Childminder in Wiltshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY429899 Inspection date 21/12/2011 Inspector Marilyn Joy

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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 2011. She lives with her partner and two older school age children. They live in the village of Southwick near Trowbridge Wiltshire. The childminder uses a dedicated playroom in the garden for childminding. Children also use the lounge and the downstairs toilet in the house. Sleeping facilities are organised upstairs in the house or in the playroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog, two cats and other small pets. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register for a maximum of six children under eight years. When working on her own, three children may be in the early years age group. This may be increased to four when working with an assistant. The childminder is currently caring for six children in the early years age group and two children aged over eight years.

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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 flourish in a stimulating and welcoming environment where they make good progress overall in their learning and development. The childminder develops strong partnerships with parents, which helps her to get to know children well and meet their unique needs. Most documentation is in place and well organised. Children's safety is effectively managed because risk assessments are thorough overall and the childminder is vigilant in supervising them. The childminder is attending further training and identifies areas for further development. She is keen to provide high quality care and continually improve outcomes for children.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain a daily record of the names of the children looked after and their hours of attendance (Documentation). (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 22/12/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 Review the risk assessment to ensure it covers anything with which a child may come into contact and implement identified safety measures  analyse observations in all areas of learning to help plan 'what next' and track children's progression towards the expectations of the early learning goals; This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and involve parents in this process.

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the early years provision

Children are safe and protected from harm because the childminder is vigilant in caring for them. She has a clear understanding of child protection issues and knows what to do if she has concerns about a child in her care. She regularly practises fire drills with the children so that she can evacuate them quickly and safely in an emergency. This is particularly important, as she uses the house and the playroom in the garden for children's play and sleeping. Children's safety is a clear priority for the childminder. Risk assessments are generally thorough. However, the childminder has not fully considered winter heating arrangements in the summer house. Temporary measures are in place but rely on the childminder's vigilant supervision. Documentation is generally organised to a high standard and contains all the information the childminder requires to meet children's individual needs. She maintains a register of children's attendance. However, it is not

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the early years provision

completed on a daily basis. This is a breach of a legal requirement. Children's welfare and safety is not compromised, because the childminder can evidence the days children are present from their daily diary. However, parents take this home and it does not include the hours of attendance.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely enthusiastic and dedicated in her care of the children. She has high expectations for herself and the children. She is currently working towards an early years qualification to help improve her practice and outcomes for children. She regularly reviews her practice and has plans for further development. For example, she wants to become more familiar with the areas of learning and what they include, particularly knowledge and understanding of the world. She effectively promotes children's learning in all areas, but is less confident with recording and planning for their progression. Overall, children make good progress. Outcomes are clearly attributable to an environment that is conducive to learning. The dedicated playroom is extremely well resourced with a wide range of age- appropriate toys and equipment. Colourful displays make it bright and welcoming. The childminder gets to know each child and their family well. She values their

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the early years provision

individuality and reflects their background in the activities she offers. For example, children share festivals and celebrations, such as Eid, Christmas and bonfire night.

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the early years provision

Highly positive relationships develop with parents. They are well-informed about all aspects of children's care and learning through a range of written and verbal communications. They receive details of the childminder's policies and procedures which raises their awareness of her daily routines and practice. Daily diaries, as well as discussions, support a two-way flow of information. This keeps parents and the childminder up to date with children's routines, activities and changing needs. The childminder makes children's progress records available to parents, although she does not regularly invite them to view or contribute towards them. Parents comment on how happy they are with the care provided, the variety of indoor and outdoor activities their children enjoy and how settled their children are. The childminder welcomes their feedback and takes positive steps to respond to suggestions for improvement. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 work in partnership with other settings children attend and to develop strategies to support their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care and demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they move confidently around. They actively seek the childminder's support when unsure and put their arms up for a cuddle. She responds positively, giving them the reassurance they need. Good quality interaction and well organised routines help young children to feel safe and secure. The childminder gets to know children well and uses this knowledge successfully to tailor activities and routines to support their individual needs. For example, she adapts her equipment so that young children are not tempted to climb where it is inappropriate. She gives them clear boundaries to help them understand what is expected. She rewards their achievements and positive behaviour with lots of praise and encouragement. As a result, children behave very well.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a variety of daily outings. This broadens their experiences and extends their awareness of the world around them. Regular visits to local toddler groups help them to gain confidence in a new environment. They socialise with others and explore a wider range of activities, such as sand, water and crafts. Trips to the park and the soft play centre help promote their physical skills and how to use equipment safely. Children learn about road safety and the importance of holding the pushchair when going for walks, in order to stay safe. They find out about living things and taking care of them when feeding the rabbits each day. A healthy lifestyle is promoted, because children have plenty of opportunities to play in the fresh air and engage in a wide range of physical activities. They enjoy healthy snacks of fresh fruit and nutritious home-cooked meals. The childminder encourages the children to adopt good hygiene habits and follows effective

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and outcomes for children

routines herself. She uses her thorough knowledge of each to ensure their health, dietary and welfare needs are effectively responded to.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder successfully encourages children's learning and development. They experience a broad range of activities that effectively cover all areas of learning. Each child has their own learning journal and this provides a colourful record of their experiences. Clear and measurable observations are linked to the areas of learning and record achievements. However, the system is not fully developed so that the childminder can track children's progress against the expectations of the early learning goals in order to identify their next steps in all areas. The childminder easily introduces simple counting, numbers and problem solving as children play. She uses mathematical language to introduce concepts, such as matching and sequencing. For example, she shows young children that they have the same colour and style of boots and reinforces the word 'same'. She counts the number of balls a young child has collected and praises him for putting

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and outcomes for children

them in a line. The childminder promotes children's language and communication well. She reinforces attempts at speech and models conversations. She talks to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children as they play and provides them with the vocabulary they need to express themselves when they are ready. Children begin to become aware of difference when they learn to say 'hello' in different languages.

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and outcomes for children

Children express themselves freely with craft activities. They decorate Christmas cards using stickers, make a leaf collage to celebrate autumn and create a Christmas scene. Children develop their hand-eye coordination as they use different tools and materials. Young children begin to make connections as they experiment with different toys. They excitedly press buttons to find out what happens next. They are delighted when they light up and try again. Children are interested and curious to explore their environment. They thrive in the nurturing atmosphere offered. They become very well equipped with the skills they need in order to secure future learning. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept). 22/12/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept). 22/12/2011

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