Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 511018 Inspection date 07/06/2011 Inspector Deborah Orchard

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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 1994. She works with another childminder from her home in Sheen in the London borough of Richmond. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. When working with another childminder she may care for a maximum of eight children, of these no more than six may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children within the early years range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is an accredited member of the local Childminding Network. She is registered to receive educational funding for three years olds. The childminder holds a relevant degree qualification.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She fully recognises the uniqueness of each child and knows them exceedingly well, enabling her to plan for their individual needs. She works highly effectively with another childminder. The childminder demonstrates a very strong commitment to continuous improvement . She regularly enhances her knowledge through training, improving outcomes for children.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 extend areas for imaginative play outdoors.

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the early years provision

The childminder has extensive knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues, enabling her to be clear on any action she would take if she had any concerns about a child. She is fully aware of her responsibilities regarding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recording and reporting. There is a detailed written child protection policy in place and relevant government documents available, for reference. This means children's welfare is protected. The childminder ensures children are protected from potential hazards by carrying out daily checks and detailed risk assessments on all areas of the premises used by children and for any outings undertaken. Children actively participate in the risk assessment process, as they complete printed sheets and wipe boards helping them think about things which could be hazardous. The childminder has in place an extensive range of well presented and detailed polices

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the early years provision

and procedures, which she shares with parents. These ensure the safe and highly efficient running of the setting.

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the early years provision

Evaluation of the provision is highly effective. The childminder uses the accredited childminding assessments and a written self-evaluation to drive improvements; she is constantly looking at how she can enhance what she offers. She is committed to her work and works closely with her co-minder to continually develop what they offer. The childminder highly values the views of parents and children. She gathers their ideas by using questionnaires. These help to shape the service and ensure children continue to receive the highest quality of care. The childminder is frequently attending training courses, continually building upon her knowledge and driving improvements.

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the early years provision

Children are able to play, rest and eat comfortably in this most welcoming environment. The home is organised highly effectively to meet the needs of all the children attending. Children and parents immediately feel welcome as they are able to see photos and children's art work on display. An abundance of resources are stored accessibly and in easy reach of the children, enabling them to be able to self-select and be independent in their decision making. Low level drawers are clearly labelled and small objects are stored at a higher level to protect very young children. Children can move freely from indoors to the outdoor area. The childminder offers a wealth of opportunities and a stimulating environment, which provides for all areas of learning. Her enthusiasm from attending recent training, regarding creating friendly spaces for children, results in her providing highly creative areas for children to play imaginatively. She shares her special resource

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the early years provision

packs for creating these environments with parents to enable them to use these at home. She will now be looking at how she can enhance the garden to create these special areas outdoors, providing further opportunities for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder recognises each child is unique. She provides a very inclusive service where all children feel secure and develop a strong sense of belonging. There is a comprehensive equal opportunities policy in place, which reflects in her work. Information regarding children's individual needs, including allergies and food restrictions is gathered from parents and respected. Children can access an extensive range of resources, which positively reflect diversity within the community. For example, books, dolls, posters and small world people. Children and adults respect each other and embrace differences through activities such as celebrating different festivals.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the excellent working relationships the childminder establishes with parents, for which she gives great importance. Feedback from parents is very complementary and shows they are very happy with the service This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their children receive. Regular discussions, newsletters, daily diaries and e-mails ensure parents are kept fully informed of all aspects of the provision and their child's experiences. Planning information and details of the Early Years Foundation Stage is on display to inform parents of the educational programmes on offer. The childminder works closely with parents, regarding all aspects of their child's development. This ensures excellent continuity of care. Parents' feedback is captured in the written development reports, ensuring knowledge of their child is being taken into account. The childminder has established highly effective

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the early years provision

relationships with other settings, where children attend and will transfer to. She regularly communicates with these settings to ensure the child's needs are met and to ensure children have a smooth transition to school.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a fabulous time in this very happy and relaxed environment. Children are able to make excellent progress as the childminder has extensive knowledge of the different areas of learning and plans for each child's individual learning journey. Records of children's observations and developmental progress are kept in their individual folders, alongside art work and many photos of children engaging in a wealth of activities, these are regularly shared with parents, their input valued at every stage. The childminder is skilful in supporting children's individual interests, taking every opportunity to extend their learning for example, providing clip boards, paper and mark making resources for children to develop their interest in writing lists in the home corner.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive lots of encouragement and support from the childminder, this promotes their confidence and self-esteem, which means they are confident to participate in the full range of activities. Children's behaviour is exceptional; they clearly understand the boundaries within the setting and respond positively to requests from the warm childminder. All children are able to feel truly valued as the childminder frequently praises them. For example, as they proudly show their chalk hand print pictures. They explore how things work as they operate cameras and computers. They have plenty of opportunities to build and construct using boxes and construction toys. Children learn about weights and measures as they play with water and sand, having fun filing and emptying containers.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder notices the children's interest in the insects in the garden and extends their understanding and language by talking to them about the bees they see. Children have lots of opportunities to initiate their own play ideas and the childminder provides an excellent balance of planned and free play. Through role play with dolls the children develop their imagination; the childminder is always nearby to support their learning, whilst giving them space to develop their own ideas.

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and outcomes for children

Children are strongly supported in developing an understanding how to keep safe. They learn why they wear visibility jackets when they go out and how bike helmets protect their heads. Children participate in regular fire drills, risk assessing for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outings and in the home. They understand how to play safely around each other. They feel very secure as they receive lots of reassurance and encouragement from the caring childminder. Developing healthy lifestyles is highly promoted through planting and growing tomatoes outside and having plenty of fresh air and exercise. The childminder involves children in food preparation. Children excitedly discuss what they put in the delicious pasta they have for lunch. This enables children to develop their self help skills. The childminder makes full use of meal times; ensuring children sit together at the table and use excellent manners. They

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and outcomes for children

develop their small muscle movements as they master their skills with using cutlery and develop their language talking about their day. 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 1 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 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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