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

p.1

Unique reference number 205036 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Ann Doreen Burford

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 1995. She lives with her husband and one child aged 17 years. They live in a house in Bromsgrove within walking distance of the town centre and local schools. The whole of the property is used for childminding. Access is via a step to the front of the property and the toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children and is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. Currently, there are nine children on roll, of these, six are in the EYFS age range. Children attend on a part-time basis.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children have a wonderful time and make excellent progress in a homely, nurturing environment. The needs of each individual child are known by the childminder and she ensures all activities are fully inclusive regardless of the child's age or ability. Continuous improvement is mostly achieved because the childminder is enthusiastic and shares ideas with other childcare providers. She is constantly expanding the range of toys and looks for new ideas for activities.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further the quality and improvement processes to monitor and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the provision.

p.3

provision

The childminder has always made improvements to the provision through an informal system and addresses all recommendations identified through inspections. For example, children's safety has been improved because they now participate in the emergency evacuation procedure on a regular basis. She regularly increases the range of toys which has resulted in a wide range being available which are rotated so children's interest is maintained. However, this ad-hoc system does not fully identify the strengths and weaknesses of the provision and how outcomes for children can be fully improved.

p.3

provision

Children are protected in this setting because the childminder has an appropriate understanding about safeguarding procedures. She has guidance available to use as a reference and understands her role and responsibility in protecting children. She recognises possible signs of abuse and is aware of what to do should she be concerned. The organisation of the setting and the effective record keeping processes underpins the well-being and care provided by this childminder. Effective This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures are in place to protect for children should they have an accident. Parents are immediately contacted if their child becomes ill and are fully involved in decisions taken about the care and if medication should be administered before they can collect the child.

p.3

provision

The childminder builds excellent partnerships with parents and has strong links with other carers in the locality. Parents are shown the written policies and can view the various guidance she has available promoting best practice, such as infection control. Parents comment on how flexible and caring the childminder is which results in a nurturing environment for all the children. They are particularly appreciative of the homely environment resulting in their children being keen to attend and reluctant to leave. The childminder takes photographs and keeps a record of children's participation in activities and the progress they are making. A verbal exchange takes place every day and this is the way parents say they wish to be kept informed about their child. Text messages are exchanged throughout the day so parents are aware of the emotional well-being of their child.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy attending the setting and go on walks or visits most days. They frequently attend local play and stay sessions at various settings such as the local children's centre. This enables children to mix with children of similar ages and widens the range of practical experiences that they can enjoy. The childminder is pro-active in ensuring that these groups are offering high quality care and quickly ensures any concerns are fully addressed to ensure her minded children always have the best experiences that they can.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are enthusiastic to join in and are quickly engaged by the childminder. She uses topics effectively and imaginatively to challenge and inspire children. The abundance of practical activities planned around the topic and children's own interest ensures they are confident, self-assured and show excitement and real pleasure as they play and learn. Children develop a sense of awe and wonderment about the world they live in because of the exciting activities and the childminder responds to spontaneous events. For example, stopping on the way back from nursery to see a skip loaded onto a lorry or making snowflakes from Borax and water. This also enthuses the parents and grandparents.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Healthy lifestyles are well promoted. From an early age children have plenty of fresh air and exercise. The childminder takes the children on lots of walks. The youngest children enjoy the view from the pushchair and often fall asleep and when they wake they have rosy cheeks and usually a happy demeanour. Older children have a rest or sleep on the sofa if they wish. There is ample space so children can move freely and safely around the indoor space. They can easily access the back garden from the conservatory which has been designed to create safe play space. Appropriate shade is provided during hot weather to protect children's health. Parents provide the packed lunch which is stored safely. Advice about healthy options is available if needed. Snack and mealtimes are very well organised so children usually eat well and learn good table manners. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave exceptionally well in the setting. They listen intently to the childminder's explanations and kind reminders to share and take turns, for example simple board games are used so even the young children are willing to wait. Children are learning about their own and others festivals because the childminder provides activities, such as, tasting food and using chopsticks for Chinese New Year. The childminder does promote an understanding amongst the children about diversity and differences. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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? 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.8

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.

p.8