Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY405549 Inspection date 27/04/2011 Inspector Yvonne Campbell

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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 2009. He lives with his wife in Brislington, Bristol. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a number of pets including a rabbit, birds in an aviary and quails. Children have supervised contact with the animals. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. He may care for no more than six children under eight years. When working with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, they may care for no more than 12 children under eight years, of whom no more than two children may be under a year old. The childminder is also registered to care for older children on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. There are currently three children on roll, of whom all are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered to offer overnight care to one child under the

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Description of the childminding

age of eight years. The childminder attends a preschool group held at the local children's centre. He walks to and from the nearby school to drop off and collect children.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming family home where they feel secure and have enjoyable learning experiences. The childminder has satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and provides a range of suitable activities to help each child make progress, although planning systems require further attention. Children are kept generally safe from risk and hazards in the home through a risk assessment procedure, although this requires revision. Regular communication is established with parents and the childminder is now working towards establishing links with other settings where minded children have early years care and education. The childminder evaluates his practice suitably and shows steady improvement since the last inspection, so is appropriately placed to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve planning of learning and development and ensure there is a clear understanding of each child's actual stage of development and the types of activities and learning experiences children may be involved in as they progress  review the risk assessment procedure and evaluate the control measures currently in place to prevent children having access to the pond in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 garden.

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the early years provision

The childminder has sufficient understanding of how to protect children and uses this knowledge suitably so that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The required documents to support practices are in place, including a safeguarding policy, which is shared with parents to read and sign to acknowledge they understand the contents. The childminder acts in children's best interest and he implements the safeguarding procedures to bring about satisfactory outcomes for children and peace of mind for parents. The risk assessment for the home is generally satisfactory; assessments include trips and outings in the community. The outdoor area is fully enclosed and the garage kept locked. Children do not have direct access to birds as these are secure in the aviary. The childminder has put control measures in place to ensure the small pond is not a risk to children. Wire meshing covers the surface. However, this control measure is unsatisfactory

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the early years provision

as the meshing is thin and may give way under pressure.

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the early years provision

Since the last inspection, the childminder has made measurable improvements in meeting the developmental needs of children. He is now more familiar with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. He evaluates his provision suitably, identifying where improvements are needed. He attends preschool groups held at a local authority children's centre, where suitable practise is disseminated and the childminder has support in planning activities for children's individual needs. He acts on advice given, showing his determination to aim higher and improve his future provision. Some learning experiences offered to children who are in full time education are not always considered as a means of extending learning and so these are not included in the planning and assessment process for those children.

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the early years provision

The childminder takes an interest in what reception children learn in school. During discussions, he ascertains their interests and allows them to share what they know; for example, key words for reading and learning to speak French. However, the childminder has not established formal links with the primary providers of early years care and education. This means learning records and other relevant information are not shared between settings and may impact on the continuity in approach between providers to children's learning. The available resources are used well by the childminder to provide stimulating play and learning experiences for children both indoors and in the well maintained outdoor space in the garden. Children move freely in the ground floor areas designated for childminding. Most play materials are accessible at child height so children can self-select items they want to play with. They also know they can ask for other items that are not

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the early years provision

All children are treated with equal concern and the childminder addresses issues which have a negative impact on some children's self esteem. He ensures any unkind comments made by children to others are gently challenged. Children are supported as they develop an understanding of differences and similarities This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 between people. They are also learning how people live in the wider world through books and accessing information on the internet. The childminder works closely with parents with whom relationships are friendly. Information about care is shared during daily feedback and parents keep the childminder up to date on children's experiences when they are away from the setting. All written policies are shared with parents when each placement commences, including the complaints procedure with the contact details for the regulator.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settle well in the childminder's home. They show confidence as they move around their surroundings interacting with the childminder, his wife and other children. Younger children show signs of close attachment and are appropriately cautious of strangers whilst being happy to communicate through smiles and eye contact. Children enjoy learning about their local area. They have regular walks to and from school and the children's centre. Children's learning is extended during visits to shops. They know where food can be bought and, in some cases, choose the food they have for lunch during shopping trips.

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and outcomes for children

Younger children are developing an interest in books. They enjoy stories and select favourite books asking the childminder to read to these. They are also learning about colours during daily interaction with the childminder. For example, when a child asks for a balloon, the childminder provided several, asking her to name the colour of each and to say the colour of the balloon she wants. All children progress in gaining suitable skills for their future lives, learning to use a computer to access information, for example.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy learning outdoors in the childminder's garden. They choose what they wish to play with and use every day resources, such as toy vehicles and blocks for building. These are set out on the grass area. Children also have access to dolls and enjoy pushing the buggy around during imaginary play. A spacious tent provides an enclosed area for children to play in and also protects their skin as they shelter from direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Children have supervised contact with several animals in the garden and learn how they live in their habitat. They observe the rabbit moving freely and munching grass. There are many birds in an aviary at the bottom of the garden which children also enjoy observing. Children know that quails lay eggs and collect these, handling them carefully as they know the shells are fragile. Other activities outdoors include gardening. Older children help to plant vegetables and flowers. The childminder has a clear

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and outcomes for children

understanding of the interests of each child. Activities which take place in the children's centre are planned, assessed and recorded. However, some home-based activities, such as gardening are not assessed and used to inform further planning for progress. Therefore, the childminder is not able to present an overall view of all children in their learning records.

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and outcomes for children

Children are kept safe from hazards and injury. The childminder teaches children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 how to keep themselves safe appropriately. They learn about the dangers of knives and know they must not touch the television. Children's good health is promoted. They have regular walks and enjoy playing outdoors in the fresh air. Children have nutritious meals and are learning to make healthy choices. The childminder has attended an "Eat Well" training course and offers children healthy options. Children have access to drinks and a bowl of fruit is available at all times. Children behave well and older children show care and concern for their younger friends. They are engaged purposefully and benefit from the activities offered at the childminder's home. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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 3

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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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