Childminder in DevonOfsted inspection, 2 May 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY417912 Inspection date 02/05/2011 Inspector Dawn Biggers

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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 2010. She lives with her child age 12 in Kingsteignton, Devon. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of these, three may be in the early years age range and of these, one may be under one year. The childminder is currently caring for nine children, of whom two children are within the early year's age group. She is also able to provide overnight care for two children under the age of eight years. The childminder can also care for children over eight years of age.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks or uses a vehicle to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local park and library.

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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 happy and enjoy their time with the childminder. They make clear progress in their learning and development and have their individual needs met. Children have a safe and homely environment in which to play. The childminder has begun to evaluate aspects of the provision and demonstrates the capacity to maintain steady and continuous improvement. However, self-evaluation is not fully embedded in practice and consequently, some aspects of safeguarding, assessments of children and opportunities to fully promote diversity through resources require further development in order to fully meet individual needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the system of observational assessment and planning to provide a clearer overview of children's progress and to more closely identify their next steps in development  develop children's understanding of safety procedures by undertaking regular fire evacuation practices with them  develop further systems for self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children  develop the resources which reflect diversity in society and ensure children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learn from the earliest age to value diversity in others and grow up making a positive contribution to society.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of safeguarding children and has knowledge of what to do in the event of a child protection concern. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder acts as a role model, for example, making them aware of hazards. She discusses road safety and uses appropriate equipment for all ages, such as a pushchair and car seats. The childminder has a written evacuation procedure; however, fire drills are not practiced with the children so they are unclear of what to do in an emergency situation. The childminder has completed effective risk assessments within the home and for outings. She takes emergency contact cards with her and numbers are stored on her mobile in case of an emergency. The childminder ensures the premise is secure and monitored well. Daily checks and permission from parents, alongside her displayed house rules, ensure children are kept safe.

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the early years provision

The childminder has begun to evaluate and identify some plans to bring about further improvements for children, although this is in the early stages of implementation and therefore is not fully established. The childminder has, however, adapted her risk assessment forms to support her safeguarding procedures in the home and whilst on outings. She maintains daily checks of her premises in safeguarding children. Training has been identified to begin to support and develop practice, for instance building upon her level two childcare qualification the childminder has identified a level three course she would like to attend.

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the early years provision

The childminder is organised and plans flexibly within the routine. She displays resources prior to children's arrival to ensure they settle and confidently leave their parents. Children have access to a variety of resources, which are all in good condition and accessible for them to begin to make their own choices. Children receive individual attention and their routines are met through discussion. The childminder has knowledge of children's background and needs and information is obtained about their routines and likes/dislikes from the beginning. She further raises their awareness of diversity through discussion and some play opportunities; such as making Easter masks. However, these are limited in embracing differences in religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds to enable children from a young age to value diversity.

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the early years provision

Parents are well informed of how their child has been through daily discussions and informative written information about their day. The childminder clearly displays information on a notice board and provides a welcoming home. For example, there is a compliments and complaints book and welcome sign displayed in different languages. Parents report that they are happy with the care provided and value the detailed diary of their child's day. The childminder shares with parents her good range of policies. She is aware of establishing links with other settings children attend and forming partnerships to further support their learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and development within the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has developed links with other childminders whilst attending various groups. Documentation is appropriately in place to meet the legal requirements and to support children's

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding and knowledge of how children learn. Her good awareness of their needs supports them well. Therefore, children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has begun to implement observations, using an individual plan, which highlights the six areas of learning, and this is supported well by photographs. However, her system for identifying all children's next steps is less well established within her generally good monitoring of their progress. The childminder has good awareness of children's interests from discussion with parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled. They interact well with the childminder as they have a secure, good relationship. She is responsive to their individual needs and children have a good balance of adult-led and child-led activities. They have regular outings to learn about the local community and the wider world and opportunities to socialise with other children, visiting the park and whilst on walks. They have regular fresh air and exercise whilst using the outdoor garden and equipment, such as the balls and paint and visit the soft play areas. The childminder engages well, for example, she encourages their interest in books and asks questions about the animals. Children develop skills for the future they point and repeat sounds, such as the noise of the cat, and are introduced to new animal noises. The childminder values children's home environment and extends their experiences by relating this to pets that they have at home. She uses the sensory

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and outcomes for children

toys and play equipment to encourage their number and colour awareness. She includes all children, sitting together during a short story and encourages them to build with the construction set. Children enjoy knocking down the tower and building this again. They interact well with their peers and participate in games, such as rolling and throwing the balls down the corridor. They play peek-a-boo through the conservatory window. Children use their imagination well, for instance they hide the dinosaur under the cave sharing 'it's gone'. They use vocal sounds and some words to express themselves. They are inquisitive and confident and share their toys. They confidently push and pull the cars. The childminder spontaneously introduces rhymes and children engage in the actions of rowing the boat. They explore the environment manoeuvring the pushchair and enjoying the space within the play rooms and corridor. They develop awareness of the wider

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and outcomes for children

world as the childminder encourages them to listen to the bird noise echoed from the fire place and points out things in the garden, such as the different flowers and colours. Children are provided with opportunities to investigate with various sensory materials, such as making hand prints and become familiar with parts of their body as they are encouraged to point to their eyes. As a result, children enjoy and achieve and develop confidence to explore. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children behave well and develop confidence with their social skills. Their achievements are recognised and praised. They begin to learn to share and are encouraged to use manners from a young age, such as please and thank you. They interact with the childminder well and are familiar with the boundaries within the home. The childminder supports children's developing concentration taking the

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and outcomes for children

lead from their interests and engaging in their play. She introduces activities such as the books and construction toys, so they engage in free play and adult led activities. Children develop awareness of hazards within the home as the childminder removes toy obstacles to enable their safe manoeuvrability. They learn about road safety as this is discussed. They have access to plenty of fluids, as their drink containers are available. Children develop confidence with self-care as well, as the childminder acts as a role model and supports children as they wash and dry their hands and use individual flannels. 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 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 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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