Bishop, Hermione

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY348553 Inspection date 26/01/2011 Inspector Angela Cole

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and four children aged 15, 12, seven and five years in a four-bedroom, three-storey, semi- detached property in a private cul-de-sac in Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire, close to Thornbury, Stroud and Nailsworth. Main care takes place on the ground floor which consists of a lounge, dining room, kitchen and cloakroom. The first floor bedrooms are used when children require a rest. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The house is within easy walking distance of shops, a park and a library and the childminder takes and collects children to and from a playgroup and Blue Coat Primary School. The family has two cats that live outside.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time, including three in the early years age group. She is on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to offer childcare before, during and after school and in school holidays. There are currently three children on roll aged from two years to three years on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for older children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has gained a Level 4 Certificate in Early Years and is working towards a Foundation Degree in Early Years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and of a local childminder support group. She has been awarded the National Childminding Quality First Assurance Certificate and is a member of the Gloucestershire Quality Improvement Network at the Gold Plus Tier level.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Outcomes for children are consistently very good which means that they make excellent progress in their learning and development and their welfare is actively promoted. Highly effective partnerships between the childminder, parents and other agencies ensure that individual children's needs are well met in most respects. The organisation of the provision is exemplary ensuring that it runs smoothly and has a firm focus on children's needs. Systems for self-evaluation are comprehensive and result in positive action which maintains the drive for sustained improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 the encouragement for parents to add to their children's progress records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder is very organised so that her provision is expertly managed. She is entirely focused on promoting children's welfare, learning and development. There is a very strong emphasis on safeguarding as highly detailed policies are well understood and implemented. This means that the childminder is well placed to respond if there is a concern about any child. A comprehensive risk assessment programme is followed to ensure that the premises, resources and activities, such as swimming sessions, are safe for children. Robust vetting procedures are in place to make sure that all adults in the household are suitable to be with children. Children feel strong bonds with the childminder and are entirely happy in her care.

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the early years provision

The setting is very well equipped with a wide range of high quality resources that are imaginatively used to support children's learning and development. The childminder organises her part-time working very well so children benefit from her focussed support. Equality of opportunity is highly promoted as she values differences, ensuring that her plans take full account of children's individual needs. Meticulous planning of the environment, such as the resourcing of different areas, use of small furniture and accessibility of storage, fully promotes inclusion by ensuring that each child takes part in activities of their choice.

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the early years provision

Excellent strategies for on-going reflection and in-depth self-evaluation effectively identify strengths of the provision. The recommendation made at the previous inspection concerning consistency in encouraging children's personal hygiene has been fully implemented. The childminder takes full account of the views of parents, children and other professionals to highlight further areas for improvement and to drive future progress. For example, recent changes to the planning, observation and assessment arrangements have had a very positive impact on the outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The partnership between the childminder and parents is exceptional, with both parties liaising closely to ensure the children receive the best care and education. Families report of their immense satisfaction with regard to the information they receive about the children's progress. They fully appreciate the efforts made to share the children's progress and regularly contribute to their assessment through two-way diaries though not the learning journals. The childminder also works substantially with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, so there is excellent continuity of care that significantly benefits all children.

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and outcomes for children

Children make outstanding progress in their learning and development. This is because the childminder takes care to identify individual needs and interests and use these most effectively to plan activities that interest, stimulate and equip This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children with skills for the future. A very strong interest in the children ensures that the childminder knows them and their families well. This, along with a very detailed programme of observation, means that children's progress is carefully monitored and their achievements consistently recognised and acknowledged. Progress is very good in all areas of learning, but particularly high in knowledge and understanding of the world. This is because excellent use is made of outdoor space and the surrounding woodland and of local facilities, including a wetland centre and an allotment. Children highly benefit from frequent opportunities to

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and outcomes for children

explore the natural world, seeing at first hand how birds and butterflies live and learning where their food comes from.

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and outcomes for children

The children feel very safe and secure in the childminder's care because of the excellent relationships formed. They develop a high level of understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they listen to clear explanations from the childminder. They experience small risks in controlled circumstances, for example, as they walk through the woodlands to gather sticks and leaves. They discuss emergency situations and offer solutions, for example, about the safest way to leave. Children readily adopt healthy lifestyles, choosing to spend time out of doors in the fresh air whatever the weather, and making healthy food choices at meal times.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy strong links with the local community, visiting children's amenities and shopping for ingredients for their meals. They develop a very good understanding of, and respect for, the lifestyles of others as they make use of a wealth of resources and activities that promote diversity. They demonstrate very caring attitudes as older children frequently support younger ones, making sure they have toys within reach, giving help when needed and including them in their imaginative play. The high expectations of the childminder and the clear boundaries set mean that children behave very well and use good manners spontaneously. They are confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic because the provision effectively meets their needs and provides high levels of interest and enjoyment. 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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1 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 1

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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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