Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

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 EY302630 Inspection date 11/09/2008 Inspector Valerie Thomas

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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 2005 and lives in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent. She is registered to care for one child on the Early Years Register. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare register to provide care for two children in the later years age group and on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register for children over eight years. Currently the childminder is caring for one child within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and two children over eight years. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor which is accessed by stairs are used for childminding. Access to the home is via a driveway with steps leading up to the main entrance. Children have access to an outdoor play area. The setting operates each weekday throughout the year. The childminder has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of a childminding network and has a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childcare and Development.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children’s individual needs are met well with much emphasis placed on valuing the uniqueness of each child by the childminder. The positive relationships built with parents are a key strength and the exchange of information helps to promote children's learning well. The resources are well-organised to give good accessibility, enabling children to make choices and ensuring no-one is disadvantaged. There are reasonable methods for self-evaluation and the childminder shows a good commitment to improving her practices. However, some areas of children's health and safety are not always effectively promoted.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve arrangements to ensure that any animals on the premises do not pose a health risk to children  improve resources and experiences to help children respect and value diversity.

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further?

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 13/12/2008  conduct a risk assessment and take reasonable steps to ensure that hazards in the outside area are minimised and that the premises are secure at all times 09/10/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

There are detailed policies and procedures which are actively shared with parents. Clear settling-in procedures ensure all children are happy and settled in the setting. The childminder fully discusses children's individual needs with parents enabling her to plan activities according to the child's interests such as water play and the introduction of sounds and letters. Observations and ongoing daily discussions with parents are used to identify learning targets to help children make good progress in their learning and development.

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provision

In order to self-evaluate the childminder works closely with another childminder to share and discuss practices and also uses the knowledge gained from the National Vocational Qualification recently completed to review her practices. As a result, the childminder has a very good knowledge of child development and therefore is able to extend children's learning well. Improvements made since the last inspection include children using individual towels to dry their hands to promote their good health.

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provision

Positive commitment is shown by the childminder to further develop her knowledge through attending various training courses which leads to better outcomes for children. For example, following training the childminder provides a wider range of activities to develop children's sensory play such as gloop and baking. However, the childminder does not have a current first aid certificate to fully promote children's heath although, appropriate training is planned for December 2008.

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provision

The childminder's effective knowledge of safeguarding procedures helps to protect children from harm and neglect and she clearly understands her role in reporting any concerns. Most records are maintained in line with requirements although there is no risk assessment in place. The childminder is aware of the hazards in the outside area, such as very uneven concrete and has plans to make it safe. The equipment and toys are suitable and safe for children to use and there is good space for them to play comfortably. Good supervision by the childminder ensures children are safe although insufficient attention is given to making sure the premises are secure at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are constantly learning and developing in the welcoming environment. There is a strong emphasis on all children developing amiable relationships with each other and good explanation by the childminder develops their sharing skills. Praise is used very well and as a result children are confident and develop good levels of self-esteem. The childminder is caring and offers positive interaction at all times, giving cuddles if children become upset.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Planning for learning and development is effective and ensures that activities are enjoyable for everyone and cover all areas of learning. The varied range of resources are organised effectively in low storage boxes to enable children to make This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 decisions and develop their independence as they help to tidy the cars away. Through the childminder's engagement in activities children develop positive attitudes to learning. They are keen to sit on the childminder's knee to listen to a story and thoroughly enjoy pulling the flaps to see the pictures. This helps to develop children's language well and the childminder extends this to introduce counting skills as they count how many birds there are. Good opportunities for children to express their ideas through painting and making marks with crayons take place and they enjoy listening to music developing their physical skills as they learn

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Much emphasis is placed on helping to develop children's awareness of keeping safe. Monthly fire drills are completed and there are clear procedures for outings such as holding hands and walking safely. Children learn that they should not touch the cooker and that they must not throw toys. Clear routines implemented for hand washing before snacks and meals and after touching the dog help children to be healthy. However, the arrangements for ensuring the dog does not pose a health risk are not fully effective. Children can access the dog's feeding bowls and children's drinking cups are sometimes left on the floor in the lounge which the dog occasionally has access to. Other aspects of children's health are successfully met. Children are able to make healthy choices from the varied and nutritional diet provided, thoroughly enjoying the strawberries and grapes at snack time. Daily opportunities for outside play and visits to the local park and toddler group help

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children to develop their physical skills and develops their understanding of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in developing skills for the future. They are in the early stages of developing their understanding of technology as they explore electronic toys and play with old telephones. Children are encouraged to respect each other and clear boundaries set by the childminder help them to value each other's needs. However, there are limited opportunities for them to develop their understanding of diversity of others in the wider world. 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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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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? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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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? Good 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? Good

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 complete an appropriate first aid qualification 13/12/2008  undertake a risk assessment of the premises and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise the identified risks in the outdoor area and security of the premises 09/10/2008

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 complete an appropriate first aid qualification 13/12/2008  undertake a risk assessment of the premises and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise the identified risks in the outdoor area and security of the premises 09/10/2008 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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