Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY293326 Inspection date 01/12/2011 Inspector Sally Hall

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 10 and 16, in Crediton, Devon. Children are mainly minded on the ground floor of the house. There is an enclosed rear garden which is set out on three levels. Children only have access to the first level nearest to the house. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for five children under the age of eight years, of which three may be in the early years age group. There is currently one child on role in the early years age group. The family has a dog.

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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

Children are safe, secure and happy. They are making good progress in all areas of learning. The childminder has developed good relationships with parents and ensures they are kept well informed on a daily basis of how their child has been and the progress their child is making. Extending activities further to raise children's awareness of diversity as they play is an area for further development. The childminder has made good progress since her last inspection. She has completed her own self-evaluation to reflect on her practice and demonstrates a secure capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide further activities to help children gain a greater awareness of their own cultures and those of other people.

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the early years provision

The childminder is well organised. She has a varied range of age-appropriate resources that are set up to support children's individual interests on arrival. Children are supervised well at all times. The childminder is vigilant in checking the home prior to their arrival to ensure there are no potential hazards. Risk assessments are regularly reviewed and include outings. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when out walking as they learn the 'Green Cross Code' and also learn about safety in the home as they play. They take part in fire drills so they are clear on what to do in the event of an emergency. The childminder has completed safeguarding training and is clear regarding the procedure to follow in the event of a child protection concern. She keeps up-to-date with her first aid This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 training and any changes in legislation.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a broad range of play opportunities in the home and children have regular outings in the community and attend local groups. Children have access to a good range of toys which are in good condition and rotated to provide variety. They are easily accessible for the children to make their own choices. The childminder provides a good balance of adult-led and child-led opportunities. She ensures children's individual needs and routines are met. She has a good understanding of their individual backgrounds which helps her to make all feel welcome and valued. She helps children to learn about diversity by using resources that reflect positive images of differences. However, there is a more limited range of activities to raise children's awareness of diversity in their free play.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good relationship with parents. She keeps them well informed on a daily basis how their child has been and the progress they are making. She shares her observations and assessments of children's progress to enable parents to support their child's learning at home. The childminder plans well to support children in their next steps of learning and to build on what they know and can do easily. She respects parent's wishes and is prepared to be flexible to meet their requests for childcare. Good arrangements are in place with new parents. The childminder shares her policies and procedures so they are clear of the care she provides. There are currently no children on roll who attend other settings or need support from other agencies. However, the childminder is aware of the need to work in partnership with any other settings if the need arises.

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the early years provision

Documentation is well recorded to meet all the legal requirements. The childminder has reviewed her policies and procedures to ensure they have all the required information. Parental consents have been obtained to support children's care. Confidentiality is maintained with children's personal records. The childminder has completed her own self-evaluation and taken action on the areas she has identified for her own development and to enhance the learning environment for children. She is eager to develop her practice and improve outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled with the childminder who actively engages with them to support their learning and development. Their language is encouraged and they have regular outings to local groups to enable them to interact with other children. They learn to share and take turns. The childminder gives thought to her planning to link activities and play opportunities to support children's individual interests. Children enjoy action songs and have favourite songs that they know well. They laugh and giggle as they sort animals, identifying the different types and making animal noises.

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and outcomes for children

Children have plenty of opportunities to go out in the fresh air on a daily basis. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 They have access to a secure outside play area with sand and water play and enjoy regular local walks and visits to local parks. They learn about the local community and people who help them. They have regular visits to the library and the childminder takes them out for snacks at local cafes to encourage good social skills. They learn the importance of self-care from a young age and follow hygienic hand washing routines. She ensures that children have plenty of fruit and fluids throughout the day to help them develop healthy eating habits.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well. They take a pride in the toys and resources and actively help to tidy up. They receive consistent praise and encouragement. The childminder has a secure understanding of promoting positive behaviour and has developed good strategies which she shares with parents. Children have easy access to mark making materials and develop problem solving skills as they use puzzles and information and communication technology. They are keen to learn and find out how things work. The childminder encourages them to learn about volume as they play with sand, wood shavings and potting compost. They discuss 'bigger' and 'smaller' as they play with cars and count in naturally occurring situations such as the number of cars and wheels. They recall recent events and talk about where they live. They enjoy water play activities and taking the tent to the park is a particular favourite. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe and this

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and outcomes for children

helps them develop their confidence. 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 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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