Childminder in North Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 958826 Inspection date 14/11/2011 Inspector Debbie Starr

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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 registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 years in Portishead, North Somerset. The ground floor and two bedrooms on the first floor of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet dog.

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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. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently caring for four children within the Early Years age range. All children attend on a part time basis. The childminder makes use of local facilities including toddler groups, library, parks and soft play areas and takes children to and collects from local schools.

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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 effectively identifies, plans and meets the individual needs of children in her care, enabling her to promote their welfare and development well overall. The childminder's good knowledge and understanding of how children learn enables her to ensure children make good progress in their learning and development. She builds positive partnerships with parents and early years providers that children attend, but these do not sufficiently focus on children's learning and development. The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to continuous improvement. Effective self-evaluation ensures the outcomes for children are good.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the two-way flow of information with parents and other early years providers regarding children's ongoing progress and development, to promote a shared approach to children's care, learning and development  extend opportunities for children to recognize their own and others unique qualities through meaningful experiences that embrace their home language and diverse cultural backgrounds. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Appropriate arrangements ensure all adults in the household have undergone suitable vetting procedures. The childminder's good knowledge of child protection issues and understanding of the procedures she should follow if she has a concern about a child ensures arrangements for safeguarding children are robust. Daily visual checks, regular monitoring of safety equipment, such as smoke detectors, and appropriate risk assessments ensure children are cared for safely and securely within the home and on outings. All required records are well maintained, organized and shared with parents. Children easily access a wide range of good quality toys and resources that support their play and reflect their interests. Visits to a variety of local groups, soft play centres, parks and the library promote children's awareness of their local community. The childminder has a good knowledge of individual children's backgrounds and needs overall. Children play

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the early years provision

with a varied range of resources that reflect diversity and participate in ongoing experiences and activities that promote an awareness of the wider world. These experiences do not, however, fully embrace the cultural diversity of all children attending. The childminder clearly demonstrates a strong commitment to her continuous improvement through effective self-evaluation that is well targeted in most areas of her practice. She is committed to developing her understanding of early years through training, discussion with other providers, advice given by the local early years advisor and views of parents. For example, training undertaken to develop and improve her understanding of the assessment process for children's development has had a significant impact upon her evaluation of children's achievements and identification of their learning priorities. As a result, the outcomes for children are good. The recommendation from the last inspection is

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the early years provision

addressed fully. Future areas for improvement are clearly identified through her use of the local authority quality improvement planner. This includes the introduction of a parent questionnaire to gain parent views, level 2 training in safeguarding to extend her understanding and plans to extend children's learning outside through additional resources and more focused areas that reflect the wider curriculum. The childminder builds very positive relationships with parents, who are very appreciative of the care given and progress their children make. The childminder works collaboratively with them so that children's individual needs are supported and well met. Parents are informed of her practice through discussion and written policies. She exchanges information about children's well-being throughout the day through a daily diary and discussion and they have access to their child's learning diaries. These discussions however, do not focus sufficiently on children's learning

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the early years provision

and development so that parents are actively involved in their child's ongoing learning. The childminder establishes links with early years providers that children attend. However an ongoing exchange of information about children's next steps in learning is not well established so as to bring about a shared approach to children's care, learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is sensitive to children's needs, she is flexible and takes time to help them settle and separate confidently from their parents. Children form strong attachments to the childminder who knows them well overall. Children make good progress because assessments through thorough observations and accurate evaluation are used effectively to clearly identify and individually plan for children's next steps in learning. Discussion and information gained when children first start contributes effectively to this process of assessment. The childminders interaction supports children's learning and development ensuring they are stimulated and intrigued by resources and activities that reflect their interests and offer suitable challenges. Good eye contact when communicating with children ensures they listen and helps focus their attention. Young children babble responsively and their development of language is supported well through repetition and introduction of

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and outcomes for children

unfamiliar words. Children's curiosity and eagerness to explore and participate in new experiences is effectively supported through well planned activities. Children are intrigued by the feel of paint on their hands and begin to make marks. They start to develop coordination and control as they dab and spread paint using brushes. They start to make patterns using string covered with paint. Children clearly demonstrate from an early age an understanding of how things work. They repeatedly press specific buttons to activate music on press response toys. Children develop a good understanding of healthy lifestyles and how they keep themselves safe. Children have plenty of exercise and access to fresh air through daily walks, trips to local parks and frequent use of the back garden. They drink water when thirsty from easily accessible beakers. They enjoy balanced and nutritious lunches and snacks, some of which are provided by parents. Children's

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and outcomes for children

understanding of how they keep themselves safe is promoted well within the home and on outings. All children regularly practise evacuation procedures in the home. Discussion and regular reminders promote children's understanding of road safely and steps to take if approached by unfamiliar adults and contact with dogs. Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they follow consistent routines and look at displayed photographs of themselves. Children's confidence and self-esteem increases due to the frequent praise and encouragement and consistent and clear approach by the childminder. Children's behaviour is good. They are supported well to listen, take turns and play cooperatively. Consequently children develop good skills for the future. 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 3 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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