Childminder in South Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY344351 Inspection date 22/02/2011 Inspector Anne Mitchell

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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 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives with her husband and two children in the Downend area of South Gloucestershire. The childminder works with her husband who is also a registered childminder and together they share responsibility for the childminding practice. She is registered on the Early Years Register, as well as the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. A total of four children may be cared for at any one time. Of these, three may be in the early years age group. There are currently five children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have several pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs and fish in the garden pond.

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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

Children are confident and happy in the childminder's care. They are making generally good progress towards the early learning goals, given their starting points. She works closely with her co-childminder to provide a homely environment with a variety of learning opportunities. Children enjoy a good balance of adult planned and child initiated play. Good use is made of the local environment to extend children's learning and physical development. The childminder has good systems in place to evaluate her practice and therefore the capacity to improve is good.

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further?

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

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further?

 gain sufficient information about children's starting points and individual needs in order to plan effectively for their learniing and development  make sure that observations are systematic to identify learning priorities and to more regularly plan relevant and motivations learning experiences for each child on more regular basis  develop effective systems to share information with other early years providers.

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the early years provision

There are secure systems in place to ensure children are effectively safeguarded. The childminder has attended safeguarding training and is aware of signs and symptoms of possible abuse. She is aware of the correct procedures to follow in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the event of any concerns being noted. The safeguarding policy is shared with parents from the outset. Risk assessments ensure children can play safely at home, in the garden and on outings.

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the early years provision

The childminder works well with her co-childminder to provide good support for children. A dedicated playroom provides a bright, child-orientated environment for children with direct access to toilet facilities and to the garden, providing children with opportunities to be independent in their personal care. Children's artwork is displayed, alongside bright posters and dual language greetings. Resources are well maintained and include toys and books that provide positive images of cultural diversity. Systems to monitor and assess the provision are effective. The childminder receives visits from the network co-ordinator providing advice and support. Use of a hand-written self-evaluation form has highlighted strong areas in the provision, as well as areas for development. The views of children and their parents are taken into account through discussion and the use of questionnaires. The childminder's commitment to continued training ensures improvements to the

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a strong partnership with parents. Their views are sought through annual questionnaires and any issues are promptly addressed. Planned activities and menu plans are displayed on a daily basis and parents have daily opportunities to informally discuss their child's day. Quarterly newsletters are provided and the childminder e-mails photographs of their children at play to each of the parents are a record of their progress. Parents state that the childminder provides a 'nice safe homely atmosphere' They welcome the 'good communication' and appreciate the e-mailed photos. Partnerships with others is satisfactory. There are currently no children who attend other early year's provision although the childminder is aware of the need to share information to provide a consistent approach to children's learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning is well supported. They enjoy a high level of interaction to support their language and communication. Consequently most children communicate well with the childminder and each other. They enjoy decorating pots for their Mothers' Day gift. The childminder uses good explanation as she tells them they will plant a bulb in the pot and watch it grow. Children participate enthusiastically, using different colours and naming them correctly. Children relate well to each other, sitting at the table saying 'Look I have a blue apron' 'Yes I've got blue too!' -

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and outcomes for children

Together the children choose percussion instruments and sit together to sing songs and accompany with instruments. The childminder participates with enthusiasm singing the songs. Children join in with joy moving from side to side in time to the music, happily choosing the next song. Children's physical development is well supported through regular trips to a local soft play area and the use of the garden and local parks. Children use their imaginations using 'Mr. Potato Head' and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 using the doll's house and figures and through dressing up. They sing and dance around the room in their chosen costume. The childminder participates and puts on taped music for the children to dance and they do so with great enthusiasm.

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and outcomes for children

Together with her co-childminder the childminder plans activities that promote all areas of learning. However, planning is infrequent and not always sufficiently individualised. Brief observations are completed on children to determine next steps for their development. The childminder talks to parents from the outset about their children's care needs but less information is gained about their starting points to be able to plan effectively for their learning and development. Children's safety is effectively promoted because the childminder uses reinforcement to enable children to learn about safe behaviour. For example, at the table she reminds children to sit carefully on their chairs 'I don't want you to fall and hurt yourself!' A baby monitor used to check babies as they sleep as well as regular visual checks. Children are encouraged to tidy toys from the floor so they don't trip. Road safety is reinforced on outings. Children behave well, following good role

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and outcomes for children

modelling from the childminder and her co-childminder. They are consistent in their approach and use praise and encouragement effectively. Children are polite and well-mannered saying 'please' and 'thank you' spontaneously. 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 3 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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