Childminder 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 EY240196 Inspection date 22/05/2009 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 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 2002. She lives with her husband, and two adult children in Halesowen, West Midlands. The childminder works with an assistant. There are shops, schools and a playing field all within walking distance. The premises are accessible via one step at the front door. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. This includes access to toilet facilities. First floor rooms are not used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a dog and a parrot. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. There are systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, or children with English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. The childminder currently has seven children on roll in the early years age group and four children in the older age range who attend before and after school. All children attend on various days. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Dudley Childminder Quality Assured Network. She holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 qualification in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is highly effective in making sure that children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) make significant progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and she uses her excellent knowledge of their individual needs to promote all aspects of their welfare and learning very effectively. Partnership with parents and other professionals is highly valued at this inclusive setting to ensure continuity of care and to help children achieve as much as they can. The childminder's consistent monitoring, commitment and reflective practice ensure plans for the future are well targeted to bring about further improvements to the provision and outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 evaluating and consolidating the assessment arrangements to ensure children make as much progress as they can given their starting points and capabilities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is highly focussed on helping all children make very good progress in their learning and development, and promoting their welfare. Children are very secure in their surrounding and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. The available space is used to its full potential and encourages children to become independent learners. Children are provided with an extensive range of resources and rewarding experiences in this relaxed and child-friendly environment.

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provision

Partnership with parents is extremely effective, they are provided with high quality information about how the provision operates. Comprehensive information about children's care routines and interests is obtained at the start of the childminding arrangements and this ensures individual children’s needs are met, and their protection assured. The childminder regularly shares information with parents about children’s progress and achievements and excellent links with other providers of the EYFS enhances children’s learning and development. Parents are exceedingly happy with the care offered and make reference to the 'high levels of care' and 'excellent family style care' provided.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a high level of commitment to promoting children's safety. She has recently completed safeguarding training to update her knowledge and has an excellent understanding of her duty to record and report any concerns to the appropriate agencies. All adults in the home have been vetted to demonstrate their suitability. Excellent attention is given to all aspects of health and safety. The childminder completes regular safety checks and risk assessments that include all features of the premises, outdoors and outings. Consequently, risks to children are minimised and this helps to keep them safe.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to updating and improving her practice and has an excellent capacity to maintain continuous improvement. She is an accredited network childminder and she uses her knowledge and skills to enhance children’s care and learning. The recommendation raised at the previous inspection has been implemented and further improves outcomes for children's safety at the setting. The childminder intends to evaluate and consolidate the assessment arrangements to ensure children make as much progress as they can given their starting points and capabilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making outstanding progress towards the early learning goals in all aspects of their development. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of the EYFS and confidently applies this in practice to support children’s learning and development. The childminder knows the children very well and understands their individual needs and interests. She confidently monitors their progress and achievement by using the knowledge gained through observations to plan future topics and purposeful activities to support the children’s next steps in their learning. Children’s portfolios are shared with parents and include a range of delightful photographs. The childminder is able to respond very effectively to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure any additional learning or developmental needs are provided for and children receive the support they need.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children engage in a stimulating range of activities which helps them to develop a positive disposition to learn. The childminder fully supports children’s emotional well-being, encouraging them to be confident to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. She is a very good role model; she listens carefully to children and skilfully extends their thinking and language skills through meaningful conversations. The childminder encourages children to develop a love of books and they listen with enjoyment to their favourite stories. They like to sing nursery rhymes and action songs and their pleasure is evident in the expressions on their face. Older children are beginning to link sounds and letters, and all children have excellent opportunities to develop mark making and writing skills. Children’s reasoning and thinking skills are fostered very well as the childminder recognises learning opportunities in everyday activities. Children count, compare, sort and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

match, by colour, shape and size during play and through the use of an excellent range of resources to extend their numeracy skills. A good variety of outings enhance children’s knowledge and understanding of the world. Children visit the garden centre which enables children to investigate natural objects, observe animals and play on large play equipment to promote their confidence and physical skills. Visits are made to a nearby toddler group, where children mix in larger social settings and take part in activities which helps them to develop an understanding of diversity. All children enjoy a superb range of creative activities. They build and construct with a wide range of resources, and enjoy playing with the train and road tracks. Treasure baskets and ‘feely bags’ give children the opportunity to investigate objects and materials using all their senses, for example, silky scarves, keys, chains and necklaces. Physical activity is highly regarded and children are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

able to develop their physical skills as they take part in a wide range of activities on a daily basis. They use a good range of resources in the garden, they dance with ‘streamers’, ride bikes and use balls to practise their throwing and catching skills. A regular trip to a local playing field affords children opportunities to play in the fresh air, exercise and explore nature.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The provision for children’s welfare is outstanding. Excellent attention is given to good hygiene practices and protecting children from illness and infection. They learn about healthy lifestyles through topics about hand washing and good hygiene. Children's awareness of safety is very well fostered and they are learning to take responsibility for their own safety by practising fire drills and using play equipment safely. They joined in with activities at the local Children’s Centre during road safety week to further promote their understanding of keeping safe while outdoors. Children are encouraged to make healthy eating choices and are provided with nutritious snacks and meals to meet their individual dietary needs, for example, fresh fruit, pasta, vegetable sticks and yogurt. The childminder has a positive and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. Children receive meaningful praise and encouragement for their achievements which in turn

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They are encouraged to share, take turns and be nice to each other. 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

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