Healey Sarah

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 EY299063 Inspection date 07/01/2009 Inspector Ann Doreen Burford

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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 and two children aged four and eight in Redditch. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Toilet facilities are on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Access is via a step to the front door and a step to the back door. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family have a pet cat and a fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for five children at any one time. There are currently four children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to nine years. She holds a Level two childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children have a wonderful time, full of adventure and fun. Children feel at home in the relaxed atmosphere of the childminder's home and have a close relationship with her. Her practice is fully inclusive because she discusses with parents children's individual likes and dislikes and uses this information when planning her provision. She reflects on her level of service and how improvements can be made. The system to evaluate her strengths and weaknesses is still under development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the quality and improvement processes to monitor and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the provision.

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provision

Children benefit from the experience and enthusiasm of the childminder. The childminder accesses ongoing relevant information and training sessions to keep her knowledge up to date and effective. She has made many improvements to her provision since moving house. There is a wonderful play room with a wealth of resources, many of them easily accessed by the children. The childminder has used a basic system to evaluate the outcomes for children and is updating this system as it still in its infancy the childminder has not yet identified current strengths and weaknesses in meeting the EYFS requirements as she wishes to access training first.

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provision

There are many effective safeguarding strategies in place. The childminder has the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance to use as a reference and has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attended relevant training. Strategies are effective in ensuring adults coming into contact with the children are suitable to do so. She understands her role in promoting children's understanding of keeping themselves safe as well as protecting them.

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provision

The childminder regularly discusses children's progress and development with parents when they collect their children. In addition, each child has a daily diary where observations and photographs are recorded as part of the ongoing planning strategy which parents are welcome to see. Parents find their child's diary invaluable at keeping them very well informed about their child's personal care. The child's home routine is explored with each parent and embraced within the childminding day. Parents are extremely impressed by the nurturing ability of the childminder and how flexible she is in meeting their needs and the excellent support she offers. The childminder has effective strategies in place so she can liaise with other providers delivering the EYFS for a child to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care is delivered. Although, not all settings take advantage of her organisational skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children participate in an excellent range of activities covering all the areas of learning. The childminder discusses in detail with parents children's individual needs, their starting point, capabilities and interests. This is used very effectively when deciding on activities that promote children's enjoyment and achievement. Her detailed knowledge and ability to meet the individual needs of each child is a particular strength. Children are very confident, self-assured and always show excitement and real pleasure as they play and develop a love of learning. The childminder is beginning to use phonics to help children identify the sound of letters, she is using the same system as the local pre-schools and schools. This is good partnership working to help support children's learning and future well being.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are active learners who enjoy an exciting wide range of activities which promotes their creativity and critical thinking. Time is made for an adult-led activity where children are given ample time to develop new skills or just enjoy practising existing ones. Most activities are inspired by children's ideas and preferences. For example, when children decide to play with the puppets they have a lovely choice of different animals and characters and use of a theatre. The childminder sits back and enjoys the performance as children develop their own ideas, voices and storyline. A wonderful interaction that supports children's confidence and emotional development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children use a range of resources that promote positive images and learn about other cultures through their play. Children behave well much of the time, responding well to the childminder who is a positive role model. They are sensitively but firmly supported in how to deal with their own emotions to help them develop their social skills and make friends. Children are aware of the boundaries and usually respond well to the clear expectations for good behaviour.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Healthy lifestyles for children are promoted by encouraging participation in outdoor This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities. They access the back garden for play every day. They have suitable outdoor clothing available so they can access fresh air and exercise unless the weather is unsafe to do so. Spontaneous opportunities are taken advantage of, such as, encouraging children to experiment with snow which triggers lovely conversations about the weather and basic science as they watch it melt. Parents provide packed lunches for children and there are efficient procedures in place to ensure food is stored safely. Information on healthy contents for lunches is provided by the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a safe environment and are helped to identify how to play safe and be considerate to others. For example, they discuss the need for safety when playing in the snow and be aware of ice. All the required safety equipment is in place to provide safe play areas both indoors and outdoors. Accident and medication records are well organised and shared with parents to ensure they are informed about their child. Confidentiality is maintained. The childminder ensures she has a current first aid certificate. These strategies mean all reasonable steps are taken to protect children in the event of an accident or should they become unwell. 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

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

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 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?

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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 registration.

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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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