Childminder in Plymouth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 117341 Inspection date 22/02/2012 Inspector Julie Wright

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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 2000. She lives with her adult child in Plymouth. The house is within walking distance of schools, pre-schools, parks and toddler groups. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family have a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range, at any one time. There are currently 14 children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups. She is a member of the local childminding support service.

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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 happy, secure and well cared for by the childminder. They benefit from a good range of activities, both in the home and on outings. The childminder effectively meets the needs of individual children. Reasonable systems are in place to monitor children's development. Most aspects of risk assessment are thorough. The childminder works well in partnership with parents and relevant others, in the interest of children's welfare. She reflects on her practice and demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 record details in a fire log book of evacuation drills carried out in order to assess effectiveness  improve the procedures to clearly identify children's starting points and assess developmental progress.

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the early years provision

Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place with regard to children's health, safety and well-being. The childminder informs parents of these and implements them in practice. Regular assessments of risk are made with suitable measures taken to minimise possible hazards. The childminder organises routine fire drills, although there is no record to assess effectiveness. She has clear awareness of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Relevant This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safeguarding policies and information are up-to-date. Records and documentation required for childcare arrangements are in good order.

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the early years provision

The childminder plans routines and activities to effectively support children's individual needs and abilities. Toys and equipment are in good condition and accessible to children. The childminder displays posters and pictures to promote children's learning. For example, they include letters, numbers and visual reminders of hygiene routines. Resources are readily available, enabling children to make independent choices. The childminder promotes inclusion, equality and diversity in her practice. She takes account of children's backgrounds and provides activities to develop their awareness of others. The childminder has an exemplary approach in managing behaviour and children respond exceptionally well. She promotes healthy eating and effectively meets children's individual dietary requirements.

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the early years provision

The childminder meets the welfare, learning and development requirements, as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. She liaises with other providers where children attend more than one setting. These partnerships promote continuity of care and effective transitions for children. The childminder is aware of the areas of learning and promotes children's development through play. There are examples of observations made and initial progress records for some children. Regular discussions take place with parents in respect children's welfare, activities and routines. Longstanding relationships develop and parents highly commend the childminder. They provide highly positive feedback on all aspects of care given. The childminder continues to develop her practice through relevant training. This includes courses to support children's communication, language and literacy skills. The childminder conducts self-evaluation through her review of

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the early years provision

activities. She also seeks parents' views and takes account of children's ideas.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel very much at home and enjoy being with the childminder. They form close attachments to her and friendships with each other. Children move around with confidence and choose what they would like to do. For example, younger children select toys and discover what happens as they press buttons or pull levers. They investigate replica vehicles and notice different sizes, types and that the wheels turn. Children play imaginatively with the toy garage, rolling their cars up and down the ramp. They show interest in their surroundings and eagerly take part in activities. For instance, they sit at the dining table and enjoy creating colourful fish pictures with glue and glitter. This activity links to a visit to the aquarium and prompts children to recall their learning experience.

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and outcomes for children

Children show high levels of self-esteem and sense of responsibility. They are proud of their achievements, which are on display and taken home. Children are considerate and show an excellent awareness of differing needs. For example, older children understand that some toys are not safe for younger children. They confidently describe how small things could cause choking. Children play very well This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 together; they share, take turns and negotiate. Regular outings provide opportunities for children to socialise, such as at toddler groups. They benefit from regular fresh air and exercise in the garden and at local parks. The childminder promotes learning throughout all activities. As an example, they go to the shops and choose what to buy for lunch, which includes making healthy choices. They learn how things grow, for instance, they sow seeds, plant bulbs and place carrot

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and outcomes for children

Children take part in different celebrations and occasions, such as, birthdays and seasonal events. Recent activities include Chinese New Year and 'Pancake Day'. Children try a variety of foods and become aware of similarities and difference in people and places. Children make good progress as they prepare for school. They enjoy looking at books and listening to stories. Writing materials, tools and equipment are readily available, so that children develop their skills. Electronic and remote control toys enable children to learn about technology. During outings children learn about road safety and forms of transport. They recall with pleasure how the train driver sounds the horn and waves as they pass by. 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 1 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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