Childminder, Out-of school day care in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY437815 Inspection date 18/04/2012 Inspector Marie Thompson

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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 registered in 2011. She lives with her husband and two children in a detached house in Rockbere, near Exeter. The whole of the house is used for childminding and children have access to a secure garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for four children under eight years of age, of these two may be in the early years age range. There are currently five children on roll, of these two are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered to provide overnight care for two children under eight years. The family has two cats and three guinea pigs.

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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 creates a friendly and welcoming environment for children. She develops a caring relationship with them, getting to know and value children's likes and dislikes. Overall, children's welfare is successfully promoted through the childminder's good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. The childminder makes good use of self-evaluation to assess her strengths and weaknesses and demonstrates a strong capacity for improvement. Good partnerships are established with parents. Most information is shared with parents to successfully promote the welfare and learning of the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend opportunities for parents to be involved in and support their child's learning, for example, regularly reviewing their learning journals  provide separate hand drying facilities for each child to promote consistent hygiene and cleanliness, to help minimise the risk of infection

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the early years provision

All the required documentation is in place and very well maintained. Policies and procedures explain how the childminder works and these are shared with parents. The childminder has completed safeguarding training to update her knowledge. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She clearly understands her role and responsibility for protecting the children in her care. Records of risk assessments are comprehensively written and up to date. The evacuation procedure is practised with children, to help ensure they know what to do in an emergency.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses self-evaluation to consider and show her strengths and weaknesses. She successfully identifies areas for development and is quick to take action for improvement. All children are fully included and valued as individuals. They move around confidently within the child friendly environment and clearly feel safe. The childminder effectively organises the time they spend with her. All resources are in good order and age appropriate. These are stored so children can easily reach them and use them to follow their own interests. Planned activities and experiences promote children's all-round learning and development. Children learn to value diversity, for example, through books and dressing up clothes. Trips into the local community also help children gain knowledge and understanding of the world.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good relationship with parents and has built effective links with schools and pre-schools children attend. This ensures information is shared to help provide continuity and consistency in children's welfare and learning. Parents report that they are happy with the care their children receive and appreciate the childminder's support and guidance. Contact books are used to show parents what their children have been doing and they are encouraged to add comments. The childminder makes time to talk to parents on a daily basis about their children's achievements, her observations and how together they can help the children progress. However, parents have not reviewed their children's learning journals.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in the warm and caring environment the childminder provides. They have space to play and move around confidently selecting from a range of interesting resources. Children play together well and clearly feel safe and secure with each other and the childminder. Children are becoming competent and independent learners. The receive plenty of attention from the childminder, which helps develop good self-esteem. Children's records are detailed, showing the childminder's commitment to meeting children's needs. Her observations are linked to the six areas of learning and next steps are identified.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's independence and sense of belonging. Children choose what they wish to play with and are encouraged to help around the home, for example, clearing the table after snack. Overall, the childminder promotes children's health well. However, separate hand drying facilities are not provided to reduce the risk of infection. Good eating habits are encouraged. The children sit together to eat, chatting about the school day and what to do after tea. Children are learning to follow a healthy lifestyle. They walk to and from school, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which helps them become familiar with the local area. Children have frequent opportunities to play in the garden with a good selection of outdoor toys, such as scooters and bikes. Role play resources help children explore their imagination. They especially enjoy playing shops, restaurants and mums and dads. They have

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and outcomes for children

regular opportunities to express their creativity and explore a range of materials and media. For example, making sheep pictures from wool they have collected on nature walks or exploring textures while finger painting. Children respond appropriately to the childminder. She extends children's language and communication skills by asking open-ended questions, talking about their school day and encouraging them to think about what they have been doing. A variety of books for pleasure and reference are readily available. Toys are rotated to ensure children have access to a wide range of learning experiences; for example, electronic toys, construction toys and puzzles. Children enjoy cooking with the childminder, which they do frequently. They have made a variety of food including biscuits, olive bread and cakes. This activity helps develop mathematical thinking, while pouring, measuring and mixing ingredients.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder talks to children about tidying up and road safety, to help them understand and take responsibility for their own safety. This also helps to promote children's independence and self-help skills. The childminder is calm and uses frequent praise to help children develop confidence and self-esteem. She encourages children to behave well and they are eager to please. Children develop a sense of belonging. The childminder is beginning to know each child and their family well, valuing and respecting their individual circumstances. Routines are met in line with parent and children's wishes. For example, on arriving home from school they can choose whether to rest or take part in activities. Children socialise with other children while at the childminder's home and at school, helping them to learn to value each other as individuals. For example, they show respect and concern for while sharing the dressing up clothes. The childminder demonstrates a

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and outcomes for children

good understanding of how children learn. This, along with a commitment to develop her practice, helps ensure children thrive. 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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