Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 February 2015 31 January 2011

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This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

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This provision is good

 The childminder and her assistant work well together to provide a secure, stimulating environment for children. They offer consistent support and supervision, so children feel safe in their care, develop confidence and make good progress.  The childminder provides a suitable variety of age-appropriate toys and play materials. She occupies children and interacts well with them to promote learning. Consequently, children enjoy their activities and have fun as they play.  Effective observation, assessment and planning procedures enable the childminder to monitor children's progress. She has regular discussions with parents about children's well-being and development, which helps to promote continuity of care.  The childminder demonstrates a well-organised approach to her practice, with records and documentation in clear order. She continues to attend relevant training to update her childcare knowledge and awareness.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder does not make full use of visual prompts to involve younger children in planning their activities and to help them make independent choices.  The childminder misses some opportunities to engage parents in children's learning, to enhance children's progress and experiences.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 help young children to choose what they want to do, particularly when toys and equipment are not accessible, for example by providing pictures and labels  develop activities to involve parents and promote shared learning, for example through the provision of story sacks, book bags or games.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the childminder and an assistant working with children.  The inspector read feedback from parents and a sample of children's development records.  The inspector had discussions with the childminder and her assistant.  The inspector read the childminder's self-evaluation form and checked specific documentation.  The inspector checked arrangements for children's safety, including the suitability of adults working with them.

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who attend. This is good

Children develop good levels of concentration because they focus well on their activities. They play with the bricks for a sustained period and enjoy constructing models. Through her interactions, the childminder encourages children to talk about what they are doing. They learn to count and recognise colours as they play. Children share and take turns because they understand the rules in games. Younger children learn from the older ones as they like to watch or join in. The childminder and her assistant adapt the activities to suit the children present. This means that children benefit from age-appropriate challenges. The childminder stores toys appropriately and rotates activities to promote children's interest. She asks children what they would like to do, but does not use visual prompts to help them make a choice. The childminder observes children and notes their next steps. She shares relevant information with parents and the local school, but misses

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who attend. This is good

some opportunities to promote parents' active involvement in their children's learning.

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good

The childminder and her assistant gently reassure young children to help them settle and feel secure. Children benefit from consistent routines, which help to prepare them for their next stage in learning. They learn to sit at the table, have good manners and cooperate. The childminder takes effective steps to promote and protect children's health. For example, she is conscientious about food allergies and restricts the provision of specific foods. The childminder teaches children that 'it is good to be healthy' as they eat their fruit. Children learn how to stay safe and understand what the childminder expects. She provides appropriate equipment, such as buggies and reins. Children hold hands as they walk along and wear fluorescent tabards, so they are visible. The childminder makes good use of outdoor play and trips to help children learn. They plant flowers and herbs in the garden, go to the beach and practise physical skills at the park.

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provision is good

The childminder is flexible in her childcare provision to meet the needs of families. She uses her assistants effectively to maintain ratios. The childminder supervises her assistants and enhances their knowledge by keeping them well informed of her policies and procedures. These include child protection, so that all adults know how to safeguard children's welfare. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. For example, she is aware of adult to child ratios when working with an assistant. There is an effective self-evaluation procedure, which helps the childminder make improvements to practice. For instance, she has developed her assessment procedures since the last inspection. The childminder has also increased children's learning activities in the woodland environment. Parents provide very positive feedback on the care given to their children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 102637 Local authority Cornwall Inspection number 839194 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 9 Number of children on roll 9

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 31 January 2011

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Telephone number

The childminder registered in 1999. She lives with her adult son in Bodmin. The childminder employs her adult daughter as an assistant on a regular basis. Her son occasionally assists with the care of the children. The family has a dog. The childminder takes children to and from St Mary's School. She holds a level three qualification in childcare.

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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Telephone number

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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Telephone number

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

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