder works closely with parents. She encourages a two-way flow of information between her and the parents and encourages them to view the children's photographs of the activities they have been involved in. Parents are provided with all the childminder's policies and procedures which underpin the service offered and they sign to say they have read and agree with these. The childminder has no children on roll who attend any other setting but understands the importance of partnership working.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement as she is continually reflecting on how to improve her service. She accesses training opportunities and obtains advice from other practitioners and relevant publications.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are settled in the childminder's suitably organised home where they move freely between rooms. The childminder helps the children to learn about safety as they know to close the gates to keep the animals in. They learn about road safety when out in the locality, as they are encouraged to listen and watch for traffic. They develop a good understanding of the importance of healthy eating as they eat nutritious, well-balanced, home-made meals. Menus are displayed for parents to view. Children go for daily walks to feed the ducks or see the horses, so ensuring they benefit from plenty of fresh air. They develop a good understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene as they are supported to wash their hands before eating.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder interacts well with children during their play and sits on the floor to support their learning. She constantly chatters to them, so encouraging their development of communication skills. As they snuggle in to read a story the childminder points to the different animals in the story. They mark make on the paper and talk about the colours of the crayons and felt tips. As they draw mummy's and daddy's car the childminder encourages talk about their families. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 They explore in the gloop and have great fun as they feel the texture.

p.5

and outcomes for children

They talk about the colours and shapes of the play dough as they roll, prod and cut it out. They count the number of jumps the frog makes so helping to develop understanding of early mathematical skills. They begin to understand about their own bodies as they add arms, ears and eyes to their play dough figure. They freely approach the childminder to ask for help when they are trying to push the play dough through the cutter. Children's understanding of right and wrong is increased as they encouraged to be kind to each other and share the toys. They learn to value and respect others as they look at different festivals and take part in related activities. Good annotated photographic evidence shows children thoroughly enjoying hiding in the cardboard box exploring in the corn flour and hand painting. 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