Childminder in Worcestershire

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 EY364212 Inspection date 11/02/2009 Inspector Christine Lynn Williams

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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 2007. She lives with husband and three children aged six months, four and six in a residential area of Redditch. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding as well as an upstairs bedroom. There is a fully enclosed play area available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of four children may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently seven children attending, four of whom are within the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to nine years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register as well as the Early Years Register. The family have pets of two cats, a rabbit, koi carp and tropical fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder currently supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and who speak English as an additional language. Access to the premises is over a small step. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory, although some aspects of the childminder’s practice are strong. She has worked hard to meet the welfare and learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has a positive attitude to evaluating her practice and making plans for continuous improvement. Children settle well and quickly form strong relationships within the warm, family atmosphere of the childminder’s home. They are well safeguarded, included and have good opportunities to make progress towards the early learning goals. However, conditions of registration have not been adhered to at all times.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for obtaining early information from parents about children’s starting points, interests and personalities.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure conditions of registration concerning the maximum number of children to be cared for at any one time are strictly adhered to at all times. (Organisation)(Also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register) 25/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder shows a strong commitment to acting in the best interests of children and has worked hard to meet all the requirements of the EYFS. However, she has not ensured that conditions of registration relating to the numbers of children attending at any one time are strictly adhered to, particularly during cross over periods. As a result, children’s welfare is potentially placed at risk. Children’s emotional and additional needs are well met and the effective organisation of space, resources and experiences has a positive impact on their overall learning and development. They are included, treated as individuals and make choices and decisions.

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provision

Although new to childminding, she has a positive attitude to evaluating her practice and making plans for continuous improvement. For example, future plans include improved safety features for walking children to and from school and additional resources to promote diversity.

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provision

The childminder has been proactive in ensuring that some areas of her practice are well developed, particularly in relation to working closely with families and in promoting children's learning and development. As a result, children respond well to the many interesting learning activities offered, benefit from continuity of care and feel valued.

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provision

The childminder has a clear knowledge of child protection procedures and ensures the home remains safe, suitable and child-friendly. Children’s health is well promoted and the childminder works closely in partnership with parents, carers and other providers who share the care of her minded children. Parents and carers are well informed and make many positive comments about the care offered to their children. The childminder is generally well organised, with clear records produced and maintained. Written policies are personalised and provide useful information for parents and carers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children settle well and are given good opportunities to independently choose and select from a variety of toys, books and activities. They make clear progress in all aspects of their learning and development as they gain confidence and learn new skills. Older children are prepared for school as they learn colours, numbers and begin to recognise their names, while younger children are given lots of encouragement to learn through their imaginary play. The childminder has put systems in place to observe, assess and plan children’s next steps. However, details from parents and carers about children’s developmental starting points and what their children know and can do, is not requested when children join the setting, and this causes a delay in planning ahead to support children's progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a strong sense of belonging as they make themselves at home and freely choose what they want to play with. They show interest in what they are doing, play happily together and are beginning to learn how to share and take This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 turns. Positive messages about our diverse society are seen as children use carefully chosen playthings that reflect their own backgrounds and the childminder encourages children to feel part of a close-knit family group. The childminder is gentle but firm with children when encouraging them to act positively and lots of enthusiastic praise ensures children know when they have done well. Children have opportunities to develop their skills in communicating, literacy and numeracy through their everyday play. The childminder constantly engages them in conversations and she shares books with them and encourages them to practise

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

mark-making and writing skills when drawing and colouring. They acquire new knowledge as they help to feed the rabbit or watch the koi carp in the garden pond and use a wide variety of sound and electronic toys, which help to develop their understanding of simple technology. Children enjoy using their imaginations and often draw, paint and dance.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Positive steps are taken to encourage children’s good health and they benefit from healthy snacks and drinks which are chosen specifically to avoid large quantities of sugar, salt, additives and colourings. They enjoy being active when playing outside in the garden, often use swings and slides at the park and love dancing around the house. Their health and medication needs are known and clear steps are taken to ensure they are kept safe and well protected. 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? 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: Not Met (with actions)

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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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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure conditions of registration concerning the maximum number of children to be cared for at any one time are strictly adhered to at all times. (Organisation)(Also applies to the EY part of the Childcare Register) 25/02/2009 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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