Childminder in Walsall

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 255419 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Patricia Dawes

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 15 years in a house in Walsall. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the house is made available for childminding; access is gained via a flat drive and one step into the premises. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is currently minding five children on a part-time basis. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and is able to take and collect children from school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a recognised childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Well-developed knowledge of each child’s individual needs ensures that the childminder promotes all aspects of children’s welfare and learning with success. Children are safe and secure at all times and enjoy learning about their local area and the world around them. The partnership with parents, the local school and other agencies is a key strength and contributes significantly to ensuring that the needs of all children are met very well and they get any additional support they need. This means that children make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. Regular self-evaluation by the childminder ensures that any priorities for future development are promptly identified and acted on, resulting in a service that is responsive to the needs of all of its users.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the system for self-assessment to include strengths and weaknesses of the provision for children within the Early Years Foundation Stage  improve systems to actively encourage parents to be involved in their children’s learning and development.

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provision

All required documentation is kept on the premises and details required information regarding children's individual needs. Hence, the childminder is able to tailor her day to meet the needs of the children attending. The childminder follows all required policies and procedures and this in turn promotes the children's welfare in the setting. The childminder has compiled and reviews detailed risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments of her home, garden and taking children on outings. However, these do not always ensure any potential hazards to children are minimised, and help to promote their safety whilst in her care. The environment is well organised and children are able to access resources freely. Children’s behaviour is well managed because the childminder involves them in drawing up their own rules of acceptable behaviour, which they regulate.

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provision

The childminder attends regular training and this enables her to effectively implement new ideas into her practice. For example, conducting observations, making assessments and planning for their next steps in their learning are well documented. Although the childminder demonstrates the capacity to make improvements, the system for self-assessment used to include strengths and weaknesses of the provision for children within the Early Years Foundation Stage is not fully developed to assess the impact outcomes for children. Children's individual needs are well met as the childminder has regular exchanges of information with parents regarding their routines. They also discuss children's achievements and parents receive daily diaries and examples of their work. Information shared with parents regarding children’s progress has yet to be formalised to encourage parents to support their child's development at home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They demonstrate a secure relationship with the childminder, as they readily interact and engage in play together. Children have access to a good balance of adult-led and child- initiated activities that cover all of the six areas of learning. Children confidently choose the toys they wish to play with as the childminder interacts at their level to support them during their play. Their learning is further supported as she encourages them to find out about the world around them. For example, growing sunflowers and cucumbers in the garden in summertime, or playing out in the snow during the winter. The childminder further extends their learning by offering opportunities to discuss and produce some interesting art-work which is displayed or shared with parents. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement telling them how clever they are when matching animals to their homes. Children's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

interests are utilised well to support their development and this helps them make good progress and develop positive attitudes towards their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in welcoming premises and are able to independently access a range of good quality toys and equipment. This helps them make good progress in their communication, language and literacy and numeracy, for example, sorting the washing, pairing socks and finding the right size clothes for the dolls. Children have regular access to a wide selection of books; they visit the library for story sessions which supports them to develop their early reading skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn how to keep themselves safe when out and know why there are certain rules to abide by. Children's exposure to illness and cross-infection is minimised through sharing the formal sickness policy and the implementing of excellent hygienic routines in the provision, such as hand washing and cleaning teeth after food. Children’s knowledge and understanding of healthy living is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promoted well as they are encouraged to make their own ‘traffic light’ sandwiches, and try different fresh fruits from other countries. They enjoy daily walks to and from school to ensure they have plenty of access to fresh air and exercise. 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? 2 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? 1

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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?

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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

Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints have been made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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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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