Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY265459 Inspection date 14/04/2011 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, nine and five years. The family home is a semi-detached, three bedroom house in the Longlevens area of the city of Gloucester. The whole of the childminder's house, except for the main bedroom, is registered for childminding. There is an enclosed, rear garden for children's outdoor play with grassed and paved areas. The family has a small dog, a rabbit, a guinea pig and two lizards as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is on the Early Years Register and also makes provision for children older than the early years age group, as she is registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She offers childcare before, during and after school and in school holidays. She is registered to care for five children at any one time, including three in the early years age group. There are currently six children on roll aged from one to five years on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children older than the early years age group and children over eight years of age. Overnight care is offered for one child under eight years.

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Description of the childminding

The house is within easy walking distance of shops, play park, library and a toddler group. The childminder takes and collects children to and from a playgroup and infant and junior schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is on the committee of a local childminding group. She holds a Level 3 qualification in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

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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 progress very well as most arrangements ensure that they are supported to choose activities and experiences that interest and stimulate them. Their safeguarding is given the highest priority. As a result, children feel entirely safe and show an extremely strong sense of security and belonging within the setting. Well established relationships with parents and effective procedures for working in partnership with other professionals ensure that children are effectively supported. There is a clear commitment to ongoing improvement, and strategies to seek the views of parents and children ensure that areas for development in the provision are clearly identified and addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 review children's next steps so that these arise directly from observation. 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 has an excellent awareness of safeguarding issues and regularly updates her training. Comprehensive policies and procedures are implemented consistently and robustly to ensure any concerns are prioritised and dealt with effectively. Children display an excellent awareness of safety issues and recognise and understand how to keep themselves safe. All required suitability checks have been completed on household members and a comprehensive risk assessment programme is in place to minimise hazards indoors, outdoors and on outings. For example, the premises are entirely secure and toys and equipment is very well maintained.

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the early years provision

Many resources are accessible so children can help themselves and the childminder willingly fetches those that children request to enhance their play. Equality and diversity are well promoted. The childminder manages part-time attendance patterns effectively to ensure that each child receive close, adult attention. The use of time is planned carefully so that their individual needs are accommodated and interests built upon. Strategies, such as involving the younger children in the preparation of snack foods, contribute to the inclusiveness of the setting.

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the early years provision

Varied strategies for self-evaluation enable the childminder to clearly identify areas of strength and for development. For example, she is pro-active in undertaking training and seeking information and guidance to expand her knowledge. Recommendations from the previous inspection are fully implemented to safeguard children. Families are kept well informed about the setting and their children's progress. They are provided with clear, written information in a detailed welcome pack and in the children's attractive, learning journals. Parents feel confident to discuss their children's achievements and any concerns they may have. The childminder works hard to develop a consistent approach between home and setting which greatly benefits children, particularly regarding confidence building. The childminder is proactive in developing effective links with other professionals to consistently support children's considerable learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children achieve very well in their learning and development and make positive steps towards gaining the skills they need for the future. The childminder's warm, individual approach means that children are effectively supported in their learning. Children's starting points are discussed with parents so their individual interests and achievements are recognised and built on from the outset. The detailed programme of observation and assessment means that children's progress towards the early learning goals is effectively monitored and that the childminder is beginning to plan for children's next steps. Observation forms part of the daily routine so children's achievements are vividly reflected in interesting records of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which they are justly proud.

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and outcomes for children

The children settle well to engage fully with the activities and develop their ideas. They gain good problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills through setting their own challenges, for example, to count the stars they print in a pattern. They enjoy frequent opportunities to socialise at local community groups and to explore rural environments, visiting local woods and farms and going on a train ride. They spontaneously sing action songs, explore media such as sand and water, and enjoy copying what adults do as part of their imaginary play, for example, with 'babies in prams'.

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and outcomes for children

Children show an extremely strong sense of security and belonging within the setting. They display high levels of self-esteem and develop excellent relationships at every level with adults and their peers. They work exceptionally well independently and with other children whilst gaining excellent negotiation and co- operation skills. All children are valued and engage in a wide range of activities and experiences which help them to value diversity. Young ones receive skilful support to develop exemplary behaviour and begin to show an excellent awareness of responsibility within the setting.

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and outcomes for children

The children develop an exceptional understanding of how to keep themselves safe through highly established routines and challenging, small risks taken in controlled circumstances. For example, young ones confidently and safely negotiate the garden slope on wheeled toys. Frequent evacuation procedures include discussion on what to do in an emergency situation and a young child, dressed as a fire person, volunteers to 'come to the rescue'. Healthy lifestyles are readily adopted. Children choose to spend time out of doors each day, benefitting from fresh air and challenging exercise. They enjoy a healthy, well balanced diet and good personal hygiene routines are well implemented so children consistently learn about their importance. 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 1 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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 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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