Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY413037 Inspection date 10/01/2011 Inspector Rachael Williams

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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 son in Tiverton, Devon, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. All of the property is used for childminding with bathroom facilities situated on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register for a maximum of five children under eight years old. At present, the childminder has five children on roll; two of whom are in the early year's age range. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for one child between the ages of one and eight years old.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a level four childcare qualification in early years.

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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 routinely meets the needs of the children. Excellent relationships are established with the children, to ensure they are confident and settled, and with the parents to ensure children are well supported in their learning and development. Systems are being developed to ensure information is routinely shared with other early year's providers and professionals. Overall, children's welfare is promoted well within a homely, safe and secure environment. The childminder is developing her systems to evaluate the provision and has an accurate understanding of how improvements will impact on the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop risk assessment procedures to review each type of outing before embarking on them  extend self-evaluation systems to include parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder has good knowledge of safeguarding issues as she has attended an appropriate course. Relevant literature, a comprehensive policy and contact numbers of key agencies are readily available to ensure prompt action is taken should an incident arise. Sound systems have been established to ensure all adults living or working on the premises have been fully vetted. Children's safety is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 paramount. Comprehensive risk assessments have been completed for all areas used by the children to maintain their well-being.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for by an experienced early year's professional who is proactive at accessing relevant training to improve her childminding service. The childminder provides a very well equipped learning environment which includes a dedicated play room. The childminder develops skills for the future for instance, encouraging children to make decisions about their play through accessing high quality toys and resources independently. Excellent use is made of the local environment for instance, to enhance children's social skills through attendance at local toddler groups.

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the early years provision

Children have an excellent sense of belonging. Positive and caring relationships have been established so that children feel confident and settled within a homely environment. The childminder routinely compliments children on their achievements and asks if they would like them to be displayed on a notice board for parents to see. The childminder has exceptional understanding of children's routines, starting points and capabilities to ensure their individual needs are met. Activities are routinely adapted so that all children can be included in the excellent range of experiences which have high regard for children's learning priorities.

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the early years provision

Good relationships have been established with the parents. They receive a wealth of information regarding the childminding service and there is regular communication regarding their children's achievements for instance, through the daily contact book. Parents are very pleased with the service provided by the childminder and comment on the layout of the provision to encourage free play. Positive testimonials reflect the 'very professional yet friendly' attitude of the childminder and how children are cared for in 'a caring, reassuring manner' in a 'positive and happy environment'. The childminder is developing systems to ensure information is shared with other early year's providers and/or professionals to ensure continuity in children's care.

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the early years provision

The childminder is proactive in seeking advice and support for instance, from early year's advisers. She takes effective steps to improve her childminding service such as, updating her safeguarding policy and ensuring that all documentation is securely stored. The childminder has good understanding of her strengths for instance, planning and observation of children's progress, relationships with parents and the provision of an enabling environment. During these early months of childminding the childminder has identified areas for improvement with the support of the older children in her care. For example, she acknowledges the need to enhance the outdoor area so that children have larger and more challenging equipment in order to develop their spatial awareness and physical abilities. Through self-evaluation the childminder is considering extending her multicultural resources through the use of the local toy library and to include parents in the

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the early years provision

monitoring process. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

An exceptional learning environment has been established which includes all children in a broad and balanced range of experiences, both adult led and child initiated such as, shape printing and sand play to develop fine motor skills. The childminder has excellent understanding of children's interests and their capabilities through comprehensive discussions with parents, regularly reviewed observations and identification of relevant learning priorities. Children are constantly active and there is little time for them to become bored or disinterested consequently, behaviour is very good. The childminder adapts her provision exceptionally well to support children's individual needs. For example, acknowledging that a child that attends one day a week enjoys the social interaction of a toddler group amends her routines so that they can attend alternate weeks whilst still having time to have one-to-one attention to promote

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and outcomes for children

The childminder interacts exceptionally well with the children especially to further encourage children's communication skills; she consistently repeats and introduces new vocabulary. Whilst mark-making on an aqua mat a child identifies a dog and calls it a 'woo woo' creating personal words to represent an object. The childminder acknowledges his utterances, praising him for his contribution, and repeats appropriate vocabulary.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder ensures the safe collection of children by suitable adults. During their settling in period the childminder ensures that she has met all those detailed on contracts to ensure children's well-being. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder ensures that children cannot leave the premises unattended for instance, the front door remains locked during minding hours. Children become aware of their own safety as the childminder consistently communicates with the children explaining why some actions are inappropriate. Children are involved in emergency evacuation procedures which are well- documented. Daily checks ensure that all areas used by the children are safe and hygienic. For example, the childminder ensures clean sheets are available on the travel cot and that the monitor is functioning correctly to ensure children's well- being whilst sleeping. Accidents are routinely recorded and shared with parents.

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and outcomes for children

Minor incidents are dealt with promptly at the childminder has an appropriate paediatric first aid qualification and a fully stocked and maintained first aid box.

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and outcomes for children

There are regular opportunities for children to be physically active and out doors for instance, younger children thoroughly enjoy climbing in and out of the pop up tent and tunnel using their bodies to develop physical skills. Children become aware of their own personal needs. For example, a toddler brings the childminder his changing bag as he is aware he needs to be changed. Children benefit from hygienic nappy changing arrangements which consider their privacy. Children become aware of healthy eating as the childminder prepares extremely healthy, home-made meals and snacks which meet children's special dietary requirements. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 A toddler thoroughly enjoys preparing his own snack and the independence of being supported to use a knife safely to cut his banana. Drinks are easily accessible to ensure children remain hydrated and are regularly replenished. A

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and outcomes for children

toddler shows consideration for a younger child and offers him his own drink as he takes one for himself. Therefore, outcomes for children are good. 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 1 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 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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