Childminder in PlymouthOfsted inspection, 20 Oct 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY318586 Inspection date 20/10/2010 Inspector Sara 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 registered in 2005. He lives and co-child minds with his wife in the Derriford area of Plymouth; they also employ two assistants. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding, which includes a dedicated play room. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently the childminder and co-minder have 29 children on roll; of whom, 12 are in the Early Years age range. Children attend at various times throughout the week. Care is also provided to older children. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care. He is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is accredited and has recently achieved a level 3 qualification in childcare.

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 are very happy and confident in the childminder's care. They become fully involved in the activities provided and play exceptionally well alongside each other. Children make good progress in their overall development. The initial gathering of information and continual ongoing communication with parents provides the childminder with a good understanding of each child's individual character and enables him to meet the children's needs well. The childminder monitors his practice and shows capacity for continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  develop methods of working in partnership with other settings to support children's development and progress

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder follows and is confident in his approach to ensuring children are safeguarded. He shows good understanding of his role, responsibility and action to take with regards to concerns. Children are further safeguarded as all adults working and living in the childminder's home have completed the relevant checks. Visitors to the home are asked to sign in and record reason for their visit. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Therefore, parents are kept informed of any additional adults entering the childminder's home while their children are present. Clear procedures are in place with regards to unvetted persons both within the home environment and on outings. The childminder has a full range of policies that are reviewed and fully shared with parents. Risk assessments are fully completed within the home but not fully documented for outings undertaken by the childminder, such as end of school

p.4

the early years provision

day pick ups. All other required paperwork is fully recorded and easily accessible upon request.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder's home is extremely well organised allowing children to freely and safely move around and independently make choices in their play. Resources are plentiful, both inside and outdoors; they are enticingly presented or stored in accessible clear and well labelled boxes. Younger children have their own separate base, which provides a safe environment and allows older children to use smaller items and resources keeping all safe from harm. At times during the day there are opportunities for all children to socialize with each other.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation document. He has taken steps to improve the service he offers and identifies areas for continual improvement. For instance, the recommendations from the previous inspection have been fully met, in order to maintain children's safety while playing in the garden. Further improvements in this area have recently been completed to enhance children's play, such as an outdoor role play area and physical play opportunities. The childminder has recently completed a level 3 childcare qualification and has used the knowledge gained from the course to develop his practice.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has established a good working relationship with parents. Information shared is a two-way process both verbally and in written format. Clear and detailed background knowledge of each child is obtained when chidlminding arrangements commence; this is used well to promote an inclusive provision and provide consistent care in supporting each child's differing needs. Parents are invited to share in their children's development and are included in areas identified for support. The childminder works closely with the other adults providing childcare at his home. He receives regular advice and support from Local Authority support workers. However, as yet he has not developed links with other settings the children attend.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and content in the childminder's care. Younger children settle down very quickly for their routine sleep at various times during the day. Children form good relationships with the childminder and the other adults providing their care. Children show good cooperation in their play as they share, take turns and help one another. Children are well behaved, polite and show respect towards each other; for example, saying thank you after being given a pretend ice cream made out of play dough by another child; or independently This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 going off to find the wooden animal that matched the puzzle another child had just completed. Children show good levels of concentration as they complete each activity before moving onto other areas of play. This contributes towards developing skills for the future.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder clearly knows the children well as he discusses their varying personalities and needs. He provides suitable challenges to extend the children's learning and development to good effect. This is further evidenced through the observation records, individual learning journals and the next steps of learning identified for each individual child.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's self-esteem and sense of achievement is highly recognised as they seek and relish the praise they receive on completing the challenging jig-saw puzzles. Children, recognise their own and others success as they spontaneously clap their accomplishments. The childminder introduces children's awareness of how to use the picture on the box to ascertain which puzzle pieces they are going to need to complete the task in hand. He skilfully prompts children to think about colour, shape, number and texture.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's language skills are promoted well. They are introduced to new vocabulary during play and everyday routines; for example, children under two confidently recognise and name the different animals they choose to play with such as 'stegosaurus and 'platypus'. There are signs, labels and pictures around the rooms that contribute towards children's early literacy skills. Resources such as small world play, books, music and dance are used well to promote children's awareness of similarities and differences in people, places and cultures.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy the benefit of fresh air as they play outside. They learn to recognise the changes in temperature and the need to wear additional clothing. Their independence is promoted well as they attempt to put on outdoor clothing. Children are provided with other opportunities to access alternative physical play through use of other outdoor play areas such as play parks or walks to the woods to collect various items of foliage.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn about personal hygiene through daily routines and wash their hands at appropriate times. Children understand about keeping themselves safe; for example, as they learn suitable practice when crossing the road. 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