Childminder in Isle of Wight

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY421513 Inspection date 14/07/2011 Inspector Lilyanne Taylor

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2011. She lives with her partner, teenage stepson and pre-school age daughter in a semi-detached house in a residential area of Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The whole of the house is registered for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The premises are within walking distance to local pre-schools, schools, shops, parks and beaches. The childminder holds an Early Years National Vocational Qualification at level 3. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. When working alone she is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children at anyone time; of these two may be in the early years age range. When working with another childminder at these premises she is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time; of these five may be in the early year's age range. Currently the childminder has four

p.4

Description of the childminding

children on roll, all of whom are in the early year's age group. The childminder operates Monday to Friday all year round. Her operational hours are from 7am to 6pm. She will consider working outside these hours to meet parents' requirements.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

All children are given a warm welcome, valued as individuals and made to feel part of the family. Children are making sound progress in most aspects of their learning; they participate in a varied range of activities that are based on the knowledge the childminder has of their individual stage of development and interests. Parents are able to be actively involved in their children's learning. However, systems for working in partnership with others involved with the children are not in place. Documentation and most procedures worked to effectively promote children's good health. The childminder attends regular training events to update her knowledge and skills for the benefit of the children, and to drive continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve children's understanding of healthy practices with specific regard to toys and resources that children put in their mouth, by ensuring they are withdrawn from use and cleaned between each child's use, for example  support children in developing an understanding of the importance of making healthy choices in relation to food through discussion and activities so they become aware of foods that are not healthy and the effect these can have on their bodies This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  improve the systems to work together with other practitioners to support transition and consistency between early year's settings.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility for ensuring all children's well-being is safeguarded. She is aware of the procedures she should follow and shares her safeguarding policy with parents so they are aware. The childminder's close supervision ensures children are always in her care. All adults living in the premises have or are in the process of having their suitability checked. Written risk assessments of the premises and for all outings detail the potential hazards children may be exposed to and how the childminder will manage these to ensure children are kept safe at all times. The childminder organises her day flexibly. This ensures all children's care needs are met and their home routines respected. Children experience a varied range of activities both indoors and outdoors which support all areas of their learning and development. Overall, resources are maintained in a clean, safe condition for children's use. They

p.5

the early years provision

are arranged at low level enabling children to access them independently. Children are beginning to learn about diversity in the world in which they live through discussion, activities and resources that provide positive images of difference such as books and small world toys.

p.5

the early years provision

Children benefit from the highly positive relationship the childminder has with their parents. Parents are fully aware of the care and education they can expect their children to receive; they are given a copy of all the childminder's policies and procedures sign to confirm their agreement with them. Parents are informed daily of the care their children have been provided, how they have spent their day and any progress they may have made. The childminder encourages parents to share any achievements they may have noticed their children make at home and takes this information into account with the planning of future activities. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's learning; the childminder provides the words to songs and nursery rhymes their children are learning so they can practise singing them at home. In addition she has recently introduced a system whereby to further support children in the development of their communication, language

p.5

the early years provision

and literacy skills they are able to choose a story book to take home so their parents can read it to them. Parents express how they are very happy with the care and education their children receive, and that their children look forward to attending.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has begun to evaluate her provision and has identified areas for development. Her plans for the future are well-targeted and include purchasing equipment such as ride on toys in order to support the physical development of younger children. This demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of self- evaluation, leading to continuous improvement to the provision. Some children do share provision with other Early Years Foundation Stage providers. However, at this time the childminder has not yet established a system for working in partnership with them. As a result she is not able to be fully assured that all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's education is being continuously supported.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children have a positive and relaxed relationship with the childminder and enjoy the time they spend with her. When feeling insecure they readily go to her for a cuddle and reassurance. Effective use of praise helps children to feel confident in their own abilities, promotes their self-esteem and encourages good behaviour. The childminder has sound knowledge of the six areas of learning and records she maintains of the progress children are making clearly identify the stage of learning they are at in each area of their development. Children's communication and language skills are developing well; their conversations are valued because the childminder takes the time to listen to what they have to say. Children enjoy looking at books and visit the library to choose the books they would like to borrow for the childminder or their parents to read to them. Children enjoy music and through their attendance at rhyme time sessions they are beginning to learn the

p.6

and outcomes for children

actions and words to various nursery rhymes.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are content and settled because the childminder follows their home routines with regards to eating and sleeping. Through discussion older children are beginning to gain an understanding of how the fresh fruit and vegetables they are served as a snack is good for their bodies. However, these discussions do not extend to raising their awareness of the negative aspect eating foods such as crisps, chocolate and cakes can have. Children are able to freely access drinks of water thus ensuring they do not become thirsty. Children are not fully protected from the possibility of the spread of germs and/or infection; toys that have been placed in a child's mouth are not withdrawn from use and sterilised prior to another child playing with them.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are taken out in the fresh air each day. They go for walks around the local area and identify the various shapes they see. For example a rectangular letter box and a triangular road sign. They visit play parks where they are all able to gain the experience of playing on a varied range of equipment that supports their physical development. Children benefit from their attendance at local Childminder drop in sessions; they learn how to socialise with others, share and take turns and get used to being in larger spaces. Children are starting to become aware of how they can keep safe through the guidance they receive from the childminder and their participation in the practising of the emergency evacuation procedures. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8