Childminder in Dudley

Inspection report for early years provision

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255699 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2007 Inspection date Bernadina Laverty Inspector

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Integrated Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good. the time of the inspection there were no children in receipt of nursery education. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide nursery education.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in a house in Halesowen within walking distance of the local school and park. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. One room and the bathroom are used on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and currently has seven children on roll attending at different times. The childminder attends a local toddler and carer group on a regular basis. She is a member of an approved childminding network and is eligible to receive funding for early education for three and four-year-olds. There are currently no children on roll who receive funding for early education.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the local authority. She has a Level 3 qualification in child care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children’s health needs are exceptionally well promoted because they are cared for in a very clean and welcoming environment. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to prevent the spread of infection. For example, she is diligent in hand-washing, makes individual towels available to children so as to minimise the risk of cross-infection and ensures her home is clean and welcoming prior to children’s arrival. As a consequence, children show an excellent understanding and willingness to keep themselves healthy by following her example. They are meticulous with hand washing routines, demonstrating a clear understanding as to why it is important.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health needs are very clearly recorded and discussed with parents. Detailed procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they become ill and the childminder has an excellent understanding of current first aid practice. She is extremely diligent in keeping up to date with guidance by attending various training courses, including ‘Asthma Allergies’ and ‘Anaphylaxis’. The childminder has a detailed knowledge of notifiable diseases, including reference information relating to the emergency treatment of allergic reactions.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children become engrossed in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities which provide high levels of challenge appropriate to their stage of development. They play with an excellent selection of extremely safe and well-maintained toys and resources within a very stimulating environment. Children's sleep routines are well respected as the childminder is extremely sensitive to children's moods and anticipates when they need to rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical development is well promoted as children take part in regular physical activities inside and outside the home, helping to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Frequent use of the garden and outdoor environment enables children to enjoy fresh air and practise moving with coordination and control. Indoors, children play with an excellent variety of resources, including small world toys, scissors and threading, which helps to develop their dexterity and manipulation skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive and are very well-nourished because the childminder has given excellent consideration to devising a menu that is nutritious, balanced and appetising to children. They share responsibility for decisions about their meals as they make suggestions as to what they would like to eat and have a daily choice of home-cooked meals for lunch, including cottage pie or stew, followed by yogurts or mousse. Children are protected from hazards associated with food preparation because the childminder has completed food hygiene training. Menus are made available to parents and include daily portions of salad, fruit and vegetables. A variety of drinks are readily available, which encourages children to have sufficient fluids.

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children’s safety is significantly enhanced by the childminder’s effective control measures, including stair gates, socket covers and consistent vigilance. As a consequence, children move safely and independently throughout the home as all risks have been identified and minimised by the childminder and included on a health and safety checklist. The childminder gives extensive consideration to safety, by having installed a carbon monoxide detector, researching reference material relating to poisonous plants and organising to undertake a road and driver safety course in 2008.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children actively contribute to their own understanding of keeping safe because they are gently reminded about safety rules within the home. They take part in regular emergency evacuation procedures and are learning about road safety whilst on outings. They have a clear understanding of their own needs and a mature respect for the needs of others. For example, they spontaneously move their toys out of the way of younger children, commenting that they could choke on some of the smaller pieces.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an excellent range of toys and equipment that are developmentally appropriate. Toys and equipment are checked and cleaned regularly, particularly baby toys so as to ensure that children play with safe and suitable equipment within a very stimulating environment. Children can reach toys and equipment very easily and the wealth of resources throughout the home are alternated for children to use and experience variety. The childminder's vigilance and vast experience of anticipating younger children's unpredictability helps keep children safe, supported by detailed documentation and regular communication with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected by the childminder who has an excellent understanding of child protection policies and procedures and gives high priority to children’s welfare. The childminder demonstrates up to date understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board guidelines. She has supplementary information regarding safeguarding to support her discussions with children and parents from the National Association of Childminders and The National Society for The Prevention of Cruelty To Children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and settled within this homely environment. They take part in an excellent range of activities which they find appealing and show their enjoyment by singing and chattering whilst playing. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the developmental needs of all the children in her care as she uses the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework extremely effectively. This enables her to adapt activities, ensuring they are suitable for either babies or older children. They are animated as they play with toys. For example, they clap their hands as they construct a train track and then make train noises whilst pushing trains around the track.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to initiate their own play as well as participating in more structured activities. For example, they follow directions and identify how many coloured shapes they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 need to construct an animal. As result children are engrossed in their play and concentrate very well on their chosen activity. Children are very confident and develop positive relationships with the childminder and each other. They learn to share and take turns from an early age and understand the needs of their peers. For example, older children enjoy rough and tumble games with younger children and squeal with delight as they hug each other. The childminder accesses ongoing training to develop her knowledge and practice. Consequently children make excellent progress in all areas of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There were no children receiving funding for nursery education on roll at the time of the inspection. However, evidence suggests that the quality of teaching and learning would be good.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children, who were funded previously, still attend the setting on a part-time basis and observations of these children suggest that there are many good opportunities for active learning. Evidence suggests creative activities promote children’s imagination and awareness of their environment as they use glitter and shiny shapes to make attractive, collage Christmas tree baubles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Photographs show children engrossed in stories by sharing books and using story sacks to support this learning. The childminder recalls that as a consequence, children confidently initiated conversations with her and each other, by asking probing questions about the story and seeking clarification about her explanations. Examples of children’s creative work include their attempts to write their names, demonstrating the promotion of early writing skills. The childminder recalls how children demonstrate high levels of motivation and concentration whilst counting and matching plastic shapes, recognising similarities and orientation, supported by prompt cards to construct intricate models of different animals and a ‘Ferris Wheel’, all of which are proudly displayed within the childminder’s home. The childminder’s intuitive and skilled management of children’s behaviour indicates they would have a positive experience whilst in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Overall, plans demonstrate the childminder’s good understanding of child development and the Foundation Stage curriculum as learning intentions are clear for all children. The childminder has previously evaluated children’s starting points and planned activities according to their individual needs and preferences. This culminates in an informative summary of children’s progress detailed on a children’s profile which gives a detailed overview of children’s progress within all six areas of learning. Examples of observations and evaluations show how children are assessed and future planning devised. However, the current method of planning is elaborate and extremely time consuming for the childminder to complete, making it difficult to quickly identify the next steps in children’s learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder explains how she plans and organises the environment and resources to maximise children’s learning opportunities. Photographs of outings within the local community include trips to Dudley Zoo and the Sea Life Centre. This ensures that children would have opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise and develop an appreciation of animals and nature. Consequently evidence suggests that children would make good progress towards the early

