Warner, Penelope

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 EY293371 Inspection date 23/01/2009 Inspector Ann Winifred Harrison

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 2004. She lives and works with her husband, who is also a registered childminder and their two children aged 10 and 14 in Lichfield. Local shops and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor, along with the first floor bathroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. Although, the premises are easily accessible, they may not be suitable for children with mobility issues as the toilet is located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder currently has six children on roll who attend on a part-time basis. All of the children are under five years. She drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends local community facilities. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network. She has a level three qualification in Early Years.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children benefit from the exciting range of activities and play opportunities provided by the childminder. She works closely with her husband and together they offer a warm and relaxed environment where children are happy and settled. Effective observation and assessment ensures that children's individual needs are met and their welfare and learning are promoted well. Positive partnerships have been established with parents and other early year’s providers; this is instrumental in providing an inclusive environment. The childminder shows a strong commitment to improving her practice through on- going training and development.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further the system for self evaluation to identify the settings strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children  obtain information about who has legal contact with the child and who has paretnal responsibilty for the child.

p.3

provision

The childminder provides a warm, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families. She is committed to meeting their individual needs through working closely with parents and including children in all activities and events. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder provides an excellent range of resources and activities that interest children and meet their individual needs. The childminder provides very good information to parents, they have copies of policies and procedures and each child has development files to show their achievements which are shared with parents. All parents are included in their children's care and the childminder feels it is important to work in partnership with parents and other agencies to promote good outcomes for children.

p.3

provision

The childminder manages her provision well. She organises the space so children benefit from moving around freely and following their own interests. Children enjoy their play in a safe secure environment. Risk assessments of the house have been carried out and all necessary steps have been taken to minimise risks to children. Safety on outings is considered and risk assessments for each outing are completed to ensure children are kept safe. The childminder has attended child protection training and is clear on possible signs of abuse and who to contact if she has concerns. She ensures anyone who has access to the children are suitable to do so, this ensures that children are safeguarded.

p.4

provision

Children's care and welfare are promoted well because the childminder continues to update and extend her knowledge. She actively attends a broad range of training on key issues such as; safeguarding children, outdoor play and art and craft. She uses the knowledge gained from such courses to enrich children's experiences. The overwhelming majority of documents are very well maintained, however, she does not obtain information on who has parental responsibility for the children which means records are not complete. The childminder is beginning to evaluate her provision, although, there is not a robust system in place to identify strengths and weaknesses and areas for development to ensure continuous development.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides exciting play and learning experiences. For example, children learn about Inuit's and life in the artic circle as they play in an igloo. The childminder provides foil and bubble wrap to represent the crackling of ice and large foam blocks to represent the ice blocks. Children pretend that shaving foam is snow and feel ice cold waters as they explore their senses. They practice their mark making in the shaving foam and sound out letters as they write. Activities are very well planned and are used to support children in their development and overall learning. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and uses her knowledge to ensure that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities. The childminder uses formative observation and assessment sheets to monitor and record children's progress and identify next steps for their learning. She plans and adapts activities according to

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

children's individual needs so that each child reaches their full potential.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to use mathematical language as they compare and count dinosaurs with the childminder. Their problem solving and reasoning skills are being developed through good access to puzzles, shape sorters and acting out number rhymes such as five currant buns. They learn to weigh and measure as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they bake cakes and biscuits. Children’s physical development is enhanced as they go on regular outings to Cannock Chase and to parks where they can run, climb on suitable play equipment and play ball games. They learn about their senses as they play in the sensory area in the garden and go on a visit to the opticians. The childminder provides healthy meals and snacks that help to promote a healthy life style. She has clear procedures in place to protect children from cross infection, which are shared with parents.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are becoming independent and feed themselves at meal times. They concentrate well as they attempt to put on their own shoes. Children show a great interest in books and listen intently to stories told by the childminder. They go on regular trips to a number of different groups, such as a story and drama group where they act out stories and also socialise with their peers. The childminder uses books and discussions to help children learn about different cultures and beliefs and children have access to a variety of play materials that reflect positive images. The childminder’s home is organised well, creating a child friendly environment which enables children to explore their own interests. The childminder creates a safe environment in which children can play and helps them understand how to take care of themselves. They learn road safety skills when out walking, stopping to look and listen for traffic before crossing the road.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

p.6

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? 2

p.6

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?

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 that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register 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