Childminder in Warwickshire

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 EY366016 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Sarah Measures

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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 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 11 years in the town of Daventry, Northamptonshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home and the upstairs bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The premises is accessible via three steps to the front door. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time on the Early Years Register. She may also care for older children on the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder has links with the local childminding, pre- school groups and schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the Local Authority. The family has a pet Labrador.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the effectiveness of the provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into this warm and friendly setting and are valued as individuals. They enjoy a varied range of suitable learning experiences in and out of the home. The provision for continuous improvement has the potential to be improved with a more effective system of self-reflection and the childminder was found to be in breach of a condition of her registration during the inspection. However, the childminder generally has a committed and positive attitude towards improvement and seeks support and advice from the Local Authority to help her to develop the provision for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 deveop methods of self-reflection in order to further plan and organise systems to ensure every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that is tailored to meet their individual needs  develop further the systems for observing and assessing the children, for example by sharing comprehesive records of children's progress towards the early learning goals with other settings.

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provision

Policies and procedures generally promote children's welfare and the learning and development. However, the childminder regularly uses her upstairs bedroom and she is not registered to use this part of the premises. As this is a breach of her condition of registration the childminder was issued with a caution for this offence, although, Ofsted does not intent to prosecute on this occasion. The childminder has started to reflect upon the provision herself, although, her current systems lack detail and evaluation. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has good relationships with parents, who clearly value the care and education that their children receive. Very effective communications take place between the childminder and parents through the use of a 'home diary'. This helps the childminder to get to know children as individuals, although, she has yet to

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provision

establish effective links with other settings in order to share children's progress and to plan consistently for their overall development. Clear policy information is available to parents in order promote continuity of children's care.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues. She displays relevant child protection and referral information so that parents are aware of her responsibilities. She provides parents with relevant information as to how to make a complaint to Ofsted in order to offer a safe and transparent service for children. Suitable systems are in place to ensure children are safely collected by the appropriate persons.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled and at home in the setting. They have close relationships with the childminder who is attentive to their needs and takes care to ensure they are all valued and included within activities and routines. For example, all children including the babies enjoy painting activities at the table and all children enjoy sharing songs, books and stories with the childminder. The childminder records children's achievements to share with parents in the 'home diary' and she is carries out some observations that she uses to demonstrate children's progress under the development areas. She does not make full use of the practice guidance in order make her observations fully effective and to plan comprehensively for children's overall progress towards the early learning goals. Children are confident and sociable and show pride in their achievements. The childminder makes good use of praise and encouragement to develop children's confidence and self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children stay healthy because they enjoy regular opportunities to be outside. For example, they take the childminder's dog for a walk daily, they use the childminder's garden and visit local parks. Children learn to share and co-operate because the childminder presents them with an appropriate role model and helps them to take turns and consider others. Children are well-behaved because they are suitably occupied and feel secure.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder carries out routine checks in order to ensure the premises is safe for children. Children use good quality toys and equipment. Toys, books and games are easily accessible to children in order for them to feel welcome and to promote their choice and independence. Suitable systems are in place to keep records on the children that are used to promote their health and safety. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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

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