Childminder in South Gloucestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY442505 Inspection date 25/07/2012 Inspector Rachael Williams

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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 2012. She lives with her husband and two children in Bradley Stoke, South Gloucester. All areas of the setting are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has a cat.

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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 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. Currently she has three children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age group.

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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 cared for in a supportive environment. Overall, there is a good range of toys and resources to challenge children's development, they therefore make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has developed positive relationships with the children and their parents in a short time. Generally, the childminder promotes children's welfare effectively to meet their individual needs. As yet, the childminder has not had the opportunity to develop partnerships with other early years settings and professionals. The childminder has a positive approach to improving outcomes for children. She accurately identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the provision and takes positive steps to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 make cat food inaccessible to children so that it does not pose a health risk  extend resources to reflect the different people in our society, in particular positive images to reflect disability.

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the early years provision

The childminder has well developed procedures to enable children to be cared for in a safe and secure, homely environment. Generally, the childminder has completed accurate risk assessments for all areas used by the children. However, children have access to the cat's food bowl that may pose a health risk to them. The childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues. She has a relevant policy which includes information on the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures and relevant contact numbers should an incident occur. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 become aware of their own safety as they regularly practice clear emergency evacuation procedures.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established positive relationships with parents. Parents receive well-written policies and procedures on a disc that underpins the good practice of the childminding service. The childminder invites parents to contribute to their child's learning diary and parents make positive comments. A parent comments on how much their child enjoys their time with the childminder and how effective the childminder's interactions and recording of children's progress is. Another parent comments on the 'rich, varied and interesting range of activities and experiences' the childminder provides. A daily communication diary keeps parents well informed about activities and routines. As yet, the childminder has not had the opportunity to care for children who attend another setting, who are learning English as an additional language or who have special educational needs. However, she has a suitable plans in place should the need arise.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides children with a wide range of toys and resources. She has recently improved the organisation and labelling of the toys and resources to give children the opportunity to make decisions for themselves. There are some resources to portray positively the differences in our society to help children learn to respect and value others. The childminder escorts children on a variety of visits within the local environment. This helps children to understand about the community in which they live and to explore different backgrounds.

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the early years provision

The childminder considers the service she provides. She uses network group meetings and the local authority adviser to improve her practice. Through her observations of the children she has been able to address weaknesses in her practice, such as developing snack time so that children are able to make healthy choices. The childminder has good understanding of the strengths of the provision. For example, she involves children in every opportunity to learn, explore and investigate. She has accurately identified some areas to improve, such as her observation process and being more reflective in her practice. Consequently, the childminder demonstrates good capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder takes time to get to know the children through her discussions with parents, their contributions to the learning diaries and her focused initial observations during the induction period. The childminder provides children with a broad and balanced range of experiences. She has good understanding of children's learning styles. For example, she acknowledges that some children do not like to sit down and make marks. Therefore, she provides alternative opportunities, such as painting the fence with brushes, making patterns with a stick in the mud and using chalks on the decking. Consequently, children become active, curious and inquisitive learners showing good skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy investigating the properties of chalk as they drop them This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 into the water. Children repeat words, such as 'plop' and 'fizz' as they explore new vocabulary. Children transport water carefully as they use a cup to water the plants. The childminder completes detailed observations that she links to children's stages of development. She clearly identifies children's learning priorities and plans appropriate activities to challenge children's development.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has relevant consent from parents to escort children on outings. Children become aware of their own safety as they discuss road safety and stranger danger. Children wear an information wristband with the childminder's mobile number on to ensure they are easily identified. The childminder is vigilant and reminds children of how to stay safe in the sun, such as wearing sun cream and sun hats. The childminder reminds children of the potential dangers of walking around whilst they are eating or drinking. This helps children to become aware of their own safety. Consequently, children's behaviour is good as they are clear on their boundaries and expectations.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has good knowledge of children's special dietary requirements. She works in partnership with parents and adapts menus accordingly to meet the needs of the children. There are opportunities for children to be involved in growing and harvesting their own fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes, rhubarb and raspberries. Children have regular opportunities to be outside and active in the well-equipped garden. For example, they thoroughly enjoy bouncing on the trampoline as they listen to rhymes and follow actions. The childminder supports the children to count the balls as they throw them onto the trampoline. 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 3 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 3 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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