Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY401262 Inspection date 08/06/2010 Inspector Janette Elizabeth Owen

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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 2009. She lives with her husband, and their teenage son in Coleford in the Forest of Dean. The home has easy access via a ramped footpath, there are steps in the rear garden. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is a rear garden with grass and patio areas for outside play. The childminder goes for walks in the community, to toddler groups, local shops and the library.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 a good understanding of how children learn and develop makes good use of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to enable children to make good progress in most areas of learning. Arrangements to ensure the welfare of the children is promoted effectively and is evident through the good practice used. The childminder has a good understanding about each child's individual needs because of the effective partnership she has developed with parents. Partnerships with other practitioners and agencies not yet fully developed. There are good systems in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the provision and to identify areas for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the educational programme for children’s knowledge and understanding of the world by providing opportunities and practical activities that enable them to know about their own cultures and beliefs and those of other people  use ongoing observational assessment to inform planning for each child’s continuing development through play-based activities.

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively manages procedures to safeguard children. She understand her role in protecting children from harm and follows Local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Safeguarding Children Board guidelines in relation to recording and reporting concerns. Suitability checks are completed on household members over the age of 16 years, this provides reassurance to parents that household members are suitable to have contact with children and therefore promotes their safety. Children are kept safe because the childminder ensures the premises are safe and secure and carries out regular checks and risk assessments to identify potential hazards. The risk assessments identify safety issues that are used to raise children awareness of safety enabling them to develop their own understanding of being safe. Procedures for administering medication, managing accidents and

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the early years provision

maintaining good hygiene standards within the home are effectively managed, therefore, children's good health and well-being is promoted.

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the early years provision

All required documents and records are well organised and used effectively to share information with parents and carers. All required information is obtained from parents to ensure children's individual needs are understood. There is a positive relationship with parents based on good information sharing. The childminder obtains information on children's individual routines and stage of development from parents when minding commences. Ongoing information sharing, either verbally or through written means such as prospectus and use of a daily dairy enables parents to play a part in their child's development. Parents contribute to the activities children are involved in such as providing photographs and resources for topic work. The views of parents and children are sought. A recent questionnaire enable parents to express their views on the service provided, these were very positive and reflected on a good quality care children are

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the early years provision

receiving. Children express their views on the activities provided and on what they enjoy most. This may be playing with dolls or enjoying the yoghurts provided. Information on children's progress and achievements are shared with parents and based on the ongoing observation and assessments carried out by the childminder. Although the childminder understand the importance of sharing children's information with other agencies and practitioners involved in the child's care where appropriate, she is yet to have the opportunity to put into practice.

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the early years provision

Children use good quality toys and equipment which are used effectively to support their learning and development. The childminder is committed to improving her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues through training and has already planned to begin a National Vocational Qualification at level 3. Through her monitoring and self-evaluation the childminder has accurately identified areas of further development by improving her own knowledge and confidence. For example, obtaining more information either through advice, guidance or training on supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and ways of raising children's awareness about their own cultures and beliefs and those of other people. This will contribute positively to children's learning and development in relation to knowledge and understanding of the world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning and development is very well supported, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child development and provides an interesting range of activities which enable children to make good progress across all areas of learning. The days are well-organised with opportunities for indoor and outdoor play, walks and outings. A good balance between child-initiated an adult- directed activities enable children to become active learners. The good interaction between the childminder and children is effective in promoting children's learning and understanding enabling them to acquire new skills and consolidate on what they already know. Regular observations are carried out which enables the childminder to assess children's progress towards the early learning goals and identify areas for further development. Although children's strengths and areas of development are noted and recorded this information is not used systematically to

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and outcomes for children

inform planning for each child’s continuing development through play-based activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children eagerly participate in the activities provided, they have developed a good relationship with the childminder which enables them to communicate well develop their language and independence through the good level of support they receive. Activities are planned around children's current interests while ensuring all areas of learning are covered. For example, a lovely range of interactive and tactile books are provided for children who enjoy stories and using their own natural curiosity to find out about things. The childminder uses activities well to enable children to develop skills for the future. She uses her good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage educational programmes to lay secure foundations for future learning. For example, children learn and develop the use of mathematical language during their play. They count the number of beanbags they can throw, recognize colours and use positional language to identify where the beanbags land.

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and outcomes for children

Practical activities such as cookery, construction and arts and crafts enable children to use their skills in a meaningful way. Such as using tools and equipment, learning about measurement, size and shape, to mark make and to be imaginative and creative.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident and independent. They initiate conversations and are eager to share their achievements. For example, they proudly show art work they have done or are happy to sit and re-tell a favourite story to adults present. Children's behaviour is good they talk about other children who are their friends. They learn good social skills and manners and their independence is further promoted through opportunities to help prepare their own snacks and meals and manage their own self-care. Children learn about healthy lifestyles, are provided with healthy food and have ample opportunities for physical play and to learn the importance of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise sessions are included in the planned activities as well as regular walks and outings which enable to children to be physically active and get fresh air.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn play safely and to use tools and equipment appropriately such as using a knife to cut up strawberries. They demonstrate their knowledge of safety This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 through their conversations and actions. Children are well supervised and encouraged to learn how to keep themselves safe through good behaviour management strategies and by learning about road and fire safety and stranger danger. 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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