Childminder in South Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY428774 Inspection date 31/10/2011 Inspector Barbara Walters

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 husband and two children in the Kingswood area of South Gloucestershire. The whole of the property is used for childminding with the exception of the attic bedroom. There is an enclosed fenced garden for outside play. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

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. There are currently nine children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children over five years to 11 years of age. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local children's group and takes children to local places of interest, on walks and to the library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

The childminder has made a sound start to her childminding business and supports the individual needs of the children in her care. Children are effectively safeguarded and children develop a strong sense of belonging and security. Children mostly participate in a range of activities that help them make some progress in their learning and development, although systems to identify children's learning priorities are not fully established. Partnerships with parents are developing well, enabling a suitable exchange of information to take place. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to maintaining continuous improvement to support outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop the use of observation and assessment of children's learning to identify more clearly children's individual learning priorities  increase opportunities for children to explore different materials and textures. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Children are happy and settled due to the childminder's positive and caring approach. The childminder ensures that all adults in the household have been checked to assess their suitability. The childminder gives a high priority to keeping children safe and has good precautions in place to promote their welfare. For example, effective risk assessments support the childminder in eliminating risks to children and these are effectively reviewed when new children attend. All records pertaining to children's minor accidents are well organised and promote the welfare of children. The childminder is very knowledgeable in her understanding of child protection issues and what she should do if she has concerns about a child in her care which effectively protects their welfare and well-being. The childminder has recently started her childminding business. She has begun to use self- evaluation as a means to reflect on her practice and has a suitable understanding

p.5

the early years provision

of how she can continue to improve the children's care and learning. For example, she has sought out child protection training and is developing the toys and activities to provide a further range of play opportunities for children. The childminder has created a welcoming and child-centred environment where children's artwork and pictures are displayed which promotes their sense of belonging. The main play area is comfortable and children have sufficient space in which to play. Toys are stored at their level which allows children to be independent and choose what they want to play with. However, young children's opportunities to explore different textures are not fully maximised. The childminder works closely with parents in order to support each child's needs. For example, the childminder has developed an information file to share useful information and a daily discussion and a written daily diary, ensures children have

p.5

the early years provision

consistency of care. New parents are helped to settle children gradually and to have their preferences for how their child is cared for. The childminder is in the process of developing links with others who deliver the EYFS and has produced a letter of introduction to develop relationships to support children's care and learning. The childminder values children as individuals. She is conscientious about providing an inclusive environment and tailors activities to the age and ability of the children taking part so they are all included. Displayed posters of different children and their families help children to develop a positive attitude to diversity.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder builds close relationships with the children in her care, which ensures that they are happy and at ease with her. Young children demonstrate a sense of belonging as they readily approach the childminder for cuddles and she responds to their verbal and non-verbal communication. The childminder spends time with the children to support them in their play and help them to make sufficient progress in their learning and development. For example, young children enjoy making and listening to different sounds as they explore the toy telephone to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 make it ring and press the buttons on the activity centre. The childminder follows the children's interests and introduces different toys which make an unusual sound that children watch with interest. Older children spend their time after school taking part in a variety of activities depending on their individual needs. For

p.5

and outcomes for children

example, children enjoy making cakes with the childminder and begin to take responsibility by helping to wash the dishes. Children create their own collages and pictures which are proudly displayed around the home. They collect different leaves and items of interest on their walk home from school to use to stick and paste. The childminder has sufficient understanding of promoting children's progress across the six areas of learning and has started to monitor the children's progress through observation. However, this does not take account of what children know and can do to enable the childminder to accurately identify the next steps in each child's learning and development. The childminder ensures her home is kept very safe and secure and she maintains safe environments by ensuring children are well supported. Older children are helped be aware of their surrounding so they can take effective measures to

p.6

and outcomes for children

eliminate risk, for example, when out walking. Children have regular opportunities for physical exercise. They walk to and from a local school, visit the park and use a swing and slide in the garden. The childminder works closely with parents and supports any children's special dietary needs. Older children are involved with the preparation of their snacks to help them to understand how to make healthy choices. Children learn about developing sound hygiene routines as they have their own special towels for hand washing. The childminder uses sensitive methods to manage children's behaviour and works with parents to provide consistency. The childminder uses distraction effectively with younger children and discussion with older children. Consequently, children are beginning to learn to share, take turns and play co-operatively. 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 2 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 2 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