Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY344928 Inspection date 04/04/2011 Inspector Karen Prager

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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 registered in January 2007. She lives with her husband and their three young children in the South Hams area of Plymouth. The whole of the property is available for childminding purposes, though children generally play downstairs. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. There are shops and local amenities within walking distance. The childminder takes and collects children from the local primary school.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom one may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for four children within this age range who attend on a part time basis. Care is offered for children all year round. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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 cared for in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. The childminder works closely with their parents to meet their needs. They make good progress in their learning and development overall, and effective arrangements are implemented to promote their welfare. The childminder demonstrates a strong desire to provide high quality childcare and effective systems are in place to monitor and move the provision forward. This ensures positive outcomes for children are promoted.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to clearly track children's progress  enable children to develop and use their home language in their play and learning

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded extremely well. The childminder demonstrates an excellent knowledge of the procedures for identifying any child at risk of harm and liaising with the appropriate agencies. She has recently attended safeguarding training and a clear safeguarding policy supports her practice. Children's safety is of paramount importance to the childminder. Risk assessment records are thorough and any potential risks to children are effectively identified and promptly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 minimised. A wide range of policies and procedures are implemented consistently and these are shared with parents. The childminder is clear about notifying Ofsted of any changes or significant events and all adults in the household have been suitably vetted.

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the early years provision

Children flourish in the childminder's care. The well-organised and welcoming environment that she provides creates an atmosphere that is conducive to both learning and having fun. Children have plenty of space to play and rest. Resources are plentiful and a good selection is accessible to all children. Toy boxes are situated in the lounge and further resources available from the garage, with supervision. A picture record is being developed to enable children to make more independent choices about their play and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder expresses a strong desire and capacity for improvement. She is an experienced childcare provider and regularly meets with other professionals to share examples of good practice and regularly volunteers at the local primary school and Children's Centre. The childminder has attended a wealth of training courses that include manual handling and customer care, and she is part way through completing a relevant Level 3 Diploma. The childminder continually reflects on her practice and has recently reviewed and updated all policies and procedures. Each working day is reflected on to explore what went well and what could be improved so that actions taken are well-chosen and carefully planned.

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the early years provision

The childminder recognises the value of working in partnership with parents and others. Children's individual needs are known and met because she has formed good relationships with parents and regularly exchanges information about their children's welfare and development. The childminder gives parents a copy of her prospectus, details of the Early Years Foundation Stage principles and copies of her polices are made available. Parents also have access to children's development records which provides them with additional information about the children's experiences. Daily diaries are used by some parents and all parents are actively encouraged to share what they know about their children so that the childminder is best able to support them as their needs and interests change. The childminder has also established strong links with other settings involved in the care and education of the children in her care. She exchanges appropriate information to

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the early years provision

ensure consistency of care and to extend and support children's learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge of the learning and development and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage which she uses to support positive outcomes for children. Through ongoing observations and assessments the childminder develops a clear understanding of what the children can do and she records this in their 'Learning Journals' though their progress is not clearly tracked which means that support may not be appropriately targeted. Children engage in a mixture of adult and child led activities. They enjoy pouring water into the pots when playing with the toy kitchen. They negotiate for different This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 roles when acting out a royal wedding and are supported in making a necklace with repeating patterns. Children arrange toy ponies on the floor and she settles down to read them a book. The childminder interacts well with the children and

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and outcomes for children

actively listens to what they have to say. She asks them questions and encourages them to think and respond. Children consider the texture of fruit supplied at snack time noting that the dried apple is spongy and the banana is crunchy. The childminder also uses some signing and gestures to support children's language development. The childminder is aware of the benefit of supporting children in using their home language in their play, but has not taken effective steps to enable this.

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and outcomes for children

Children become aware of how to keep themselves safe. They take part in fire evacuation drills and over time come to know that they must leave the home when the smoke alarm sounds. They contribute to their own safety when they assist in conducting risk assessments. The childminder is effective in supporting children's good health and well-being. Drinks are readily available and children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. Their dietary needs and preferences are well known by the childminder who ensures that these are catered for. Children follow good hygiene practices and are learning why these are necessary. Children play in the garden or visit the local park or woodlands on a daily basis. Then childminder makes sure that children are supplied with appropriate clothing such as wellington boots so children are able to benefit from outdoor activities and fresh air whatever the weather. 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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