Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY289243 Inspection date 12/10/2011 Inspector Anne-Marie Moyse

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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 2004. She lives with her husband in Okehampton, in Devon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The bathroom and a bedroom for children to sleep in are on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She is currently minding 12 children, aged from 17 months to 12 years. This includes five children in the early years age range. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She is a member of an approved childminding network and currently receives early education funding for three- and four-year-olds. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, Devon Childminding Association and holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies.

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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

The childminder creates a very stimulating and welcoming environment where each child's unique needs are fully known and respected. Overall, children are making excellent progress in their learning and development and are extremely happy and secure in the childminder's care. Extensive record keeping underpins the safe and efficient management of the provision and safeguard children's welfare. The childminder continually reviews the service she provides and accurately identifies areas for development. This demonstrates her excellent capacity to drive improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improving the consistency of systems to maintain a regular two-way flow of information with other providers to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care for all children. 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 provides a very safe and secure environment where children's safety is effectively balanced with promoting their independence. Areas of the home are designated for the children, providing them with a challenging range of resources which they can freely access. Colourful displays around the rooms enrich children's understanding of signs and symbols and photographs remind children of past activities and experiences. The childminder promotes an inclusive approach to embracing children's unique differences and extending their understanding of diversity and the wider world. She completes comprehensive risk assessments of the property and outings, conscientiously monitoring children's safety. The childminder's proactive approach to promoting children's well-being is demonstrated in her emergency plans, such as what to do in case of fire or flood. The childminder has recently refreshed her safeguarding training and has a very

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the early years provision

clear understanding of identifying signs and symptoms of abuse. She also reviews her policies to reflect the most up-to-date procedures to follow if she has any concerns. The childminder's thorough approach to maintaining excellent hygiene routines provides an excellent role model to children.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are a particular strength. The childminder has established exceptional systems for sharing information so that children's needs are known and prioritised. She gives comprehensive information to parents about her childminding arrangements and this is continually reviewed. She keeps them fully informed on the activities children have participated in and enjoyed through discussion and in writing. She uses her knowledge of child development well to observe and evaluate children's progress accurately. She keeps informative accounts of their learning for the parents. Precise records of every child's achievements are used to help identify appropriate targets, with activities planned for each child's individual needs in mind. The childminder works very closely with parents so that particular activities and experiences can be shared. For example, the childminder takes the children to a parent's home to watch as butterflies

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the early years provision

emerge from their chrysalis. Parents provide glowing references of the childminder's ability and are exceptionally pleased with the progress their children make while attending. The childminder has formed positive links with some other providers which children attend and completes detailed reports on the children as they move on to new provisions or school. However, this is not consistent for every Early Years Foundation Stage provision that children attend. This means that there is not a fully shared approach to children's care and learning in all cases.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to continuing her professional development and attends training events to enhance her knowledge and understanding of current good practice. For example, following a workshop on 'playing with the elements' the childminder now makes better use of the natural world to expand children's experiences. The childminder's ability to continually reflect on her own practice helps her to identify and evaluate her provision successfully. This helps her to achieve her own high expectations. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children arrive eagerly and quickly become engaged in playing with their friends and the exciting range of resources ready for them. They show their confidence and familiarity with the routines as they independently take off their shoes, place them in the basket, and immediately settle to play. They are motivated and curious. They explore the various electronic toys and comment on the different sounds they make when they press different buttons. Although there are plenty of resources younger children are encouraged to wait their turn and are beginning to understand the need to respect others. Younger children who have recently started to walk are offered a range of pushchairs, trolleys and small ride-on toys to help extend their physical strength and balance. Children readily help to tidy away the toys so they can safely move and dance to the music. They energetically jump, march and dance, singing and moving in time to the rhythm. They recognise that

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and outcomes for children

the exercise is making them feel hot and that they need to remove their jumpers. They enjoy singing the rhyming words, such as 'funky monkey' which contributes to their developing language skills. The main play room opens directly on to the garden area and children are invited to play outside in all weathers and benefit from the fresh air and robust exercise. They are learning how to keep themselves safe as they race their scooters and tricycles around the track and handle them with control and skill. They use their coordination skills to try to throw the balls through the hoop and develop their imagination as they play in the little house.

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and outcomes for children

Children show a clear understanding of following good personal hygiene routines and older children remind others that they haven't washed their hands properly before eating. Their good health is further promoted as they sit and have meals together. They talk about the different foods they are eating, discussing healthy options and learning new words such as 'carbohydrates'. They are keen to talk about what they like and excitedly tell the childminder about the enormous fish they have seen in the supermarket. Their dietary needs are met well. Foods from home are stored and served appropriately and the childminder also provides nutritious home cooked meals if required. Children are encouraged to drink regularly, especially after being active.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing excellent skills for their future learning and are inquisitive and independent in organising their own play. They enjoy listening to stories and concentrate well at creative activities, where they explore different materials. They start conversations with the childminder and others, confidently talking about their own families and experiences. Puzzles and construction toys promote children's understanding of shape and measure as they work out how to make the pieces fit. Samples of work attractively displayed around the home boost children's self- esteem as they recognise that their work is valued and respected. 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 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 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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