Vaughan, Jeanette

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 205028 Inspection date 23/02/2009 Inspector Jackie Nation

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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her son aged 11 years in Hagley, West Midlands, within walking distance of schools, pre-schools, shops and park. The premises are easily accessible. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, together with three bedrooms on the first floor. Bathroom facilities are also located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a dog, chickens and fish. The childminder occasionally works with a co-childminder. The childminder regularly attends a local parent and carer toddler group.

p.3

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. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding one child who is within the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder has procedures in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a NVQ Level 2 qualification in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are very settled and feel a sense of belonging in this safe and welcoming homely environment. Children make good progress in all areas of their learning and development. The childminder supports children's individual needs well as she recognises the uniqueness of each child and has excellent partnerships with parents. The childminder has made a positive start to the self-evaluation process to help her evaluate the quality of her provision. Overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 consolidate systems for planning and observation in order to evaluate children's learning and development in all areas  continue to develop the use of self-evaluation to maintain continuous improvement in the provision.

p.3

provision

The childminder is focussed on helping all children make good progress in their learning, development and welfare. The childminder organises her day around the needs of the children and creates a homely and relaxed environment. The childminder has a good understanding of health and safety; she is vigilant and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 supervises children well. She undertakes regular risk assessments to ensure children are safe in the setting and when they are on outings. All aspects of fire safety are given good attention and there are written emergency evacuation procedures. Smoke detectors are checked regularly and a fire blanket is sited in the kitchen. These positive steps help to keep children safe.

p.3

provision

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in protecting children in her care. She has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and knows how to implement the procedures should any issues arise. Consequently, children are safeguarded well. The childminder has a thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) welfare, learning and development requirements. This is evident from a comprehensive range of useful information and written policies which support her practice. The register of attendance is accurately maintained and the registration certificate is displayed for parents to see the conditions of registration. The childminder is eager to develop her knowledge and skills of childcare practices by completing relevant training. She holds a recognised childcare qualification and has completed health and safety training, food hygiene and first aid courses. She

p.4

provision

has made a positive start to the self-evaluation process, which if developed further will promote continuous improvement at the setting. The childminder has successfully implemented the recommendations from the last inspection. All documentation is stored securely and organised very effectively to maintain confidentiality.

p.4

provision

Excellent partnerships with parents contributes significantly to the children's care and well-being. The childminder ensures that effective partnerships are developed with at the outset with good settling-in arrangements. She talks to parents and records information about children's individual routines and parents' preferences. They are reassured and well-informed about their children's activities and daily routines as a result of information recorded in the daily log and individual written feedback covering their child's experiences each day. Comprehensive policy information is provided to parents and the childminder spends time with parents introducing them to her recording procedures. Should parents have any concerns about the provision, they are well informed about how to make a complaint and have access to information about how they can contact Ofsted.

p.4

provision

The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of inclusive practice and gives extremely good consideration to children's individual needs. The childminder's aim is for all children to reach their full potential. There is good provision in place to encourage children to have a strong sense of belonging. Children can see photographs of themselves around the setting and their art work is carefully displayed in their learning journals. Children learn about diversity as the childminder provides play materials which reflect positive images of culture, disability and gender, such as dolls, puzzles, dressing-up clothes and books. This helps children develop an understanding of the wider world. The childminder has effective strategies in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and for children who speak English as an additional language. She is confident to judge how well individual children's needs can be met within existing

p.4

provision

routines. This ensures children's welfare and development is fully promoted. 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 are making good progress in their learning and development. Children's care is enhanced through the effective organisation of space and resources. Children have the opportunity to complete activities at their pace, relax and play in comfort. Toys are stored at a low level to enable children to access them safely and this helps to promote their independence. Children are able to select activities from a good range of toys and resources which offer challenge and are suitable to their stage of development. The childminder is well-organised and plans her day well to offer the children stimulating and homely care. The childminder is friendly, supportive and approachable; this helps children feel comfortable and at ease. She supports children's learning well, engaging them in conversation to develop their language and thinking skills. Detailed planning and assessment systems have been developed and shared with parents. Observations are in place and enable the

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder to plan the next steps in learning. The childminder has a good understanding of how to promote children's learning in all areas. However, the assessment systems are new and have yet to be consolidated and evaluated to ensure their effectiveness.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a very good balance of play and learning opportunities, both in the home and outside the childminding setting, promoting children's confidence, social skills and achievement. They are encouraged to interact and socialise with other children and regularly meet with another childminder and her children for play activities and visits to toddler group, local parks and garden centre. The childminder ensures children have a varied day and they enjoy activities which contribute to their creativity, for example, painting, playdough, junk modelling and sticking. Children enjoy cooking activities, weighing the ingredients as they bake bread and make flapjacks. The childminder uses everyday play experiences to naturally introduce children to colours, letter sounds, shapes and numbers. Books are readily available to children and they enjoy listening to stories, dancing and singing songs. Children flourish as they access a delightful

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

outdoor play area, they investigate the properties of soil, sand and water and have opportunities to plant seeds and grow a range of fruit and vegetables. Children feed the chickens, collect eggs and paint bird boxes. A good range of play equipment is available to them in the garden such as a climbing frame, slide and trampoline. The childminder works at the children's level whilst playing, talking and reading books.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from being looked after in a home where effective hygiene is given priority. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of providing a healthy diet and promotes good hygiene practices through daily routines. Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks such as raisins and fresh fruit. Children eagerly complete their 'five a day' chart which promotes their understanding of healthy eating. Children are well cared for if they become unwell, the childminder makes them comfortable and parents are kept fully informed about their child's condition at all times. The childminder is trained to administer first aid and a first aid box is accessible together with the required documentation such as emergency contacts. Medication and accident documents provide an accurate record so children receive consistent healthcare. Children's sense of right and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

wrong is developed through the childminder's good understanding of behaviour management. The childminder has established clear and realistic boundaries and children begin to understand what is expected from them, for example, sharing toys and taking turns. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged. Children are praised and rewarded for their achievements. This helps promote their self-esteem and confidence. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

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.7

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.7

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 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?

p.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

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

p.8

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.9

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.9

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.9

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.9