Childminder in Bath and North East Somerset

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY359872 Inspection date 02/04/2012 Inspector Debbie Starr

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and three years in High Littleton, Bath and North East Somerset. Childminding takes place on the ground floor only. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

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 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 five children, of these, three are in the early years age range. All children attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes children to and collects from local pre-schools, nurseries and schools. She takes children to local parks, childminder group and local places of interest.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder effectively identifies, plans for and meets the individual needs of the children in her care, enabling her to promote their welfare and development well overall. Children make good progress towards the early learning goals. Good partnerships with parents ensure continuity in children's care, learning and development. Links with all other early years that children attend are not well established. The childminder demonstrates a strong capacity and commitment to continuous improvement. Good use of self-evaluation enables the childminder to identify areas for development, thus ensuring the outcomes for children are good.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the two-way flow of information with all other early years providers regarding children's ongoing progress and development, to promote a shared approach to children's care, learning and development.

p.4

the early years provision

Robust arrangements ensure all adults in the household have undergone suitable vetting procedures. Safeguarding training has updated and consolidated her knowledge and understanding of how she identifies children at risk of harm. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and understanding of the procedures she should follow if she has a concern about a child. This promotes This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's well-being. Well developed risk assessments are carried out on all areas of her home and outings. This helps to ensure children are cared for in a safe and secure environment as hazards are clearly identified and minimised by the childminder. All required records and documentation are well maintained, organised and shared with parents. Children are able to choose from a wide range of good quality toys and resources that support their play and reflect their

p.4

the early years provision

interests. Visits to parks, local childminder's group and library promote children's awareness of their local community. The childminder has a good knowledge of individual children's backgrounds and needs. Children are interested in easily accessible resources such as books and puzzles that reflect diversity and the wider world. They take part in regular well planned activities that focus on celebrations such as, Chinese New Year, Hanukah and Australia Day.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to her continuous improvement through effective evaluation of her practice that is well targeted in most areas. Recommendations from the last inspection are addressed fully and promote children's health. She is committed to developing her understanding of early years through training, advice given by the local childminding coordinator, discussion with other providers and additional reading to keep her up to date. Future plans are clearly focused on developing the recently registered garden to promote children's learning. As a result the outcomes for children are good.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder builds very positive relationships with parents, who are very appreciative of the care given and progress their children make. She works collaboratively with them so that children's individual needs are supported and effectively met. Parents are kept well informed through a regularly updated information folder containing written policies and procedures and clearly displayed documents. She exchanges information about children's well-being and interests through frequent discussion and a daily diary. Parents access their own child's learning journal. They write comments and have a shared approach to their own child's future learning. Effective links with some other early years providers that children attend are in place. However an exchange of information about some children's next steps in learning is not yet established so as to bring about a shared approach to children's care, learning and development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are secure and relaxed with the childminder because she knows them well. 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 contributes effectively to this process of assessment. The well organised play area enables children to choose toys such as puzzles. They persevere as they manoeuvre pieces to fit correctly and match patterns, developing skills they need for future life. Children make marks and give meaning to these as they select paper and use felt pens, promoting early writing skills. Children are curious, and with support peel the back of stickers as they create Easter cards using a wide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 range of materials. Children's language is supported as they sing songs and listen

p.5

and outcomes for children

to stories. Children hear the childminder using descriptive words to describe feelings as expressed in a story. They are encouraged to repeat words and initial sounds are emphasised when objects are named. Children enjoy moving to familiar action songs; they listen to instructions and move their bodies in a variety of ways. Children are interested in numbers, spontaneously counting as they help to tidy toys away. They count fruit on their plate and ladybirds in a 3D book with support.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle as they enjoy daily play in local parks and outings in the fresh air. Visits to weekly pre-school gym sessions and soft play areas extend opportunities for physical play. Children enjoy healthy snacks and access drinks throughout the day from their own drinking bottles. Children enjoy nutritious and balanced home prepared meals. Children's awareness and understanding of good hygiene routines is promoted well and understood as they select their own individual paper towel. Children learn about their own safety as they frequently practise the fire drill. Frequent visits by the local police and others such as, ambulance service, doctor and fire brigade at the local childminder's group enhance children's understanding. On outings they learn how to cross roads safely and become aware of potential hazards such as, unfamiliar dogs and strangers. Children demonstrate a strong sense of attachment to each

p.6

and outcomes for children

other. Their confidence and self-esteem increases due to the frequent praise and encouragement by the childminder. Children's behaviour is good, they are starting to share, take turns and play cooperatively together. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8