Childminder in Torbay

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY253786 Inspection date 21/11/2011 Inspector Elaine Douglas

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two of her three grown-up children. They live in a house in the Oldway area of Paignton, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children do not access the second floor of the house and only access the first floor to use the bathroom. The garden is not suitable for use by children; however, full advantage is taken of local amenities for outdoor play. The family has a Golden Retriever 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 children may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She holds a level 3 childcare qualification.

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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 has a good awareness of the Early Years Foundation Stage and generally implements it effectively. Partnerships with other carers are satisfactory. Good partnerships with parents ensure the childminder is able to meet children's individual learning and welfare needs. This means that children make good progress overall. Good procedures protect children's health and promote a positive awareness of their environment. Good self-evaluation systems help the childminder to identify most areas for continuous development.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the partnerships with other carers to ensure good information is shared to further plan for children's learning and development  extend the use of self-evaluation in order to identify more accurately where systems need improving to better meet children's individual needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training and has good procedures in place to follow in the event of a concern. She supervises children at all times and keeps a record of all visitors to the premises and the reason for their visit. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder ensures the floor is free from hazards to safeguard young children, who are not yet secure in their walking. The childminder implements good written procedures to protect children who have allergies and all required documentation is in place. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification and obtains consent from parents to seek emergency advice or treatment. She has kept Ofsted informed of any changes to her provision so they can make the relevant checks. Good risk assessments ensure appropriate equipment is in place to minimize hazards to children. For example, stair gates prevents unsupervised access to the

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the early years provision

first floor, while allowing independent movement on the ground floor.

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the early years provision

The childminder has good systems to gain parents' and children's feedback on her provision. Parents complete questionnaires and comment on the good access to their child's development records. The childminder is committed to continually updating her knowledge and has started a foundation degree. She meets regularly with other childminders to discuss practice and organise training. However, she has not formalised her self-evaluation system in order to identify all areas for improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder knows the children well and attends training to be able to meet children's individual needs. She ensures equal opportunities by involving all the children in the activities at their own level. Children develop a very positive awareness of diversity through a range of European children attending the setting. The childminder has a very positive attitude to valuing children's backgrounds and supporting their first language.

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the early years provision

Children are able to make choices and be independent learners through the good deployment of resources. A dedicated playroom provides a wide range of resources, which promote all areas of children's development. Although the childminder's garden is not used, she regularly provides outings to use the local facilities. They regularly attend the Sure Start Centre, library and other early years provisions to extend the activities provided. Children use large equipment, go on nature hunts, and feed the squirrels and ducks in the local parks and gardens. The beach provides a range of exploratory activities and children enjoy trips on the train to benefit from facilities further afield.

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the early years provision

The childminder keeps parents well informed about the provision and their child's development. A good range of written policies and procedures are available for parents online and in hard copy. The childminder sends photographs to parents during the day to help them feel confident and see their children enjoying themselves. She uses daily diaries to exchange information with parents who cannot attend the setting or have younger children. The childminder has introduced a new computerised system for monitoring children's progress. Through a password system parents are able to access and contribute to this information at any time. The childminder has begun to develop partnerships with others sharing care of the children. She liaises effectively to provide consistent care. However, partners are not yet fully involved in supporting children's learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident, settled and happy in the childminder's home. They are very well behaved and thoughtful. For example, older children provide resources for babies so that they can join in with their games. Children build good relationships with the childminder, her family and eachother. They engage in a good range of activities and positive discussions to support their awareness of people's differences. The childminder asks parents to provide information on special events so that she can plan for all children to celebrate and value each other's backgrounds. This also promotes children's self-esteem. Children enjoy looking after the environment and learning about the natural world. For example, they collect conkers, plant them and care for them, noticing the effect this has, such as new shoots appearing.

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and outcomes for children

Children are gaining good skills for the future. They are confident to attempt new skills for themselves and to ask for help when required. They initiate their own learning and the childminder provides good interaction to promote their development. For example, when a baby starts to clap their hands the childminder sings a clapping song. The baby joins in with the actions and vocalises, promoting their physical development, communication skills and creativity. Children access a good range of books, number games and IT equipment, both independently and with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder gives children good opportunities to learn through trail and error but also gives the right amount of help to prevent children getting frustrated and to move their learning on. She encourages older children to recall previous events and praises them when they mention the things she has forgotten. The childminder is implementing a new assessment system. This helps her to identify any gaps in children's learning and plan effectively for their future development. Consequently, children make good progress overall, in all areas of their learning

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and outcomes for children

Children gain a good awareness of a safe and healthy lifestyle. Babies confidently move around the furniture and enjoy exploring their environment. The childminder gently reminds older children of the need to be extra careful when babies are learning to walk and are not yet secure in their balance. Children have constant access to drinks to prevent them getting thirsty and enjoy nutritional snacks. Tissues, wipes and hand-gel are available to help protect children's health and teach them healthy practices. The childminder enhances this awareness through planning projects, such as dental hygiene. Children develop a good understanding of the importance of exercise and enjoy many outdoor activities. On these outings they also learn about road safety and stranger danger. 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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