Childminder in Staffordshire

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

p.1

Unique reference number 209357 Inspection date 03/11/2008 Inspector Linda Tomkins

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 15 years in Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the property is on ground floor level.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children in the early years age range on a full- time and part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools and attends local pre-school groups. The family has a cat, goldfish and stick insects.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides highly effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She liaises extensively with parents and has considerable links with other providers to ensure all children's specific needs are met. Children are settled, relaxed and respected as individuals by the childminder and her family. The provision is systematically organised to enable inclusion in all activities for all children. The childminder has enthusiastically developed her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and meets all of the specific legal welfare requirements. The activities are inspiring, dynamic and well planned.

p.3

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.3

further?

 increase knowledge and understanding of available support and working with other professionals to ensure inclusion of all children.

p.3

provision

Children's care, safety and welfare are actively promoted because the childminder consistently updates and extends her skills. She has attained an early years Level 3 qualification by undertaking a competency based assessment and currently attends workshops on The Early Years Foundation Stage and various training courses organised by the local authority.

p.3

provision

Records, policies and procedures that support the childminder to promote positive outcomes for children are meticulously maintained. Parents regularly provide updated, detailed information on their children's needs to enable the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to plan and provide care and learning that is tailored to each individual child. The individual record books on the children are professionally planned and developed and freely available to parents. Aspects of care and daily progress towards the early learning goals are shared with parents in detailed daily diaries together with written information about the activities children are engaged in each day. In addition, parents receive regular newsletters and graded feedback forms. This contributes to parents becoming involved in their children's learning at home.

p.3

provision

Children's welfare is nurtured extensively within the home. The childminder protects children from harm or neglect as she has a substantial understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures and signs and symptoms of abuse. Adults within the provision have undergone the effective vetting procedures which ensures they are suitable to have regular contact with the children and further promote their safety. Safety and fire detection equipment is fitted to both levels of the premises. Risk assessment records are effective and comprehensive and ensure that all children are safe both inside and outside the home.

p.4

provision

The childminder has developed detailed systems to monitor and evaluate the provision and she frequently discusses with parents and records where improvements are necessary. For example, she has compiled an extensive self- evaluation form on her service which states all procedures are under continual review and how information is shared with other providers. This is used to monitor continuous improvement and informs future plans. The childminder continues to extend her knowledge of support from the local authority to enable inclusion for all children. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their children's care as they are provided examples and photographs of their children's work. Parents comment on the provision, and these comments show how parents value the high standard of care and learning given to their children.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is highly active in promoting children's welfare, learning and development. Children are helped to learn how to keep themselves healthy because they have frequent opportunity for both physical and outdoor play activities. They routinely follow the good hygiene practices such as being helped to wash their hands before food and enjoy their nutritious healthy snacks and packed lunches. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they are taught road safety on daily walks and take part in regular evacuation drills. Play spaces are well planned and arranged to enable children to choose and participate in a wide range of stimulating activities that meet their play and development needs. For example, planting seeds and growing cabbages in pots.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's self-esteem and well-being is gently fostered as the childminder sees the children as individuals and ensures each child has individual attention. She adapts her plans for learning and care to take account of children's starting points and likes and dislikes as discussed with their parents and other providers. Children are able to independently access a versatile range of toys and equipment to help them make good progress in their personal, social and communication development. They observe their peers and learn to share and play companionably together. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Early numeric skills improve as they count how many dolls are in the picture and learn to share 'half each'. Children listen attentively and enjoy interacting to stories such as 'My granny went to market' and enjoy short periods of children's television which supports them to develop their early reading skills.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children celebrate a range of their own and other cultures festivals to further promote their understanding of the wider world. They discover the natural world on frequent walks, playing in the garden and kicking-up the Autumn leaves. Children visit the local playgroup and library to interact with other children and develop their social skills. The childminder has comprehensive plans of activities and makes detailed observations and assessments to clearly show the next steps for children's learning and evaluate her own practice and the children's progress. The childminder regularly praises and congratulates the children on their progress and achievements to develop their confidence and self-esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 1

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.8

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.

p.8