Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY217005 Inspection date 01/05/2012 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 2002. She lives with her husband and teenager in the village of Hartland, near Bideford, Devon. Her husband is registered as her assistant and occasionally has sole charge of the children. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a dog.

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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. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, three of whom may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant she may care for a maximum of 12 children aged under eight years, six of whom may be in the early years age group. There are currently 11 children on roll, five of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the local Childminding Network. She is accredited to receive early education funding for children aged two, three and four years. She has a relevant childcare qualification.

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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 provides exemplary play opportunities and support to children in her care. Children thrive in the secure, enabling environment and thoroughly enjoy themselves. Extensive activities and activities rigorously promote most aspects of children's learning. The childminder has an excellent awareness of individual needs and values all children and their families. Rigorous self-evaluation procedures show that the childminder has an exceptional capacity for ongoing development.

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further?

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

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further?

 extending the opportunities for children to practice forming letters, for example, by making labels and writing notices.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a highly professional approach to the provision of childcare. She has excellent organisational skills and demonstrates exemplary practice. Risk assessment procedures are thorough, which rigorously protects children from potential hazards. The childminder is very conscientious in her supervision of children at all times. She has significant awareness of the Local Safeguarding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children Board procedures, enabling her to protect children's welfare. She has comprehensive policies and procedures which she implements extremely effectively to promote children's health, safety and well-being. Records and documentation are in efficient and confidential order. The childminder is highly reflective and ambitious as she strives to make continuous improvements. She continues to attend relevant training courses, in order to enhance her childcare knowledge and

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the early years provision

The childminder creates a child-focused and highly stimulating environment where children learn through play. The extensive range of resources is in excellent condition and reflects diversity exceptionally well. The childminder has an exemplary awareness of equality issues and successfully promotes inclusion. For example, she is highly effective in promoting children's early understanding of difference and respect for others.

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the early years provision

The childminder has excellent relationships with parents. She offers them a wealth of information about children's activities, events and learning outcomes. Stay and play sessions provide innovative opportunities for parents to be further involved in children's learning. Parents provide excellent feedback on the quality of care. They are extremely pleased with the range of activities and their children's progress. The childminder has highly effective partnerships with other providers and agencies. She has established excellent communication systems with them which fully contribute to individual care and support for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are exceptionally happy and secure in the care of the childminder. They form close attachments and friendships, which means that they develop excellent social skills. They are very confident and enthusiastic in their approach to activities. They concentrate for significant periods of time, which enhances their learning. As an example, they play in the water tray with sustained interest. They carefully fill and pour from containers as they consider quantity and capacity. Children have great fun as they learn through play. For instance, they enjoy an extensive range of activities that develop skills in problem solving, reasoning and numeracy. Children feel important and readily contribute their thoughts and ideas. They chatter and listen to each other, making interesting observations as they play. The childminder nurtures children and gently encourages positive attitudes. Consequently, children are polite and behave exceptionally well.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder follows children's interests and takes every opportunity to extend and challenge their learning. She has meticulous systems to observe, assess and plan for children's individual progress. Each child has a comprehensive record of development, which include contributions from parents. The childminder inspires children to learn during interesting activities. Development records show that children make excellent progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very comfortable in the home and move around with great This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 confidence. They make independent decisions and suggestions about what they are going to do. For example, they eagerly select the musical instruments and dance around with enthusiasm. They readily engage with others, such as when they offer an instrument and say 'you join in the band'. Children take part in varied activities that reflect different lifestyles and cultures. They develop excellent awareness of their own backgrounds, and those of others. They follow excellent hygiene routines and benefit from healthy options. They make interesting comparisons between 'fuel and energy'. For example, they talk about 'cars needing petrol and bodies needing food to make them work'. They also understand why they become tired or out of breath when they exercise.

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and outcomes for children

Children love the frequent opportunities to play in the garden and go on outings. These activities enhance their developing knowledge of the wider world and natural environment. Before they go out they help the childminder with a risk assessment. They think about things that might be harmful, such as sharp objects on the beach. They use their fertile imaginations to suggest that there could be 'a shark in the sea'. Following this discussion they think of solutions to the potential problems. Children know to hold hands and that they should 'stick together like glue' to be safe. They develop excellent early literacy skills as they show a keen interest in books. They listen with delight to favourite stories and retell them with animation. Signs, labels and pictures are all around. These help children to see that print has meaning, although, they reflect few examples of their own emergent writing. Children show pleasure as they look at their photographs and then show

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and outcomes for children

them to others. They are very proud of their achievements and have high levels of self-esteem. Overall, children are inquisitive, active learners. This has a significant impact as they develop their skills for the future. 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 1 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 1 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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