EOTAS Vocational Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 136243 Inspection date 28/02/2011 Inspector Susan Harvey

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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 1989. She lives with her husband who is approved as a childminding assistant, and adult son in Yate, South Gloucestershire. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a downstairs toilet for children to use. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and the childminder has two cats and one dog as pets.

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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. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, and when working with an assistant, four children under five of these two may be under one. The childminder is currently minding seven children under five, some in part-time places and three children before and after school. The childminder drives to school to take and collect children and goes to several local parent and toddler and childminding groups regularly. The childminder 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 is experienced in the care and learning of children. She has attended a range of interesting training events in order to improve outcomes for children. Young children are very happy in the care of the childminder and she is inclusive in her practice. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage regulations and requirements and has begun to formally evaluate her practice, but this needs further development. Children are well supported in their language development and there are effective arrangements in place to ensure their health and safety.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a system for ongoing self-evaluation that covers all aspects of welfare and learning

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the early years provision

The childminder clearly understands her responsibility to safeguard children. She is very aware of the process to follow in the event of concern about a child. She attended a recent course to update her knowledge of safeguarding and has documents to use for support with any action the childminder may take when needed. Documents informing parents of how to make a complaint, as well as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 policies and procedures, are extremely clear and easy to read. The childminder has provided up-to-date information for parents such as the regulators current contact details. Using a detailed written risk record and assessment the childminder has identified areas of risks on and off the premises, covering all things a child might come into contact with.

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the early years provision

There is a very good level of communication between parents and the childminder. The childminder believes in working closely with parents and verbally communicates all that children have done, as well as through written information using a diary with the events that have been covered throughout the day. She keeps them informed of the service she provides through monthly newsletters. These have a variety of information for parents to read, such as planned outings and what the children have been doing during their time with the childminder. The childminder's policies and procedures are readily available for all parents to read in a well documented file. She has started to evaluate her practice using the Ofsted self-evaluation form, but this is in the early stages of development, which means at this time, she is unable to fully identify all her areas of success and improvement. Some of the children attend other settings with whom the

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the early years provision

childminder has made appropriate links and uses the shared information to assist with the children's individual planning of activities. All children have easy access to a good range of toys and resources which assist with their learning through play and the resources supporting all aspects fully cover diversity

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the early years provision

Children make clear progress in their learning and development. The childminder is able to identify their individual learning needs through experience and knowledge of the development stages of young children. She has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage regulations and requirements in order to help children with their progress and achievements. Through observations and regular assessments parents are able to see the progress their children have made.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel very safe in the care of the childminder and have a strong sense of belonging. They are happy and show good levels of confidence and self-esteem through the encouragement and support shown by the childminder. The childminder interacts well with children and the organised daily routines help young children become secure and confident. Children enjoy the opportunity to visit places of interest and are kept very safe during this time. This includes the use of high visibility jackets in the winter and brightly colourful t-shirts in the summer so that they can be easily seen. Children are cared for in a secure environment. The childminder has addressed all areas of safety in the home in order to keep children safe, for example stairgates at the kitchen and lounge door prevent young children from accessing areas where they might be at risk. As a result, children benefit from the childminder's careful management of their safety.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about a healthy lifestyle. They have several opportunities to use the garden as an extension to their play. This not only enables them to understand the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 need for regular fresh air and exercise but gives them chance to make choices for themselves as to where they would like to play. Through the childminders' good example children are encouraged to adopt high standards of hygiene; regular washing and wiping of hands and noses and their own individual towel, helps children to understand the need to prevent the spread of infection. Children are able to learn about healthy eating by enjoying nutritious home cooked meals and snacks; a balanced diet helps children make healthy choices for themselves. They have access to drinking water using their individual cups and know when they need a sleep or food; overall, with the help from the childminder young children

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and outcomes for children

are beginning to be aware of their bodily needs. The childminder provides opportunities for children to learn how to grow their own food. They use the greenhouse in the garden to plant seeds and grow lettuce, tomatoes and potatoes which are then prepared in their sandwiches and for evening meals.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder carefully arranges visits and activities for the children so that all are included. Children have experiences during the school holidays to visit such interesting places as museums and trips to the seaside by train. During term-time, young children are able to mix and socialise with others when taking part in the local church activity singing session as well as visits to Slimbridge Wildlife Park. The childminder takes time to plan activities for children which are clearly linked to their progress and the next steps in their learning. For example, the childminder is supporting children with their language development through the use of Makaton signing actions, stories and picture books. She uses supporting evidence such as photographs and examples of the children's craft work to link closely to the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance. Young children enjoy the challenge of building with coloured bricks and cups, they follow instructions when asked to look for a toy

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and outcomes for children

cow or horse, and they delight in knowing the action sign for pig. Young children have access to treasure baskets which are stocked with natural materials and safe items such as wooden spoons, link chains, bells and coloured ribbons. This gives them the chance to feel and handle a variety of materials and develop their coordination skills. Young children are beginning to learn how to share through the childminder's gentle persuasion of the need to take turns. They communicate using not only simple words repeated for them by the childminder, but develop the skill of signing what they need, such as a drink and saying 'thank you'. As a result, the childminder's patience supports and enables children to learn how to speak and communicate their needs. Young children are well behaved, they are fully aware of the effect their behaviour has on others and are encouraged to apologise not only verbally but through signing actions. Overall, children have a busy time in the care

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and outcomes for children

of the childminder which enhances their development and increases their experience as they learn through play. 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 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

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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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