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

p.1

Unique reference number EY371445 Inspection date 02/12/2008 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 2008. She lives in Walsall with her husband and three children aged five, eight and 13 years. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom and toilet are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Although the premises is easily accessible, they may not be suitable for children with mobility issues as the toilet is located on the first floor. The childminder has systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder currently has three children under five years on roll, and three children over five years who attend on a part-time basis. She drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends local community facilities. She is supported by the local authority.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Each child’s individual development is supported well through all experiences in the setting, consequently, children are happy and are making good progress in all areas of learning. The childminder works very closely with parents to help settle new children and ensure their unique care needs are promoted effectively. The home is well organised and provides a stimulating and welcoming environment for all children with good space both indoors and outdoors. The childminder is beginning to evaluate the provision and shows a strong commitment to improving her practice, although links with other providers are not yet established. She is fast developing her understanding of her role within the delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage and meets all the welfare requirements.

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 setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children  develop a system to work in partnership with professionals from other agencies, to ensure that coherence of learning and development is consistent across different settings.

p.3

provision

The effective maintenance of records, policies and procedures implemented ensures positive outcomes for all children. Records such as medication and accident details and the implementation of written agreements with parents ensure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they are fully informed of the service provided. Parents provide detailed information on their child's individual routine and current stage of development which enables the childminder to meet all children's needs successfully. Written observations and daily verbal feedback on the child's day are actively shared with parents. In addition, the childminder provides photographs and has regular discussions with parents to identify individual learning and development targets. This contributes to parents becoming involved in their children's learning at home. Parents are encouraged to comment on the provision and share information from

p.3

provision

home on the review form that they are asked to complete. However, there is no system in place to develop links with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This has the potential to hinder children's overall progress through the learning framework.

p.4

provision

Children's welfare is promoted well within the home. The childminder has developed her knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures and has a detailed policy including relevant contact details. This helps to protect children from harm and neglect. All areas within the home are safe and all equipment and toys are suitable and safe for all children to use. There are detailed risk assessments in place for all areas children may come into contact with and on any outings undertaken. This is further supported by the childminder visiting any venue to check the suitability for the age and stage of the children. This ensures the ongoing safety of children.

p.4

provision

The childminder is proactive in accessing training to help her to continually improve her knowledge and skills. For example, she has completed training in first aid, inclusion and food hygiene. She has also attended training on the EYFS and has developed her practice to include observation and assessment to ensure that children are given good opportunities to develop and make progress. The childminder has thought about how she may improve the premises to provide more play space for children's play, and she meets and compares good practices with other childminders. However, she does not yet have a system for identifying her own strengths and weaknesses in her practice to ensure continuous improvement.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with a range of diverse opportunities to help them make good progress across all areas of learning and development. The childminder has started to complete sensitive written observational assessments and to plan for children's next steps in learning. The planning is flexible and responds to the children’s interests and needs. She ensures that older children who come for short periods after school are able to complete activities if they wish the following day to ensure their individual needs are considered.

p.4

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; as a result, children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder talks to them throughout their play, so helping to create a learning environment which values communication. Young children sit in high chairs for their meals and the childminder encourages their independence This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 by letting them feed themselves and talks to them to expand their language skills. Babies explore their environment crawling from one area to another and the childminder ensures their safety as she puts cushions around the floor and uses safety gates to restrict access to other areas. They enjoy playing with musical toys and moving to music. Older children play imaginatively and cooperatively, for example, they create shops and a take-away restaurant and use money to develop

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

their numerical skills and problem solving. They practise their writing skills as they write labels for the restaurant and make up menus. This makes learning fun. They enjoy craft activities such as making Christmas cards and stick puppets. Outdoor play and outings are central to the children's days. Younger children go to toddler groups where they learn to socialise, explore a different environment and enjoy singing and craft activities. They go on walks and trips to the local library where they choose books to take home. Children begin to learn about the wider world as they talk about the Olympics and the Paralympics and look at life in China. They learn about other countries such as Australia through general conversations and discuss where children have been on holiday.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop high levels of independence and respect for others as they develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. They learn how to safeguard their own welfare and the well-being of others, for example, the older children help with the younger ones and they know they must stay close to the childminder when on outings. Children learn about healthy living. They walk to school each day, wash their hands after toileting and adopt a positive attitude towards food as they sit down to enjoy sociable healthy meals with their friends. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

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? 2 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 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

Since registration 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.

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