Childminder in Plymouth

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY311768 Inspection date 20/09/2010 Inspector Sara-Jane Frost

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 assesses 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

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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and son aged 11 years in Hooe, Plymouth. Access to the premises is via a slope and steps. The whole of the house is used for childminding, which includes a dedicated playroom. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family pets consist of two tortoises and two bearded dragons.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is usually registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of whom no more than three children may be in the early years age range. Currently she has an exception allowing her to mind up to four named children in the early years age range. She has four children on roll in this age group. The childminder also offers care to older children. At times the childminder's husband works with the childminder as her assistant. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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 enter the childminder's home and settle down to play with ease in a well resourced, dedicated room. The childminder is aware of and meets children's individual needs well, overall. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and successfully helps children make good progress in their overall development. The childminder has a good working relationship with parents and keeps them fully informed of their child's day, her policies and practices, although this partnership is not fully extended. The childminder shows a commitment to continuous improvement, as she regularly attends training to develop practice and is well placed, overall, to maintain this.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 further develop the partnership with parents in order to further support children's development and next steps of learning  extend self-evaluation in order to identify more accurately where systems need improvement to further improve outcomes for children.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder takes appropriate steps to ensure children are safeguarded effectively. Documents show adults living in the household have undertaken the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relevant checks. Identification of unknown persons is checked prior to being allowed into her home. The childminder fully meets the recommendation raised at her previous inspection as she demonstrates a secure understanding of recognising signs and symptoms of abuse and the processes to follow should she have any concerns about children in her care. The childminder has a range of policies and procedures which she shares with parents and updates when required. All relevant documentation, such as children's detailed information and attendance records, are fully in place.

p.4

the early years provision

Resources are used effectively to promote children's learning and development; these include the dedicated playroom, which is very well resourced. The storage of children's play things provides them with the opportunity to select their choice of play materials. Messy activities, such as art and craft, are available in the dining room area. The range of activities planned incorporates daily trips out and regular visits to gym sessions, which extend childen's experiences well. The childminder shows her commitment towards continuous improvement by accessing numerous training courses throughout the year, such as child protection, the role the special educational needs coordinator ( part 1) and one about speech and language. However, despite her willingness to train and desire to improve further, the current system for reflection on the provision does not identify all areas for improvement accurately.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder promotes equality and diversity effectively, having a good knowledge of children's backgrounds and needs overall through knowing each child well. She establishs a good working relationship with parents. Parents talk highly of the care and support the childminder provides. Information is shared on a daily basis verbally and in written format. Although parents have access to children's records of development, these are not fully shared in relation to enabling parents to contribute to their children's next steps in learning and development. The childminder has begun to build good links with other early years settings attended by the children in her care.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are clearly comfortable in the welcoming and friendly, home environment that the childminder provides. They spontaneously break out into song, showing their happiness and feelings of security. They enjoy the range of interesting activities provided as they develop their imaginative play, and invite adults to join in with them. The childminder uses imaginative play to discuss current factors in children's lives, such as when playing with the dolls and discussing the baby at home. The childminder clearly knows the children well, ably discussing their unique personalities.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children begin to develop their listening and early reading skills as they enjoy having stories read to them and look for specific items in pictures. Their mathematical knowledge is encouraged as they learn to count. Children are provided with opportunities to experience weight and measurement in different This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 formats, for example, when using digital or balancing scales to weigh cookery ingredients. Such activities help them develop useful skills for their future lives. Children access a good range of art and craft materials, including recycled cardboard boxes to develop their creative skills. Children follow the life cycle of a 'bearded dragon', from watching the eggs being laid, to hatching by use of an incubator and then when ready, being de-homed. The childminder provides resources presenting positive images of people with additional needs and from

p.5

and outcomes for children

different ethnic backgrounds, so that children become aware of and learn to respect difference and diversity. Regular outings to visit other childminders help children learn about their local community and mix with other children. Children's behaviour is good; they respond well to requests about not standing on the furniture and help to put some play things away to make room for new choices. In this way they progress well in learning how to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others, owing to the childminder's positive encouragement. The ability to cooperate and behave appropriately equips them with skills for their future well-being.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy healthy snacks and meals, including fresh fruit such as blueberries, pears and bananas. They are encouraged to take an active part in choosing and preparing their lunch. Children learn effective hygiene routines as the childminder ensures that they wash their hands appropriately and use disposable towels to minimise the risk of cross infection. 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

Early Years Foundation Stage

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