Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY278191 Inspection date 22/02/2012 Inspector Jayne Pascoe

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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 2004. She lives with her three children aged between seven and 17 years, in Threemilestone, on the outskirts of Truro, Cornwall. Children mainly use the ground floor of the premises. A secure rear garden area is available for outdoor play activities. The family have shared care of a dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and of these, three may be in the early years age group. She may also provide overnight care for one child who may be in the early years age group. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and disabilities and English as an additional language. Children live locally and some attend other early years settings. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. The provision is registered on the Early Years

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Description of the childminding

Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of children's individual needs. Children flourish in the care of this exceptionally skilful childminder. She supports children's learning and development exceptionally well. The assessment of children's progress is highly effective. Partnerships with parents are extremely good, and partnerships with others are developing. The home environment is safe, child-centred and exceptionally well resourced. The childminder is highly successful in her ability to monitor and evaluate her practice and demonstrates an excellent capacity to improve.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 strengthening the partnership with other early years settings children also attend.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an excellent ability to safeguard the children in her care. She completes a daily visual check and thorough risk assessment on all areas of her home and for outings. The childminder has developed an excellent range of written policies and procedures to share with parents, which ensures that effective practice is agreed and maintained. She supervises children closely at all times and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 protects them from unvetted persons. The childminder has recently completed safeguarding training and is very confident in her knowledge of the local child protection procedures. Fire equipment is in place and is regularly checked. The childminder actively promotes children's health and safety through effective daily routines, ongoing meaningful discussion and well-planned activities.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an exceptionally high level of commitment to driving future improvement. She is extremely effective in her use of self-evaluation to identify appropriate areas to develop her practice further. For example, recent improvements to the home have resulted in children benefitting from an enabling, accessible and stimulating indoor environment. The childminder now plans to turn her attention to improving the garden, to enhance opportunities to promote children's curiosity and to encourage exploration and investigation of the natural world. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to ongoing professional development. She regularly attends relevant early years training courses. Because of her excellent knowledge and skilful interactions, outcomes for children are exceptionally good. The childminder organises her home exceptionally well to provide a warm, welcoming and stimulating environment for children. They benefit

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the early years provision

from safe and comfortable areas in which to play and relax. Children freely select favourite toys from a high quality range of resources that support their play and learning and reflect their interests and preferences. The childminder respects children's choices and acts positively upon their ideas and suggestions. She actively encourages children to develop confidence and increase their levels of independence. The childminder takes account of children's individual needs and daily routines when planning the day. Because of these good practices, children have developed a sound sense of belonging.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a high level of commitment to positively promoting equality and diversity and achieving inclusive practice. She is successful in identifying and respecting children's uniqueness and works very closely in partnership with parents so that she is aware of children's changing needs and circumstances. Some children are very new to the setting and although the childminder has successfully identified their individual needs, preferences and abilities. The childminder provides exceptionally good opportunities for children to explore and celebrate a wide range of festivals and traditions. Children also benefit from an excellent range of resources, which reflect the diverse range of people in the local community and wider world. The childminder has established extremely positive relationships with parents. She shares information about her practice very effectively through daily discussion, diaries and written documents. Highly effective

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the early years provision

settling-in procedures make sure she is aware of children's home routines, interests and abilities. The childminder regularly shares children's assessment records, in order to celebrate individual achievements and agree appropriate areas for future progress. Good systems are being established to support children who also attend other early years settings, with particular emphasis on their care. Complimentary letters from parents demonstrate the high levels of satisfaction with the standards of care and education their children receive. Children also provide very positive feedback about their time with the childminder through pictures, letters and by verbally expressing how much they love to be with her. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children have established exceptionally strong and trusting relationship with the childminder. They interact extremely well to enjoy interesting play experiences together, which the childminder has provided using her knowledge of children's individual interests. The childminder supports children very skilfully to promote learning through their play. She has successfully identified appropriate areas for their individual progress, in agreement with parents. Excellent levels of ongoing discussion, open questioning and additional challenge enrich children's rapidly developing vocabulary. As a result, communication skills are exceptionally good. Children competently use chalks to make patterns on the black board. They are beginning to form some letters of their name. They enjoy sharing storybooks and handle them confidently, turning the pages at appropriate times. Children join in enthusiastically with the story telling and are keen to predict what will happen

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from excellent opportunities to enjoy and achieve. They can confidently count up to 20 and are rapidly developing their awareness of associated numerals. Children weigh and measure when making birthday cakes and play dough. They are developing a good ability to solve problems while sorting and matching coloured buttons, and building and constructing using small coloured connecting bricks. Children benefit from very good opportunities to explore people's differences through a range of activities, stories and discussion. They are developing a very good understanding of their local environment through regular use of local services and visits to places of interest. Children are making a positive contribution through their active involvement in local social groups. They are rapidly developing future skills, as they are highly competent in their use of interactive toys and they are beginning to use computer equipment.

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and outcomes for children

Children's physical skills are developing very well. They move confidently, safely and purposefully, successfully negotiating objects and furniture. Children feel safe because the environment is hazard free and secure. The childminder shows a high level of concern for their well-being and includes them in routine practices to safeguard themselves, such as fire drills and discussion about safely handling tools and equipment. As a result, children are increasing their awareness of maintaining their own safety. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. They grow their own fruit and vegetables and follow excellent daily health and hygiene routines. Children are beginning to understand how these good practices impact positively on their overall growth and development. Excellent physical skills are evident when children successfully balance a small plastic plate on a spoon and thread buttons onto string. They are highly creative

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and outcomes for children

and imaginative in their play. Children sustain role-play with small models of favourite television characters, for a considerable period. They have use a wide variety of materials and engage in regular opportunities to sing and move to music. 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 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 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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