Home Childcarer in Dudley

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 504865 Inspection date 04/02/2009 Inspector Jackie Nation

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 14 years. They live in Halesowen, in the West Midlands. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and the premises is accessible. This includes access to a dedicated playroom and bathroom facilities. First floor rooms are not used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre- schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), two of these children attend before and after school. All children attend on various days. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Dudley Childminder Quality Assured Network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is highly effective at making sure all children make excellent progress in their learning and development within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children thoroughly enjoy their time in this welcoming environment and are supported by the childminder who recognises the uniqueness of each child. Exemplary partnerships between the childminder, parents and other agencies ensure children's needs are met and their protection is assured. The childminder takes effective steps to evaluate her provision, and the self-evaluation reflects rigorous monitoring which is well targeted to bring about sustained improvement in children's welfare, learning and development. Overall, an inclusive and very welcoming service is provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities for parents to contribute to their children's learning journals.

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provision

The childminder is focused on helping all children make excellent progress in their learning, development and welfare. She implements a very comprehensive range of policies and procedures which significantly enhances all aspects of children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 well-being and safety. Effective records are maintained with regard to the children's details, medication and accidents; these records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. Detailed written risk assessments are in place for all areas of the home and for outings. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has an excellent understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, her practice is further supported by a written child protection policy which is shared with parents. Vetting procedures for all adults in the household are robust and this ensures children are well protected.

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provision

The childminder offers a fully inclusive service and welcomes all children into her care. She has developed a resource folder which covers all aspects of inclusion to help her plan and provide an inclusive service for all children and their families. Partnerships with parents are very well established and the childminder values this relationship. Parents receive a comprehensive range of written policies which have been updated to reflect the requirements of the EYFS. The childminder has a genuine commitment to improvement as she continues to develop the partnership with parents. She seeks their views using questionnaires about the service she provides and implements what parents have said to improve her provision further. Parents and children also express their appreciation of the childminding service through thank-you letters and cards.

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provision

The childminder is accredited to the local quality assured childminding network and she demonstrates an excellent commitment to further training which contributes to the very high standard of care provided. The completion of the self-evaluation form shows a high level of reflection and details how plans for further improvements are prioritised.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a very good knowledge of the EYFS learning, development and welfare requirements. She is highly skilled in helping all children learn and is able to effectively monitor their progress. Children's care is greatly enriched by the childminder's organisation of time, space and resources and this helps children to plan and develop their own play with their peers. Children enjoy looking at photographs of themselves and their friends and see their artwork clearly displayed and valued. Consistent routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and part of a bigger family. Consequently, children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. The childminder effectively uses information from observations and assessments to plan the next steps in children's learning and to ensure additional learning or development needs are identified and provided for. However, the opportunities for parents to formally contribute to their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

child's assessment records are limited. Planning is flexible and takes into account the needs, interests and learning styles of individual children. As a result, children make extremely good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of their development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have outstanding opportunities to learn and make excellent progress in interesting and varied practical activities and play opportunities both in and out of doors. This results in children being active learners, creative and able to think This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 critically. Children visit local toddler groups, activity centres and the library. The children's thinking and language skills develop as the childminder interacts with them effectively, making excellent use of open-ended questions. The childminder respects and supports children's individual interests and characteristics, for example, by arranging to visit a local Church and organising folders where children can exhibit their varied interests. Children's awareness of numbers, letters and counting is explored during outings and activities. They weigh and measure cooking ingredients and play in sand and water to explore capacity and volume.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a superb range of creative and imaginative activities, they enjoy making rockets, painting, printing, role play and dressing up. They explore and investigate using simple equipment such as binoculars, magnifying glasses, cameras and tape measures. Children relish the involvement of the childminder in their play, for example, as they play with building blocks. This involvement fosters children's self-esteem and confidence. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children. The childminder has an extremely positive attitude to diversity and this is complemented by the provision of a wide range of positive images resources of culture and disability, such as dressing-up clothes, books, dolls, and play figures. This helps develop children's understanding of the wider society.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's awareness of safety is very well fostered and high priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. Children are helped to understand the difference between danger and risk while playing outdoors and using equipment. Children are familiar with the fire evacuation procedures and the childminder talks to them about road safety. Children play with a range of good quality toys which are regularly checked to ensure they are safe and appropriate for children to use. Children develop a very good understanding of keeping themselves healthy as they follow good personal hygiene routines. Children are well nourished and kept hydrated, they grow and taste fruit and vegetables and love to pick strawberries in the summer. Physical activity is highly regarded and children enjoy daily walks to and from school, visits to local parks and play centres. Children are encouraged to play outside in all weathers where they enjoy trying to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

ride a bike in the snow, and keenly watch the snowman melting. The childminder has a very positive approach to managing children's behaviour. Children behave well and they receive meaningful praise and encouragement for their achievements. They are encouraged to share and be kind to each other and this helps to foster positive relationships between the children. 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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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