Childminder in Sandwell

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY289850 Inspection date 08/10/2008 Inspector Jackie Nation

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and three children aged 15, 11 and five years. They live in Oldbury, in the West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding and all areas are easily accessible. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is able to take and collect children from local schools and nurseries. There are currently children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the Compulsory Childcare Register and the Voluntary Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and currently has eight children on roll who attend on various days.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

All children are welcomed into a friendly family home. The childminder provides sufficient opportunities for children to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Adequate systems are in place to ascertain information from parents relating to children’s specific needs, ensuring that children have their individual needs met. Children are relaxed and comfortable within the home, where they have access to an acceptable range of resources. The childminder has demonstrated her capacity to improve her service as she has addressed most of the actions from her previous inspection. Although her systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of the welfare and learning and development of children are not yet consolidated.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the system for undertaking sensitive observational assessments in order to plan to meet young children's individual needs as they progress towards the early learning goals  develop further the system to monitor and evaluate the quality of the welfare and learning and development of children.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 take the necessary steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children with particular regard to improving knowledge and understanding of how to implement the safeguarding policy and procedures 14/11/2008  ensure that records of children's daily attendance are accurately maintained and ensure that information about who has legal contact with the child and who has parental responsibility for the child is obtained. 14/11/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has ensured all members of the household undergo vetting procedures to confirm they are suitable to have regular contact with children. The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children in her care. She closely supervises children at all times. However, she is less clear about how to fully implement the safeguarding policy and the procedure to follow if an allegation is made about herself or a member of the family. Potentially this compromises children's safety and welfare. Suitable procedures are in place to promote partnerships with parents. They receive written information about the setting, including relevant policies and procedures. Children’s individual needs are met and appropriate care is offered to each child.

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provision

The childminder has sufficient records, policies and procedures which mostly ensure the safe management of the setting. She has improved the procedures for essential records and documentation such as seeking written parental permissions. However, attendance records are not maintained effectively and children's records do not clearly show who has legal contact with the child and who has parental responsibility for the child. Positive steps are taken to ensure risks to children are minimised indoors and on outings. Children's awareness of keeping themselves safe is developed through discussions about road safety and fire evacuation procedures.

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of areas for improvement. She has started to complete the self-evaluation document and discusses practice with other childminders with regard to the Early Years Foundation Stage. Consequently, the systems in place for observing and assessing children are in the early stages. The childminder is keen to attend training to develop her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare and learning and development requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with satisfactory opportunities to help them make progress in their learning and development. The childminder endeavours to create a homely environment in which children can develop self-confidence and independence. The childminder has considered how to use the space and resources effectively to create a comfortable environment for children in which they can select resources and direct their own play. Regular visits to local playgroups provide children with opportunities to interact with others and develop social skills. The childminder has started to plan themes and activities to cover all areas of learning and is aware that activities undertaken at carer group can be used on her own observation profiles for children. Suitable planning and assessment systems are gradually being introduced to record children’s starting points and subsequent progress, although these systems are yet

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to be consolidated and evaluated to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered. Children become absorbed in their play as they take part in a variety of activities including, puzzles, books, dressing up and singing. Children enjoy making This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 up their own games and playing outdoors. A suitable range of toys are available for younger children such as musical toys and shape sorters.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Regular communication between the childminder and the parents ensures they are kept informed about their child's day and care routines. This is further supported by information being provided in a portfolio including guidance on how to make a complaint about the service. Children are developing a sense of awareness of other cultures, the local community and the wider world as they have access to resources that reflect positive images including books, dolls and puppets. Children are well behaved and play harmoniously together. They are encouraged to share and take turns which helps them develop an understanding of the needs of others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children experience the benefits of fresh air and exercise as they walk to local parks and groups. Children's health and well-being is sufficiently supported as the childminder maintains records relating to accidents and medication. Appropriate action is taken if a child becomes unwell and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children have healthy snacks and regular drinks are provided ensuring children have sufficient fluids throughout the day. 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

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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Inadequate

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Satisfactory How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Satisfactory How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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