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 EY304288 Inspection date 23/10/2008 Inspector Hayley Lapworth

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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. She lives with her husband and two young children in Boughton Vale, to the north of the town of Rugby, Warwickshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with the small bedroom on the first floor available for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years and is currently caring for three children under eight years. The childminder is registered under the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's learning, development and welfare is superbly promoted by the childminder. She has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and works very closely with children's parents. She ensures that her practice is fully inclusive and each child's individual needs are met. She builds relationships with other providers and finds out as much as she can about the children prior to starting placement with her. Children are very well cared for and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. They take part in an exciting and purposeful range of high quality activities that support their learning and development extremely well. The childminder constantly assesses the provision and consults with parents to ensure a continuing commitment to improvement. She attends many training courses which enhance her high quality practice.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 make sure that storage of games does not pose a potential hazard to children.

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provision

The children benefit from the childminder's strong commitment to training which allows her to constantly improve the already high quality care provided. She is in the process of completing an NVQ Level 3 and in addition regularly attends short training courses and workshops allowing her to build upon a wealth of knowledge and expertise. The 'Birth to three' framework was successfully introduced and she has embraced the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage with enthusiasm. This has enabled the childminder to build on the extensive range of activities and opportunities that the children enjoy and has given her more This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 direction in getting parents on board and involved in their children's learning and development. She is proactive in the sense that she makes suggestions to her local Children's Centre and helps organise workshops for adults and children, such as a

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provision

'Beep Beep' road safety day. She has also formed working relationships with providers of other settings that children in her care may attend, for example, the local pre-school.

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provision

The childminder is extremely conscientious and highly skilled in identifying her own strengths and weaknesses. In addition to this she identifies ways to overcome difficulties and prioritises improvements to meet the needs of children and their families. This is best demonstrated by the way she been researching Makaton and has discovered a course which she feels will help in her communication with young babies and children with learning difficulties.

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provision

Partnerships with parents and carers are exemplary and are strongly valued by the childminder. They are kept constantly informed about their child's day through informal discussions and records relating to their children's individual learning and care. Photographs are sent electronically to parents so that they can share their children's experiences whilst in the care of the childminder. She has introduced a number of effective methods to engage parents in their children's learning. For example, providing them with a record sheet to take on holiday to record their child's interests and experiences. On their return to her care this information is incorporated into her planning to extend the children's learning.

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provision

Children's welfare is positively safeguarded as the childminder works very hard in almost all areas to ensure that her home is well maintained, safe and secure. However, in one area a few games are not safely stored, potentially posing a hazard to children. Robust risk assessments are carried out regularly and the childminder organises her time very well to provide children with a high level of support and supervision. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection issues and procedures to follow in the event of a concern. She has a clear and detailed safeguarding policy which is in line with local guidance.

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provision

The childminder has developed a comprehensive range of policies and procedures which reflect the high quality care provided. These are shared with parents so they have a clear understanding of the expectations of children, parents and the minder. The childminder is extremely well organised and maintains the required documentation to a very high standard.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make extremely good progress towards the early learning goals and in all areas of their development. They are provided with extensive opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities both in and out of the home. Flexible planning is in place which considers the children's individual interests and experiences. Activities are strongly led by children's choices and their play is observed by the childminder. She assesses their learning and identifies areas of strength and those that require more support. This information is then used effectively to inform her planning showing children's 'next steps'. In addition this information is then shared with the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's parents providing them with a continual up-to-date overview of their child's stage of development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The home is very well organised to allow children to move freely between their chosen activities. Consequently this encourages them to make choices about their own play and promotes their independence. Areas are separated for free play, eating, arts and crafts, messy play and quiet activities such as story time. This allows the childminder to set up several activities at any one time. Equipment is of a high quality and is extended to include a variety of languages and positive images of diversity. For example, some of the books and jigsaws are bilingual and many resources support children's understanding of religion, culture and the needs of others around them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and are encouraged to have fun. They have plenty of opportunities to socialise with other children of a similar age as they access regular groups in the local area. They are well supervised by the childminder at all times whilst exploring different environments and activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have excellent opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. This is achieved because the childminder plans activities in the local community, makes great use of the local Children's Centre and regularly visits the library. She also takes them on walks looking at their environment and talks to them about the changes of the seasons. A recent activity included collecting as many different leaves as possible in all shapes and colours, then taking them home and trying to identify the name of the tree it had fallen from. The leaves were then used to create an 'autumn picture' which is prominently displayed for all to see. Children also instigated their own learning outdoors in the garden where they created a 'slug hospital'. They shared their understanding of the slugs' needs, in terms of their habitat and food they might like to eat. Activities like these provide children with the opportunity to learn about

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the world around them, enjoy nature as well as enjoying some fresh air and exercise. The childminder is enthusiastic about providing interesting and exciting activities allowing children to develop habits as independent and inquisitive learners.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Regular events such as practising the fire drill and talking to the children about safety encourages the children to learn how to keep themselves safe. Risk assessments devised by the childminder include conversations she has with the older children about not allowing young children to access small parts as this may cause choking. This encourages older children to be aware of the safety of their younger peers. Excellent strategies for supporting positive behaviour are in place. The childminder takes every opportunity to praise and reward children for good behaviour. For example, she uses charts to show children and their parents when they have eaten their 'five a day'. Children's good health is promoted as stringent procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection. They develop good hygiene habits whilst learning about 'germs' as they wash their hands prior to mealtimes and after using the toilet.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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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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