Childminder in DevonOfsted inspection, 20 Jan 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY338409 Inspection date 20/01/2011 Inspector Elaine Douglas

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and five years. They live in a house in Exmouth close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the property is used for childminding, with the conservatory used as a dedicated playroom. Toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two children may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding seven children in this age group, all part time. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 12 years. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder is working towards a childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 has a good understanding of each child's individual needs, enabling her to successfully meet their learning and welfare requirements. They remain safe and secure, while developing independence both on and off the premises, through excellent risk assessments. Most required documentation is in place to safeguard and promote children's welfare. The excellent deployment of resources provides an environment conducive to learning through play and planning generally promotes development. This means children make good progress in their learning and development, considering their ages, abilities and starting points. Good partnerships with parents and others sharing care of the children, ensures the childminder can effectively compliment the care and learning provided. The childminder is committed to her personal development and continuous improvement; she is developing the use of self-evaluation in order to

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure the safeguarding procedures include the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against anyone living or working on the 03/02/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 premises (Safeguarding and welfare)

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the current format for planning to build on children's interests, and include their individual next steps of learning and parents' contributions  develop the use of quality improvement processes to identify strengths and priorities for development which will improve the quality of provision for children.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded through the excellent use of risk assessments to identify any potential risks and the actions required to minimise them. The childminder ensures that children are able to gain independence and develop new skills, while taking all precautions to keep them safe. For example, very clear procedures are followed for the safe use of the trampoline with parental consent. On the many outings the childminder organises, children and the childminder wear matching tops with the childminder's telephone number on. Well organised documentation is extremely well deployed for the safe and effective management of the provision. For example, laminated emergency contact details are kept by the door for emergency evacuation and in the childminder's car for outings. Safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively understood and implemented by the childminder. Parents receive their own copies, which are reviewed at least

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the early years provision

annually. The childminder's good knowledge of child protection procedures helps to ensure children's welfare is protected. However, the childminder does not have procedures to follow should an allegation be made against any member of the household and this is a requirement. The childminder has kept Ofsted informed of any changes to her registration and parents are well informed of how to contact Ofsted should they have a concern.

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the early years provision

The good partnerships with parents and other providers helps support the childminder in meeting each child's individual needs. For example, she has booked onto a sign language workshop to support a child who has been taught sign. She also effectively promotes their vocal communication. She ensures that each child is included. For example, the younger and less able children are shown, as well as asked, what they would like for snack, to ensure that they have understood. Regular observations are made on each child, including photographs, which are used to identify children's next stages of development. These are emailed to parents to keep them well informed of their child's achievements and show them how their child spends their time. Daily journals and verbal feedback are used to exchange information on children's care. However, parents' contributions are not currently included in the planning and assessments.

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the early years provision

The outstanding deployment of resources is the strength of the setting. The conservatory is set up as a dedicated playroom, with low level shelving and labelled containers. An extensive range of well maintained resources and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 equipment is available both inside and outside, enabling children to make choices and develop new skills through their self-chosen activity. The childminder plans many outings and uses a range of facilities in the local environment in order to extend children's opportunities and develop a good awareness of their wider community. For example, through attending the local toddler group children develop a positive awareness of people's differences. Cultural puppets are borrowed from the toy library and a good range of books from the library. Children take equipment, such as binoculars, to the beach to explore the natural world.

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the early years provision

They get themselves a child size chair in order to sit at a low table ready for their snack, which promotes their independence and their sense of belonging.

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the early years provision

The childminder regularly assesses her own knowledge and understanding and is committed to ongoing development. Since her last inspection she has attended a wide range of training, as well as conferences and meetings to share good practice. She is currently undertaking an early years qualification. Parental and children's feedback is sought and provides excellent references on the good communication and understanding of what is special to the children. However, she has not formalised her self-evaluation in order to identify strengths and priorities for development, in all areas, which will improve outcomes for children. The childminder has extended her range of resources for the youngest children, which was a recommendation at the last inspection. This means, that they have greater opportunities to explore using all their senses to promote their holistic development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very confident in the childminder's home and develop good independence doing as much as they can for themselves and being supported by the childminder to extend their skills. They have good opportunities to promote their learning through self-chosen activities from the excellent range of resources. Good use is made of daily routines to promote children's learning and understanding of positive behaviour. For example, as children help to tidy up they count items as they put them away and see how many they can pick up in one go. They are praised for their helpfulness and good manners, which positively reinforces their awareness of expectations. Children are also involved in setting up activities and working out what equipment they require. This promotes their thinking and problem solving skills. Children's communication skills are promoted through good interaction from the childminder. She sensitively supports their

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and outcomes for children

language development through reinforcing the correct use of words and praising their attempts.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a good awareness of safe and healthy practices. They recognise their own beakers and help themselves to regular drinks. They make healthy choices for their snack and enjoy nutritional meals. Children enjoy being involved in growing their own fruit and vegetables, and develop an understanding of healthy eating through cooking activities. Children have daily opportunities to be outside and engage in physical activities, this means they gain a good awareness This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of the importance of exercise. They develop good hand washing procedures and recognise their individual towel by their photograph. This also promotes children's sense of belonging. Children regularly practice the emergency evacuation procedures and demonstrate an awareness of fire safety when playing with toy fire engines. They understand about being careful with doors so that fingers do not get

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and outcomes for children

caught and learn about keeping themselves safe on outings.

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and outcomes for children

Children have very good access to books, programmable and interactive toys, and an extensive range of role-play resources, which support children's skills for the future. Children take part in a wide range of creative activities promoting their imagination and physical skills. For example, children are supported in cutting shapes in a potato in order to use it for printing. They add different textures and materials until they have completed it to their own satisfaction. Planning is based on topics and does not identify children's individual interests or next steps of learning. However, the childminder plans a wide range of interesting activities and children are motivated to be involved. She knows the children well and is able to ensure they make good progress. 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 2

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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

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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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