Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY419693 Inspection date 16/05/2011 Inspector Jayne Pascoe

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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 2010. She lives with her partner who is also a registered childminder, in the rural village of Devoran, close to Truro, in Cornwall. Children use the ground floor of the childminder's home. A secure, enclosed garden area is available for outdoor play activities.

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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 whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with her partner, they may care for eight children of whom no more than four may be in the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years. There are currently five children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Some children also attend the local school and pre-school. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has developed generally effective procedures to ensure that children's needs are met well. However, systems to monitor all aspects of practice, including the effectiveness of fire drills, in order to maintain continuous improvement are not yet fully established. The childminder works positively in partnership with parents and welcomes support and advice from the local pre-school. Although liaison with the pre-school is generally effective, systems to maintain cohesive learning experiences for children who attend both settings have not yet been implemented.

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further?

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

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further?

 record the details of regular fire drills in a log book, to include any problems encountered and how they were resolved  develop effective systems to maintain coherence of learning and development across different early years settings in order to promote continuity and progression for children  develop effective systems for monitoring and evaluating the childminding practice, in order to maintain continuous improvement. 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 developed effective systems to safeguard the children in her care. Written risk assessments are used well to maintain children's safety and security at all times. Daily visual checks of the premises, toys and equipment also ensure that risks are identified and minimised. Children regularly practise emergency evacuation procedures, in order to develop their confidence and familiarity, but a log is not yet in place for monitoring and evaluation purposes. Children are encouraged to develop their awareness of and ability to manage everyday risks, such as safely negotiating the steps to the garden. As a result, they are beginning to take responsibility for their own safety and that of others. Children are supervised appropriately at all times and are protected from unvetted persons. Visitors to the premises are monitored closely and a record of their visit is kept. The childminder demonstrates confidence in her knowledge and

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the early years provision

understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures that children's individual needs, preferences and abilities are identified, respected and met. She has organised her home well to provide a safe, stimulating, comfortable and enabling indoor and outdoor environment. Children move freely to access their favourite toys from a wide selection indoors and also spend significant periods of time enjoying the garden. There is a suitable range of opportunities for children to develop a positive awareness and respect of people's differences. The childminder has established effective relationships with parents. She shares information very regularly through daily discussion, diaries and children's records. She has recently introduced individual 'Learning Journey's' which contain examples of children's work, written observations and photographs. These are shared with parents in order to celebrate children's achievements and identify agreed 'next steps' for their learning and development. Parental

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the early years provision

satisfaction at the standards of care and learning provided by the childminder is evident through their written feedback. Some children also attend the local pre- school, with whom the childminder has established positive links. However, systems are not yet in place to share and agree children's individual 'next steps' for progress. The childminder has considered, but not yet developed effective systems for evaluating her practice, in order to drive improvement.

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and outcomes for children

Children have formed strong and trusting relationships with the childminder and her family. As a result, they are happy, settled and content. They are beginning to develop their levels of confidence and independence and show a sound sense of belonging. The childminder and her partner are positive role models and as a result, children are well mannered, polite and kind. Children enjoy making a den in the lounge using a range of different materials, during this activity the childminder and her partner interact and support children at appropriate times. Imaginative role play is developed and greatly enjoyed in the new den in the garden. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 cooperate and negotiate well, successfully maintaining harmonious play for a considerable period of time. They chatter happily, communicating very effectively through facial expression, body language and vocabulary. Children also express

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and outcomes for children

themselves creatively, as they paint their kite and mark-make confidently to create a larger scale piece of art work.

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and outcomes for children

Children use shape-stencils for painting and develop their numeracy skills when singing counting songs. They explore the local community as they walk in the countryside, visit local activity groups and tend a nearby allotment. They are developing their awareness of sustainability when planting and growing a selection of fruits and vegetables, composting waste foods and collecting rainwater for re- use.

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and outcomes for children

Opportunities for children to develop their good health are a particular strength of this setting. Children make daily use of the outdoor play area to develop physical skills, grow their own food and enjoy fresh air and fun. Nutritious snacks and meals are provided in sufficient quantities for children's individual needs. Water is freely available throughout the day and effective hygiene practices are embedded into the daily routine. 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 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 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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