Childminder in Plymouth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY409124 Inspection date 09/11/2010 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 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.

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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 2010. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 15, 13 and eight years, in the Crownhill area of Plymouth. The whole of the ground floor, first floor bathroom and childminder's bedroom are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The house is within walking distance of primary schools and a pre-school. The family pets include a Cocker Spaniel dog, rabbits and a tortoise.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for six children aged under eight years, of whom three may be in the early years age group. There are currently three children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the Devon Childminding Association.

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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

The childminder has recently started to mind children and is making good progress in her overall practice. She securely meets the Early Years Foundation Stage framework learning, development and welfare requirements. Children are settled and happy in the care of the childminder and benefit from a reasonable range of activities. The childminder has positive working relationships with parents, which contributes to consistent care for children. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory capacity to develop and improve her provision. However, she does not have a clear procedure to monitor and self-evaluate her effectiveness.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide a variety of sensory and creative play opportunities for children  develop systematic procedures to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the provision.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment in which children feel secure and play happily. She assesses indoor and outdoor risks in order to identify and then minimise hazards for children. Suitable fire safety equipment and procedures are in place and the childminder has organised to have an impromptu drill. On outings the childminder carries emergency contact details, signed consent forms and first aid materials. Children are transported safely with the use of age- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate resources, such as car seats and suitable harnesses. The childminder encourages children to be careful and to learn about being safe in everyday situations. She has a clear understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedure, which protects children's welfare. The childminder informs parents of her responsibilities in respect of child protection concerns.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of children's individual needs, routines and preferences. She takes account of these in her general planning of activities to promote consistent care for children. Space and resources are well organised so that children are comfortable and stimulated. Toys and equipment are well maintained and set out to be accessible to children. The childminder implements her written policies and procedures to promote children's health and welfare. For example, good hygiene practice minimises the risk of infection. Suitable arrangements are made regarding the provision of food and drinks. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary requirements and meets these well. Young children are nurtured and they respond positively to the childminder. She promotes their self- esteem during activities and shares their achievements with parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder is developing suitable systems in the observation, assessment and planning of children's progress. She has begun to compile development records to include photographs and examples of children's creativity. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of how children learn through play. She provides a suitable range of play materials and activities to promote children's overall development. However, toys are mainly plastic and manufactured, providing a limited variety of textures for children to explore. Children have settled well and made clear progress in the few weeks that they have been attending. The childminder has good relationships with parents and they provide positive feedback on her care in the compliments book. There are effective settling-in procedures, during which parents provide information on their children's requirements and interests. A daily diary is used to record children's routines and activities, which

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the early years provision

acts as a useful message system for parents. Regular discussions also take place in the interest of children's welfare. Records and documentation required for efficient organisation are maintained in good order. Since registration the childminder has purchased additional equipment for the care of babies and toddlers. She has compiled and checked all policies and procedures required for childcare provision. The childminder is also aware of training courses available to promote future development.

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and outcomes for children

Children form warm relationships with the childminder and benefit from the social opportunities to be with others. For example, they regularly go to toddler groups, which extend their play opportunities. Young children play alongside each other, making tentative steps in learning to share. They watch each other and begin to follow or copy actions, which helps them to make progress. The childminder is attentive to children's needs and sits on the floor with them. This ensures close contact and support as children play. For instance, the childminder helps children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to find the correct hole as they post shapes into a sorter. Children listen and look at her, then copy words or sounds, which promotes speech and language development. They show interest in their surroundings, moving around and selecting toys from the box or floor. Children respond well to the childminder and

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and outcomes for children

become familiar with the routines. They readily go to have their nappies changed and then have a drink as they prepare for their sleep time.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from fresh air and outings in the local community with the childminder, often going for walks with the dog. The childminder makes good use of this activity to promote children's early awareness of being safe and hygienic. For example, children learn that not all dogs may be friendly and that they must clean their hands after touching animals. Children learn to take care and have respect for others. The childminder uses pictures as visual prompts to help young children understand simple, age-appropriate rules. A box of books is available, which promotes earliest literacy skills for children. They use crayons to make marks with, although the provision of other creative and sensory play materials is limited. Children enjoy the responses they achieve from the light and sound effect toys as they press and turn buttons. Visits to the park provide physical play opportunities and children enjoy sitting in the swings. Children develop

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and outcomes for children

coordination and begin to move their bodies in response to music. They also enjoy singing and dancing sessions at the toddler group. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3

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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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