Winters Sandra

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 504717 Inspection date 03/06/2009 Inspector Angela Dyer

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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 has been registered since 1993 and lives with her adult daughter and two grandchildren, aged six and seven years, in Kings Norton, Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder also provides overnight care where children have access to the upstairs bathroom and two children's bedrooms.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder works alongside her daughter who is a registered childminder and a maximum of eight children may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently five children attending who are within the early years age range and seven children attending aged between five years and ten years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for a maximum of three children and has five children on roll who attend overnight aged between two years and 11 years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has suitable procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. The premises are accessible via the front entrance which has a low step.

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Description of the childminding

The family has a dog, two cats and three guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and provides care as part of the neighbourhood care scheme. The childminder has a recognised early years and play work qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children have a wonderful time at the childminders and benefit from her caring and friendly attitude. A welcoming and inclusive environment is provided where children are supported in making good progress in their learning and development. Most required documentation, including written policies and procedures, are in place and maintained to a high standard. Close partnerships have been formed with parents and the childminder demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving her service for young children and their families.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop current risk assessments to ensure that they clearly state when they were carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder and her co-minder work together successfully, sharing their responsibilities whilst offering each other support. The childminder demonstrates a professional approach to her role and has completed a recognised childcare and play work qualification. She shows a clear commitment to improving her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues and has accessed additional training in relation to first aid, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and disability awareness. The childminder has a clear vision for future practice and involves both her co-minder, children and parents in monitoring and evaluating the service to identify strengths and areas for development. Since the last inspection, the childminder has addressed the recommendations issued and as a result, safety in the garden has improved and evidence of public liability insurance is in place.

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provision

The childminder has a professional knowledge of safeguarding procedures and takes a lead role in working with other professionals. She demonstrates a clear understanding of the referral process and the actions she would take if she were concerned about a child's safety. She carries out and records daily safety checks of the environment and understands the importance of assessing potential risks before going on any outings. However, whilst the written risk assessments for outings are detailed and thorough the safety checks for the home environment lack sufficient detail. The childminder's home and garden have been transformed into a child-friendly and stimulating learning environment where children have access to a wide range of play resources.

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provision

The childminder offers a fully inclusive service and welcomes all children and families into her home. In order to understand and meet children's individual needs, the childminder works closely with parents and, where appropriate, other professionals. The childminder chats to parents on a daily basis about what their children have been doing and provides a daily diary system at parents' request. Parents are also kept up-to-date with their children's progress through having access to their observation records and learning journals. The childminder has a detailed knowledge of the local community and offers families support through signposting them to different services within the local area.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care, moving freely between the indoor and outdoor space to access resources and activities of their choice. Children's efforts and achievements are praised and valued by the childminder who has a calm, friendly and gentle manner. Encouragement and praise is given consistently throughout the day and children's artwork and photographs are proudly displayed on the walls of the childminders home, which in turn develops their confidence and self-esteem. There is a commitment from the childminder to ensure all children are included and she takes pride in seeing them develop to their full potential.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a detailed knowledge of the children in her care and uses the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 information gained through informal observations to plan for their next steps in learning. Children have individual learning journals, which have been created by the childminder's co-minder, which document their good progress through the use of photographs and observations. Children enjoy participating in a wide range of fun and practical activities, both indoors and outdoors. Every inch of the childminder's garden has been transformed to create areas where children can explore and have fun, for example, children are able to bang on the metal pots and pans hung on string, plant seeds in the planting area or hunt for bugs under the old tree stump. The childminder also regularly attends local toddler groups where children have opportunities to socialise with other children and adults.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are protected from infection through the implementation of effective hygiene procedures, including the use of individual hand cloths and children being encouraged to brush their teeth after meals. Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks, which are detailed in the weekly menu displayed for parents information. The childminder's recognition of the importance of physical activity contributes to children's good health and daily opportunities are in place for them to enjoy fresh air and exercise. The childminder is first aid trained and has a clear understanding of the procedures to take if a child were to have an accident. Children are also encouraged to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they learn safety rules, including the fire evacuation procedure. 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? 2 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? 2

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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?

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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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