Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY425726 Inspection date 27/09/2011 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 was registered in 2011. He lives with his partner, who is also a registered childminder, and their three children aged nine, six and four years. They live in the village of Devoran, near Truro, Cornwall. Children use the ground floor of the childminder's home. A secure rear garden is used for outdoor play and learning. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children when working alone, of whom three may be in the early years age range and a maximum of eight children, of whom four may be in the early years age range, when working with another childminder.

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Description of the childminding

There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children live locally and one also attends the local pre-school. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years old. The childminder is registered 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Generally positive partnerships with parents and other early years agencies enable him to meet children's needs well. Well-developed systems for assessment and planning are in place which helps children to make good progress. The childminder has effective systems in place 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?

 develop further systems for sharing information with parents to fully involve them in their children's learning and development, for example by asking them for information about children's starting points.

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the early years provision

The childminder has effective systems in place to safeguard the children in his care. He supervises children at all times and makes sure that they are protected from unvetted persons. He monitors visitors to the premises and keeps a record of their visits. He demonstrates a good understanding of how to follow the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures if required. Children participate in regular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fire drills, effectively raising their awareness of fire safety. Good procedures are in place to maintain children's safety and security at all times. For example, the childminder completes thorough risk to help ensure a safe environment.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides children with an inclusive, welcoming and enabling indoor and outdoor environment. All children benefit from free access to a wide range of age-appropriate and interesting resources and activities. Familiar daily routines are followed to promote a sense of belonging and to meet children's individual personal needs. Children make good use of the outdoors for learning as they build dens, grow fruit and vegetables and observe wildlife. They make regular trips to local places of interest, social activity groups and the local allotment. As a result, they are developing a good awareness of their place in the community. Children also benefit from a good range of resources which effectively promote a positive awareness and respect of people's differences.

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the early years provision

The childminder generally shares good levels of information with parents. He uses daily diaries and ongoing discussion to ensure that parents are kept well-informed. Individual 'learning journals' are in place, which are shared regularly with parents to celebrate children's achievements and identify agreed 'next steps' for their development. However, parents are not fully involved in their children's learning. For example, they are not invited to contribute information about their children's starting points. Some children also attend the local pre-school and the childminder liaises successfully with this setting to support children attending both provisions. This helps to ensure a shared approach to children's care and learning. Parents give positive written feedback about the consistently high standards maintained by the childminder. The childminder uses effective systems for self-evaluation to drive

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the early years provision

future improvement. For example, he has identified areas for development and intends to complete several relevant training courses to extend his skills and knowledge. In partnership with his co-childminder he has made positive changes to the provision, such as extending the range of toys and resources and further developing systems for record keeping. As a result, he has made significant improvements and demonstrated a high level of commitment.

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and outcomes for children

Children have developed strong and trusting relationships with the childminder and his co-childminder. They are developing good social skills, particularly during snack time and when playing games, as they learn to take turns and share. Younger children effectively communicate their needs through eye contact, facial expression and early language skills. For example, they show which coloured pen they wish to use to make wonderful patterns on a sheet of paper. The childminder responds well to children and is very supportive and encouraging. As a result, children demonstrate a good sense of self-worth. Children's learning journals show a wide range of evidence to demonstrate that they are making good levels of progress. The childminder uses these to identify each child's next steps and plan challenging learning opportunities for them. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted effectively as they follow good hygiene procedures and enjoy regular opportunities for outdoor play and exploration. They have been actively involved in creating their own allotment in the garden and also have use of the nearby community allotments. They are fully involved in planting and growing their own fruit and vegetables to eat. As a result, they are developing healthy eating habits. They are also learning about how to keep themselves safe. They practise the evacuation drill and the childminder explains why it is important to handle toys carefully and to move safely and confidently, for example when climbing down from the chair. Children enjoy opportunities to help tidy away toys after use. As a result, they are developing a sense of responsibility. They concentrate well to successfully complete a teddy bear jigsaw puzzle with adult support. Children have created some wonderful paintings, collage and drawings

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and outcomes for children

which are highly valued. These are displayed prominently on the wall, taken home or kept in their learning journal.

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and outcomes for children

Children are skilled at building, using a selection of toy blocks which they balance, stack and use to create towers. They successfully operate interactive resources, such as a toy electric guitar. They also enjoy opening and closing the biscuit barrel, in order to hear the resulting noise of a cockerel crowing. The childminder supervises children well and provides high levels of support and encouragement. Children enjoy his active involvement in their play which significantly increases their opportunities to learn. 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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 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 2 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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