Mills, Helen Claire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY431418 Inspection date 09/01/2012 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 was registered in 2011. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and five years in Fishponds, Bristol. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding except for the first floor front bedroom. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. The childminder works occasionally with her husband as an assistant. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently caring for two children in the early years age range. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder makes use of local facilities including toddler groups, soft play areas and parks, and takes children to and collects from pre-schools and local

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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. She promotes their welfare and development well overall. All required documentation is maintained, however, some risk assessments lack detail. Children make good progress towards the early learning goals in most areas of learning. Good partnerships with parents and other early years providers that children attend ensure continuity in children's care, learning and development. The childminder demonstrates a strong capacity and commitment to continuous improvement. Good use of self-evaluation enables the childminder to identify most areas for development, thus ensuring 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?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessment of risk for all outings and trips  increase opportunities for children to understand diversity through regular activities and experiences that promote an awareness of the wider world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Arrangements for safeguarding children are robust. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and understanding of the procedures she should follow if she has a concern about a child. This promotes children's well- being. All required records and documentation are well maintained and shared with parents. The childminder is vigilant in assessing risks both in the home and on outings and ensures children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Appropriate records of risk assessments are kept for all areas of the home but have not been extended to include all outings. The bright well laid out play areas give children easy access to a wide range of good quality toys such as, musical instruments and treasure baskets that support their play and reflect their interests. The childminder has a good knowledge of individual children's backgrounds and needs overall and this is reflected in activities and resources. Visits to local groups,

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the early years provision

parks, the zoo and community farm promotes children's awareness of their local community. Children play with a varied range of resources that reflect diversity; however they do not participate in regular experiences and activities that promote an awareness of the wider world.

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively reflects upon and evaluates her practice since registration. She is committed to developing her understanding of early years through discussion with her mentor, early years advisor and parents. For example, review of the play environment ensures that resources are accessible to all children from a very young age enabling them to make their own choices. Advice to develop systems of assessment has had a significant impact upon her recognition and evaluation of children's achievements and identification of their learning priorities. As a result, the outcomes for children are good. Future training such as, a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 to develop further the childminder's understanding of early years is identified to enhance her current good practice. The childminder clearly demonstrates a strong commitment to her ongoing improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder builds good relationships with parents, who are very appreciative of the care given and development their children make. They are well informed of her practice through written policies and procedures, a daily diary and clear display of information. Parents have frequent discussion, access to written observations of their child, information about children's progress and identified priorities in learning. This ensures that each child is valued and overall their individual needs are identified and met. The childminder establishes effective links with other early years providers that children attend. This regular exchange of information brings 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. Children make good progress because the childminder uses her observations of what children know and do to clearly identify and individually plan for their next steps in learning. Discussion and information gained when children first start clearly identifies their capabilities and contributes effectively to the process of assessment. The thoughtful layout of her home invites children to be curious and reflects their interests. The childminder's good interaction and effective use of open-ended questioning supports children's learning and development. Good eye contact when communicating with children ensures they listen and helps focus their attention. Young children babble responsively and their emerging language is supported well through repetition of

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and outcomes for children

words, use of books and props and introduction to rhythm using musical instrument. Children show interest in puzzles that offer suitable challenges and they show perseverance as they repeatedly attempt to place pieces into the correct slot.

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and outcomes for children

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 soft play centres and regular use of the back garden. Children enjoy nutritious and balanced home prepared meals and healthy snacks and access drinks throughout the day from their own drinking beakers. Children follow and develop an understanding of good hygiene routines at appropriate times. Frequent practise of the evacuation procedures and developing awareness of safety when crossing roads promotes children's understanding of how to keep themselves safe in the home and on outings. Children safety is further promoted through the wearing of identity bands. Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they follow consistent routines, such as, sleep times. Children's confidence and self-esteem increases due to the frequent praise and

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and outcomes for children

encouragement and consistent and clear approach by the childminder. Young children are supported well to understand what is expected of them. They listen, follow instructions and respond through their emerging language to direct questions and suggestions and as a result 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 2 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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