Childminder in Shropshire

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 EY367937 Inspection date 04/03/2009 Inspector Janette Elizabeth Owen

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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 2008. She works from the home of another registered childminder in Plox Green, Shropshire. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed area for outside play. There is a pet dog and cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder works with two other registered childminders. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, when working alone of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is registered to care for a maximum of eight children under eight years of whom no more than six may be in the early years age group when working with another registered childminder. There are currently 15 minded children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and pre-schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Shropshire Childminding Network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder knows each child individually, parents and carers are encouraged to share what they know about their child, so that a consistent approach to care is provided. Partnerships with parents and other agencies are generally good, ensuring that most children’s learning and welfare needs are met. Most arrangements to promote children's welfare and are implemented effectively, with high regard given to promoting children's good health. The childminder's practice is good with a regard to all aspects of the provision being inclusive. A balance of free play and adult-directed activities, both indoors and outside, enables children to make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has carried out an effective self- evaluation of the provision, resulting in identified steps to be taken to improve outcomes for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to regularly share children's development and learning records and any other relevant information with practitioners from each setting a child attends.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that the premises and equipment is organised 04/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 in a way that meets the needs of children, this specifically refers to space requirements (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)

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provision

The welfare, care and safety of children are promoted well. The childminder continues to update her knowledge and skills through training and has recently completed a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childcare Learning and Development. Children benefit from the ongoing training. For example, teaching methods learnt through Letters and Sounds training are used to support children's language development.

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provision

Documents required for the safe and effective management of the provision are well maintained. Children's records, contracts and parental consents provide the childminder with sufficient information to ensure children's individual needs are met. Written policies and procedures are available to support the good work of practices used and provide information to parents. There is a good two-way flow of information between parents and the childminders both verbally and written. Parents are kept well informed of what their child has been doing and any routine information using a daily diary. They are able to use the diary to record any comments they may have and to use the information on the activities to further support their child's learning with activities at home.

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provision

Activities are planned around children's interests and developmental needs as identified through observations and communication with parents. This enables the childminder to provide a balance of free play and adult directed activities both indoors and outside. The activities are used to engage the children's interests and enable them to acquire new skills and understanding. The childminder makes a record of children's individual 'learning story' by completing observations and making an assessment of the progress each child is making towards the early learning goals. This information is used effectively to plan the next steps in the child's learning. However, systems to regularly share children's development and learning records, and any other relevant information, with practitioners from each setting a child attends are not fully effective. This means that a consistent approach to the child's development is not fully implemented for all children.

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provision

Procedures to effectively manage children's welfare are in place with a high regard to promoting the good health of children through diet and exercise. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding procedures and is able to protect children from harm because she follows the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Suitability checks are completed for all persons living or working on the premises. This means that steps have been taken to protect children from harm or neglect. The premises are safe. Risk assessments are carried out and safety equipment has been fitted where required. Children are well supervised at all times. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has worked together with her co-minders to evaluate the quality of the setting and to identify areas for improvement. However, the evaluation has not been fully effective in identifying the weaknesses referred to in the report.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure that each child receives an enjoyable and challenging range of experience across the areas of learning. There is a good balance of child-initiated and adult direct play. Children have access to a good range of resources and equipment which they use to help them make good progress in their communication, language, literacy and numeracy. Children enjoy books, songs and rhymes. Visits to the library allow children to select books which they can enjoy together or with the childminder. They use numbers in practical contexts such as measuring their height or size of their hands and feet. They are gaining confidence and competence in using and recognising numbers. Children's imagination and creativity is well developed, they act out their experiences and play co-operatively using the good range of role play resources. Displays around the room show that

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children are able to be creative and use mark-making materials to express themselves. Children learn about space, shapes and colours as they build models using construction activities. The childminder helps children learn new skills or develop their vocabulary by supporting their play and learning with suggestions and questions which help children to think and solve problems for themselves.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to a large range of resources which are suitable for the age and stage of development of the minded children. They are able to develop their independence and make choices and decisions about what they want to do. However, the limited space in the conservatory hampers children's scope for free movement and well spread activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are developing their knowledge and understanding of the world they live in. They learn about living creatures, feeding the birds in the garden each day, learning to identify different types of birds. Children use resources in their play which promote positive images of diversity and activities based on some religious event, traditions and celebrations raise children's awareness of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn the importance of eating healthily and participating in regular exercise. They are provided with healthy cooked lunches. Physical activities to help children develop their co-ordination and muscle control take place indoors and outside such as Sticky Kids exercise sessions indoors and climbing, balancing and ball games outside. Walks in the countryside help children build their stamina. They learn to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others, their natural exuberance and energy are channelled into constructive play. They are learning right from wrong and to play together. 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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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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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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