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

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Unique reference number EY298013 Inspection date 05/11/2008 Inspector Linda Tomkins

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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 six and eight years in Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor and a first floor bedroom in the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the property is on ground floor level.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for five children in the early years age group on a part- time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-school groups. The family has a hamster.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides very effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She works closely with parents and has strong 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 well organised to enable inclusion in all activities for all children. The childminder is extending her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and meets most of the specific legal welfare requirements.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the daily record of attendance is up to date. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 complete an appropriate paediatric first aid course by 13/12/2008 (also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register). 13/12/2008

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provision

Children's care, safety and welfare are actively promoted because the childminder continues to update and extend her skills. She is experienced and holds a Level 3 qualification and attends training on the Early Years Foundation Stage. However the childminder is still to update her first aid certificate. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Records, policies and procedures that support the childminder to promote positive outcomes for children are generally well maintained. But, the record of daily attendance is not always accurate to show when children are present within the home. Parents regularly provide updated, detailed information on their children's needs to enable the childminder to provide care and learning that is tailored to each individual child. Planning is detailed and refers to the six areas of learning. The individual diaries recording the children's progress are freely available to

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provision

parents. There are written targets clearly showing the next steps for children's learning. Aspects of care and progress towards the early learning goals on children are shared verbally with parents together with information about activities children are engaged in each day. This contributes to parents becoming involved in their children's learning at home.

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provision

Children's welfare is nurtured within the home. The childminder protects children from harm or neglect as she has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse and a clear understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board's contact details, policies and procedures. Adults within the provision have undergone effective vetting procedures which ensure they are suitable to have regular contact children. Safety and fire detection equipment is fitted to both levels of the home and risk assessment records on all aspects of the premises and outings are detailed and ensure children are always safe.

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provision

The childminder has developed systems to monitor and evaluate the provision. For example, she has compiled an extensive self-evaluation form on her service which states procedures are under development and review. This is used to monitor continuous improvement. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their children's care as they are provided with examples and photographs of their children's work. Parents make written comments complimenting the high quality care their children receive.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's welfare, learning and development. Children are helped to learn how to keep themselves healthy because they have frequent opportunities for both physical and outdoor play activities. They routinely follow the good hygiene practices such as washing their hands before food and enjoying their nutritious healthy snacks and packed lunches. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they are taught road safety on walks and are helped to use equipment safely. Play spaces are well planned and arranged to enable children to choose and participate in a range of activities that meet their play and development needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's self-esteem and well-being are fostered as the childminder sees the children as individuals and ensures they have individual attention. She adapts her activities for learning and care to take account of children's starting points and likes and dislikes as discussed with their parents. 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 as they learn to share and play companionably together. Early numeric skills improve as they practise counting This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 numbered shapes and pictures on their cards. Children select and listen attentively to stories such as 'Jasper's beanstalk' which supports them to develop their early reading skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing an understanding of the wider world when celebrating St George's Day and colouring dragons for Chinese New Year. They discover the natural world when growing vegetables in the garden and allotment. Children visit local pre-school groups to interact with other children and develop their social skills. The childminder makes observations and assessments to show progress in the children's learning and progress. She 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

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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? 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 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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