Childminder in Plymouth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY268991 Inspection date 28/05/2012 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and adult daughter, both of whom are named as assistants, in Thornbury, Plymouth. The whole of the ground floor, which includes a toilet, is used for childminding purposes. A designated bedroom and the family bathroom are also available for use. There are steps to the front door. The house is close to shops, parks and schools. There is a rear garden for outdoor play, which has an enclosed fish pond. The garden backs on to an open area of grassland, which is sometimes used for walks. The family has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. When working alone, she may care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years; of these, three may be in the early years age range at any one time. When an assistant is present, they may care for a maximum of six children under eight years; of these, four may be in the early years age range. There are currently five children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups.

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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 provides a warm welcome to children and their families. Various activities are available, which contributes to children making good progress in their development. Overall, the childminder has positive relationships with parents and meets children's individual needs well. She is developing clear procedures to monitor children's progress, most aspects of which are effective. The childminder reflects on her provision and demonstrates a clear, effective capacity for on-going development.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance practice by supporting parents to regularly contribute their views on their children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder successfully implements policies and procedures to effectively promote and protect children's welfare. She conducts regular risk assessments and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fire drills, which contribute to children's safety. Supervision of children is consistently good because the childminder uses family members as assistants. Relevant information on the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures is available. This includes a detailed policy and agency contact numbers. The childminder is well aware of child protection issues and actions required to safeguard children's welfare. Records and documentation in respect of childcare arrangements are in clear order.

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the early years provision

The childminder and her family provide a welcoming, stimulating environment for children. She uses a good variety of activities well, on and off the premises, to promote children's interests and learning. Resources are in good condition and readily accessible. This means that children make independent choices as they select toys and books. The childminder effectively promotes inclusion, equality and diversity in her practice. For example, she seeks additional information to support children's individual needs. She also provides resources to reflect children's backgrounds, which promote awareness and respect for differences. The childminder is sensitive and supportive towards children with specific needs. She forms good partnerships with others and is aware of local services available to families. A gentle approach in managing behaviour results in a positive response from children. The childminder encourages children to feel proud and develop self-

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the early years provision

esteem. For example, she praises children for their efforts and achievements during activities. Daily routines also provide opportunities for children to effectively learn about being healthy and staying safe.

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the early years provision

The childminder observes children as they play, notes their progress and plans for their next steps in learning. She adds photographs of children in a variety of activities to their journals. There are also examples of children's creative and emergent skills; however, development records do not include parent contributions. The childminder has positive relationships with parents, which contribute to consistent care and effective support for children. Parents commend the care of the childminder and her family. They describe how happy their children are and how much they enjoy being there. The childminder evaluates her effectiveness; for example, she reviews children's progress and seeks parents' views. Since the last inspection, the childminder has had a conservatory built to extend available play space. She has also purchased new equipment in response to children's preference. These actions show that the childminder continues to have

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and outcomes for children

Children form close relationships with the childminder and her extended family. Consequently, they show a good sense of belonging in her home. They move around with confidence and choose where they want to play and with whom. For example, they eagerly gather to look at books with the childminder in the lounge. Next, they enjoy playing with toys on the floor in the conservatory. An assistant supervises them and interacts as they play. Lively conversations take place, which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 contribute towards children's developing language skills. The childminder provides a variety of writing materials, such as pens, pencils and wax crayons. Children develop good control as they make marks, patterns and shapes. They chat throughout the activity about their drawings and other things. For instance, one of the pictures prompts them to talk about their families. Sensory play enables

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and outcomes for children

children to experience a range of media and materials. They use sand, water, paints and play dough. These activities enable children to express their creativity and explore ideas about, for example, capacity, solids and liquid.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is attentive to children's individual needs, which means that they are comfortable and content. She knows their personal routines and preferences, for example, when they are tired and what they like to eat. Children enjoy sitting together at snack and meal times. The childminder encourages healthy eating and helps children to learn how things grow. Children recall planting seeds to grow vegetables and flowers as they look at a book. Frequent, outdoor, play opportunities effectively contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Children love being in the fresh air and exercising. For instance, they learn to use equipment at the park with competence and safety. They take great pleasure in wearing 'wellies' in wet weather, to splash in puddles and walk in mud. Children understand the expectations of behaviour, which are used effectively to keep them safe. As an example, they know to hold hands near the road and to stay with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Outdoor play provides various learning opportunities. For example, children become inquisitive about the natural environment. They collect twigs and leaves to inspect and take home as treasure. Good social skills develop as children meet others at local groups. They take part in physical activities, such as parachute games. The childminder enables all children to join in according to their ages and abilities. As an example, younger children enjoy games of peek-a-boo with the material, while older children play games that are more complex. Children follow instructions and cooperate well during activities. They share, take turns and have respect for others, which reflects positive attitudes. During songs and action rhymes, they readily copy words and movement, which promotes language and physical skills. Children show number, colour and shape recognition as they play. They develop effective skills for the future as the childminder prepares them well

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and outcomes for children

for school. 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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