Childminder in Plymouth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY398853 Inspection date 18/05/2010 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 partner, who is registered as an assistant, and two children aged eight and four years, in the Ernesettle area of Plymouth. All areas of the home are used for childminding, although children mainly use the ground floor, which consists of a lounge, dining room and kitchen. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and a bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The entrance to the house is via a sloped driveway to the front door. The family have a dog and rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and has previously worked in nurseries and pre-schools. She is flexible about the hours she works and considers weekend and overnight care. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, to care for up to five children under the age of eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range, at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group. Overnight care may be offered for two children under the age of eight years at any one time.

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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

Children settle well and their individual requirements are securely met by the childminder. She provides consistent routines and age-appropriate activities, which promote children’s welfare and interest. The childminder has a good awareness of the early learning goals and how children learn through play. Suitable systems are in place to promote positive relationships with parents and others, to meet the needs of children. Since starting to mind children the childminder has implemented the majority of the policies and procedures to promote safety. She is enrolled on further training and demonstrates a clear capacity for continuous development. However, the childminder does not have a specific procedure to promote reflective practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 practise the fire drill and consider the use of a sound monitor to improve the supervision of children who sleep upstairs  seek additional information from parents when children first attend to identify current stages of development, and provide opportunities for parents to contribute towards the records of progress  improve the provision of resources that reflect diversity to include positive images of disability  develop systematic procedures to monitor the effectiveness of the provision. 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 has clear knowledge and understanding of the procedures to safeguard children’s welfare. She attends appropriate training and provides information for parents about the child protection policy. Written risk assessments are completed to identify hazards on the premises and outings. The childminder takes suitable measures to prevent accidents and minimise risks. She has appropriate fire safety equipment and displays the evacuation plan, although, the drill has not been practised. Supervision of the children is generally good as the childminder is with them at all times when they are awake. However, procedures to check sleeping children upstairs are less vigilant. Records and documentation are clearly organised and maintained in order.

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the early years provision

The childminder plans suitable routines and provides a variety of activities to promote children’s learning. These contribute to children’s developing understanding of being healthy, hygienic and safe. The childminder seeks initial information about children’s general routines and personal details, in order to help them settle in. However, this does not identify children’s stage of development and capabilities. Toys and equipment are maintained in suitable condition and rotated to promote children’s interest. These reflect some positive images of diversity, although do not include disability. The childminder ensures that children can make independent choices by placing the resources at appropriate levels. She is attentive to children, promoting positive behaviour and self-esteem as they play.

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the early years provision

The childminder is the main carer of the children but has registered her partner as an assistant for occasional help, such as, in the event of an emergency. She is making observations on children in their activities and linking these to the six areas of learning. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of how to help children progress towards their next steps. Parents are aware of the records of development but have not yet contributed to them. The childminder has recently started to mind children and is developing appropriate systems in her provision. These include working in partnership with others, to meet the needs of children. The childminder has a copy of a self-evaluation form and is beginning to think about her strengths and areas to improve or develop.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop secure relationships in the care of the childminder. They are settled and recognise members of the family and other children. The childminder is familiar with the personal routines and preferences of babies and young children. For example, she ensures that they are comfortable, changing their nappies and feeding them at appropriate times. They are gently nursed, responding positively to the childminder’s voice and good eye contact. Babies watch and smile in response to the toys that have lights and sounds. The childminder works well with parents to support children in their different stages of development. For instance, they have discussions about weaning as babies begin to try different tastes and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 textures. Children are encouraged during potty training and develop good hygiene routines. They have their own flannels and hand towels, which prevents the risk of

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and outcomes for children

cross infection. When children are old enough they use their toothbrushes to clean their teeth in the morning or after meals.

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and outcomes for children

Children’s observation notes provide evidence of a good range of activities to interest and promote learning. For example, children make Easter baskets using clean yoghurt pots and coloured tissue paper. They select utensils to make chocolate nests and talk about the smell, tastes and textures during the activity. Children see the process of melting with heat and then setting solid as their cakes cool. The activity also promotes the use of mathematical language as children consider capacity, weights and measures. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as they play in the garden or visit the park. They develop confidence and competence in safe situations. For example, the childminder helps them to negotiate steps and learn to use equipment safely.

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and outcomes for children

Children take part in creative activities, which provides opportunities for them to use different tools and materials. For example, they make patterns in the sand and use moulds to produce shapes. Children begin to understand about caring for animals and enjoy helping to feed the rabbits. During outdoor play the childminder prompts them to think about the natural environment. For instance, they investigate plants, insects and animals that they see outside. The childminder has sought information on local groups, which may contribute towards social opportunities for young 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 3 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 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 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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