Childminder in Plymouth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY246858 Inspection date 09/11/2011 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, in Derriford, Plymouth. All areas of the house are used for childminding. There is a fully secure garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, to care for a maximum of 6 children aged under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range, at any one time. When working with another childminder and/or assistants a maximum of 12 children aged under eight years, nine of whom may be in the early years age range, may be cared for at any one time. Registration includes overnight care for one child, at any one time. There are currently 37 children on roll, 18 of whom are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a level 3 childcare qualification and is accredited to receive nursery education funding for children aged three and four years. She takes children on various outings and attends local carer and toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, Devon Childminding Association and local Childminding Network.

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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 provides excellent care and support to children's welfare, learning and development. Children thrive in the safe, secure and highly stimulating environment. They make excellent progress and most aspects of assessment are rigorous. Extremely effective partnerships with parents and others are in place, which means that children's individual needs are fully met. Procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of provision are robust. The childminder demonstrates exceptional commitment to further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the assessment procedures to clearly identify children's developmental starting point and capabilities. 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 is exceptionally well-organised in her provision of childcare. She works efficiently with her co-minder and two assistants to ensure close supervision of children. They implement rigorous safety procedures and are conscientious at all times. For example, risk assessments are thorough and sound monitors are used in each area that children sleep in. All required consents are sought, with emergency contingency plans agreed with parents. Comprehensive policies and procedures are up-to-date and effectively put into practice, in respect of children's health, safety and well-being. The childminder attends Safeguarding training and has a very good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. All records and documentation are maintained in meticulous and confidential order.

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the early years provision

Every area that children use is child-focussed, welcoming and interesting. An extensive range of resources are available for children to use, both indoors and outside. The childminder has excellent awareness of each child's background and individual needs. Additional resources, such as, training and external partnership support, are sought promptly to enhance children's development. The childminder is thorough in her provision and successfully promotes equality and diversity. A wealth of signs, labels and books reflect different languages that children speak. An exceptional range of toys, books and dressing-up clothes are used to promote inclusion with children. The childminder skilfully takes every opportunity to help children learn. This means that children develop an excellent understanding of being healthy and staying safe during everyday activities. The childminder nurtures children and makes them feel very secure. Consequently, children form close

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the early years provision

attachments and respond exceptionally well to her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder compiles comprehensive records of progress for each child. Observations on children are noted, linked to the areas of learning and next steps identified. However, initial starting points and capabilities are not clearly defined. Parents effectively contribute to their children's records, for example, they write about significant achievements or events at home. Frequent discussions and agreements take place in respect of children's progress. The childminder works closely with parents to support children. For example, they ensure a highly consistent approach to children's personal and language development. The childminder seeks parents' views with regard to her self-evaluation. She values their contributions and they work together to forge ongoing improvements. For example, the childminder and parents have created a vegetable garden and now have an outdoor play-house for children. Parents provide exemplary feedback on

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the early years provision

all aspects of the childcare. They comment on the 'excellent service' and describe how children are 'exceptionally well cared for'. The childminder continues to attend an extensive range of training courses in relation to childcare. She strives for improvement and has a professional approach to practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children have a wonderful time together in the care of the childminder. They are very happy and settle immediately. Children explore and investigate, moving from room to room with confidence. They feel very much at home and make independent choices. For example, children spend time in the exceptionally well- equipped play room and then decide to play in the lounge or hall. They are highly cooperative in their play as they share and take turns. Children express interest in what each other are doing and are highly constructive in their play. Young children show excellent levels of concentration as they focus on what they are doing. For example, they carefully construct with bricks and make complex tracks for their vehicles. The childminder and assistant interact well to extend and gently challenge children's learning. During activities they prompt children to recall previous learning. For instance, in imaginative play children talk about being 'a

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and outcomes for children

fireman'. They remember a recent visit to the fire station and actions to take in an emergency. Evacuation procedures are practised on a regular basis and the childminder changes the assembly point. This extends the experience for children and helps them to negotiate or consider alternatives. For example, they may need to cross the road on one occasion or go in a different direction on another.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn good hygiene routines and understand why they do things. For example, they talk about germs on their hands and know how to look after their teeth. They enjoy fresh air and exercise on a daily basis and understand about 'healthy foods'. Children help themselves to drinks from the water cooler and delight at the bubbles created in the bottle. They take keen interest in programmable and electronic toys, which create various sounds and words, including different languages. Songs, dance, food and role-play are used to excellent effect to help children value diversity. Parents contribute a wealth of information and resources to enable tangible learning experiences for children. These include traditional costumes, music and celebration treats. Children develop an exemplary awareness of the wider world and have great fun as they learn. The childminder organises interesting outings for children to promote interest and

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and outcomes for children

development. For example, children visit farms, the aquarium, nature areas and parks. They take photographs when they are out, which are laminated and accessible for them to look at in the play room. Children enjoy looking at the pictures of animals as they recall where they have been. Visits to schools help prepare children to move on. The childminder ensures that all children are included and valued. As an example, all children are involved in a trip to a village further away. They see where their friends live and which school and park they use. Children develop positive attitudes and have a very good understanding of different backgrounds. 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 1 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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