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 learning goals because of the innovative range of activities, learning opportunities and experienced care provided by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children’s individuality is valued and cherished by the childminder who provides excellent care according to their needs. They are beginning to value and recognise similarities and differences within society through an excellent range of positive image resources, such as jigsaw puzzles, books and planned topics including festivals. Planning includes a wealth of information on activities for winter, Christmas and Hanukkah. The childminder is committed to inclusive practice and consolidates her knowledge by attending relevant training courses, such as “Celebrating Diversity”. Children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties are welcome at the setting and activities are adapted as necessary. Children’s spiritual, moral, social and emotional development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is excellent and consistently of a high standard. They understand the rules of the home. They work harmoniously together whilst playing with dolls and hug each other during play. The childminder acts as an excellent role model demonstrating genuine interest and care whilst talking and interacting with children. There are excellent procedures in place for keeping parents informed about children's care and the childminding service which helps to contribute to children’s overall well-being. A detailed portfolio is available, which includes all relevant documentation and complimentary feedback from parents in the form of letters and cards praising the childminder’s flexibility, professionalism and quality care. The childminder has included information about how to take forward any concerns or make a complaint to Ofsted. This helps to contribute to children’s overall well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There were no children receiving funding for nursery education on roll at the time of the inspection. However, evidence suggests that partnership with parents and carers would be good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has previously worked hard to include parents and carers in children’s learning within the nursery education framework. As a consequence, children would benefit from this professional partnership because their achievements and daily routines are discussed regularly. Parents are given a welcome pack, which includes detailed information about the Foundation Stage curriculum. Prior to children moving on to full-time education, their parents are given a detailed profile of their child’s time at the setting, clearly charting their progress through the stepping stones.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in this extremely welcoming home because the childminder has made excellent use of space and resources. This helps to support children in their play, learning and developing their potential. Children benefit from a very calm, caring, experienced childminder who clearly thrives being in their company. The childminder is committed to ongoing

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 professional development. She regularly updates her training to include courses that enhance the quality of her childminding service, such as ‘Makaton Sign Language’ and ‘Play’. This helps her to offer a professional, inclusive service to the children in her care.

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Organisation

As an accredited childminder, she works extremely well with her network co-ordinator, to complete self-assessments and evaluations of her practice. As a consequence the childminder has accessed a wealth of training and acts as a mentor to other childminders.

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Organisation

Children’s care is significantly enhanced by exceptional organisation. All required documentation is in place, stored very methodically, is individual to the setting and fully supports the expert practice of the childminder. This ensures that parents are very well informed about their child’s achievements and progress. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection, the provider was asked to: develop knowledge and understanding of special needs, including special educational needs and disabilities. The childminder has attended a variety of focussed training courses and purchased or borrowed resources that reflect positive images of disability and culture.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The implementation of this recommendation ensures children's individual needs and well-being is promoted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good. the time of the inspection there were no children in receipt of nursery education. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide nursery education.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • streamline planning and assessment documentation so as to implement a more manageable system for identifying children's achievements and the next steps in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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