Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 08/01/2015 04/07/2012

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, so children progress well in her care.  The childminder promotes strong partnerships with parents to fully support children's development.  Effective observation, assessment and planning procedures produce clear targets to help every child reach their early learning goals.  The childminder strives to develop her professional practice through ongoing evaluation and training.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 The childminder does not always make full use of books and pictures in her provision, to enhance children's literacy development.  The childminder does not always enhance role-play opportunities for children with a wide variety of resources.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children in their play activities.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector reviewed a sample of children's records and written feedback from parents.  The inspector checked details on specific policies and procedures.  The inspector read the childminder's self-evaluation form.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2012. She lives with her partner in the Par area, near to St Austell. The whole of the house is available for childminding, with a bathroom upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are currently seven children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder receives early education funding to provide free places for children aged two, three and four years. She offers care from Monday to Friday and at weekends. The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3. She takes children on outings for additional learning experiences.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 increase the availability of books and pictures to further promote children's literacy skills

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 develop the provision and organisation of role-play resources to further inspire children's imaginations.

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who attend

The childminder plans and provides an effective programme of activities to promote all areas of children's learning and development. Children are keen to learn and develop key skills that prepare them well for school. For example, 'registration time' is part of the daily routine, which promotes children's ability to listen, concentrate and contribute. Children learn about the days of the week and the weather, and talk about different things. The childminder extends the activity by suggesting songs, which supports children's communication and language development. She is aware of children's interests and enables them to play with favourite toys. For instance, young children particularly enjoyed playing with dolls and pretended to make food and drinks for them. The childminder provided appropriate resources to support children's learning, such as plastic plates, knives and a bowl. However, the childminder does not always provide a wide variety of

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who attend

materials to enhance imaginative play opportunities. The childminder is very attentive to children and interacts well to extend learning. For example, children sat at a low table to colour and make marks with crayons. They showed interest as the childminder demonstrated how to press the top of a pen to make it work. Toddlers made circular motions on the paper and proudly declared 'done' when they had finished. They have a good understanding of how to use equipment and learn to put it away appropriately. For instance, toddlers carefully put the crayons back in the box.

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who attend

The childminder continuously engages with children to encourage learning. For example, as they go up and downstairs, the childminder teaches them to count the treads. Children use musical instruments and learn about rhythm patterns, such as when they sound out their names on a drum. The childminder stores toys appropriately and selects resources to link with current topics and children's interests. She asks the children about their choices and responds to their requests. Children take part in interesting sensory and creative play activities. This enables them to experience different textures, such as jelly, beans, pasta and flour. Overall, the childminder promotes children's early literacy skills well. For example, she reads books to children and takes them to the library on a regular basis. However, the childminder does not always extend the use of books, labels and pictures, to further support children's developing skills.

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who attend

The childminder is rigorous in her observation, assessment and planning procedures. She makes clear assessments of children's progress and completes the required progress check for two-year-old children. The childminder skilfully involves parents in children's learning through effective communication and fun activities. For example, the childminder provides regular newsletters and displays relevant information for parents. Families enjoy regular competitions, such as when they made instruments and decorations. Parents inform the childminder about children's achievements at home and make a positive contribution to the progress records. The childminder makes suitable arrangements with parents to share relevant information when children attend other settings.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children settle well due to the effective introductory period and they form warm relationships. They are happy and secure because they are safe in the care of the childminder. Children understand what the childminder expects and learn good behaviour. The childminder encourages children to learn about safety as they play. For example, when children use the toy kettle, the childminder prompts them to be careful, to remind them that water can be hot. The childminder acts as a positive role model to help children learn good manners. Suitable arrangements are in place for the provision of food and drink. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary requirements and encourages healthy eating. To increase children's learning, the childminder involves them in cooking activities. She includes children from the outset, to cover several areas of learning in one activity. For example, children check what ingredients they require, make a

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

list and then go shopping with the childminder. While they are out, the childminder teaches and reminds children about road safety, so children continuously learn.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children show increasing levels of confidence and independence, so they make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. For example, toddlers show pleasure as they attempt and manage to put on a backpack or find a required item. The childminder offers lots of praise and encouragement, which helps children to achieve their goals. Planning for outdoor activities is effective in promoting all areas of children's learning and development. Children frequently play in the garden and use a good range of resources. For instance, they enjoy sand, water, the playhouse and ball games. The childminder incorporates mathematical development as she encourages children to find and learn about numbers. Outings include trips to the zoo, beach and nature walks. The childminder encourages children to learn about the world around them. For instance, children notice changes in nature during each of the seasons.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is attentive to children and supervises them closely to keep them safe. She provides suitable equipment to minimise risks to children, such as safety gates. The childminder is conscientious as she checks that the gates and doors are secure. She has a clear knowledge and awareness of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. This enables her to take appropriate action to protect children from risk of harm.

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provision

The childminder has completed previous inspection recommendations and taken further steps to secure good improvements to practice. For example, she has developed and established robust assessment procedures. She actively engages with parents to work in partnership, which provides strong support for children. The childminder is thorough in her self-evaluation procedure, to identify strengths and aspects for further development. She reviews children's progress and seeks parents' opinions on a regular basis. Parents provide very positive feedback and have high regard for the childminder. They describe the childminder as 'welcoming, with a professional approach, and experienced with children'. Parents say that the childminder 'has brilliant ideas and keeps children busy'. They describe good communication systems, including an electronic format.

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provision

Since the last inspection, the childminder has attended a number of relevant childcare courses. She reflects on her learning to develop activities for children further. For example, one course inspired her to calculate how active children were during the day. This resulted in an increase in physical play to better promote children's development. A course on communication and language through play gave the childminder good ideas for games, to provide additional interest for children. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to ongoing development and is enthusiastic about her childcare practice.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We re-inspect nurseries and pre-schools judged as requires improvement within 12 months of the date of inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or

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Grade Judgement Description

is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY439735 Local authority Cornwall Inspection number 824455 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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