Childminder in Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY427843 Inspection date 07/02/2012 Inspector Tom Radcliffe

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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 2011 and is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and their five children in Cheltenham. The main areas used for the childminding include the open-plan sitting room and dining room, kitchen, outside toilet facilities and upstairs bathroom facilities. One upstairs bedroom is available for sleeping. There is an enclosed rear garden with grass, pebble and patio areas for outside play. She is currently minding one child in the early years age range and attends a local toddler group and childminder support group. The childminder may care for four children under eight years; of these, not more than two may be in the early year's age group. The childminder offers part- time care during school term times, including before-and-after school care. She holds the Diploma in Home-based Childcare at Level 3.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a suitable understanding of children's individuality which enables her to meet their needs. Children have the opportunity to make choices and show some independence as they play. The childminder uses partnerships with parents to support the sound progress that children make. Children are appropriately safeguarded and the childminder's use of informal self-evaluation gives her a satisfactory capacity to improve. The childminder's use of both planning and assessment are insufficiently developed to fully support children's all round development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the range of learning experiences that children can take part in to support and extend their ongoing learning needs  improve the use of observation and assessment to inform the planning of appropriate and challenging play experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses written policies and procedures to inform parents about her work with children. This helps the provision to be managed safely and efficiently. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of safeguarding procedures. She knows how to keep children safe from harm and acts in their best interest. The childminder encourages children to explore and make decisions about what they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 want to do. Children respond to this and play in a safe environment where hazards are minimised by the use of risk assessments.

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the early years provision

Children use all the available play space freely which is beginning to have positive impact on their confidence and learning. The childminder is able to promote children's good health and well-being appropriately. She implements hygienic daily routines and is able to manage illness or minor injuries well. The childminder uses informal methods of self-evaluation as she reflects on the level of service that she provides. She gains information by observing children and her links with parents provide additional information. She is beginning to understand the need to develop her practice and she has an accurate grasp of her strengths and weaknesses. The childminder is always willing to modify what she does and she is able to appreciate the impact of any changes that she makes. In addition the childminder is able to prioritise and set targets for improvement.

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the early years provision

The partnerships in place with parents are used to understand children and support the progress that they make. There are 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 these wider partnerships if the need arises. Children are able to use the spacious accommodation as they play. The childminder has a suitable range of age-appropriate resources that children find interesting and which motivates them to play. She gives children the opportunity to decide what they want to do. The childminder provides them with direct support as she gives advice and makes suggestions. This enables children to complete some activities and the childminder to develop children's learning as they play. The childminder promotes inclusive practice as she seeks to ensure that all children build on what they can already do. Children are also able to take part in some activities that

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the early years provision

enable them to understand about their diverse world in an age-appropriate way.

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and outcomes for children

Children make satisfactory progress as they play. The childminder has begun to understand children's starting points and interests and is starting to observe children to assess their progress. She uses assessments in a limited way to see if children achieve what is expected of them. The childminder makes some attempt to use what she knows about children's interests to provide a meaningful play environment. This helps to ensure that children learn through activities that they enjoy. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. However, her use of both planning and assessments are inconsistent. Neither is developed enough to ensure that children's progress is fully understood or their ongoing learning is properly supported and extended.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn as they make choices or follow the lead of the childminder. When using creative play resources to make faces children talk about moods, shapes and body parts. They regularly use construction sets, writing equipment and jigsaws. The childminder encourages children to talk about themselves and constantly asks questions for them to answer. Children use their imaginations as they use the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 small world equipment. They also use numbers and counting through practical experiences and role play equipment for them to mirror the real world. Children's play is most useful when they use books. They readily choose from a large range of books to share with the childminder. Children concentrate for long periods of time as they listen to stories, learn new words and find out about different things. They also take part in outdoor play, visit local parks and enjoy baking with the

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's welfare appropriately. Children are developing a sense of how to stay safe and are beginning to take some responsibility for their own safety. Children's behaviour is satisfactory. They mix with others and show a willingness to include others in their play. The childminder makes her expectations of their behaviour clear. This is starting to have a beneficial affect on standards of behaviour. Children also are starting to realise that everyone is different as they socialise with others both in the home and outside it. Children concentrate on some activities well and develop skills that they have already acquired. Outcomes for children are suitably promoted by the childminder. Children settle and are happy to make choices about the activities that they engage in. They are enthusiastic and usually willing to take part in the play opportunities that are presented to them. Children feel safe with the childminder which promotes their

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and outcomes for children

self-esteem. They have the opportunity to develop their understanding of healthy lifestyles and choices. They are able to support their own personal hygiene and talk about healthy eating. Overall, children make sound progress in their learning, although this is stronger in some areas of learning. Their progress ensures that most children are prepared for future learning needs. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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