Clatworthy Karen

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 EY103042 Inspection date 16/02/2009 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 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children, aged under two years and 14 years. They live in Halesowen, West Midlands, close to parks, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, this includes access to a dedicated playroom and bathroom facilities. The childminder's home is easily accessible. One bedroom on the first floor is used for sleep purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has two cats and a dog.

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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 five children at any one time. She currently has five children on roll who are within the early years age range, and five older children who attend before and after school. All children attend on various days.

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Description of the childminding

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. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Dudley Childminder Quality Assured Network. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the setting. Their learning and development is extremely well promoted through the outstanding range of stimulating and exciting activities provided. Comprehensive policies and procedures are in place to ensure children's safety, health and welfare. The childminder works very well with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure individual needs are met and there is continuity of care. The childminder demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusion and fosters a positive attitude to diversity. She is highly committed to developing her practice to ensure continuous improvement. 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?

 continuing to improve professional knowledge in order to consolidate and enhance reflective practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder implements a highly comprehensive range of policies and procedures, which underpin her excellent practice. These are systematically reviewed and updated to ensure they reflect the EYFS requirements. The childminder has a very good understanding of the welfare requirements of the EYFS and this ensures children are safe and well cared for. Her good knowledge of the learning and development requirements enables her to support children very effectively. The childminder's home is well organised and equipped with very good quality resources which are easily accessible to help children become independent learners.

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provision

Children are kept safe because the childminder has very effective and ongoing risk assessments in place for all areas of the home and for outings. Highly effective recording systems are in place for children's individual requirements, medication, accidents and attendance. All records are stored to ensure confidentiality. The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding procedures. Robust policies and procedures are in place to ensure children are very well protected. The childminder has attended safeguarding training and has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Policy information is shared with parents.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates an excellent commitment to ongoing professional development and has devised her own personal development plan. This plan will further improve her knowledge, consolidate her practice and enhance her role as a reflective practitioner. She has a Level 3 Childminding Practice qualification and is an accredited childminder with the local quality assured network. The childminder meets with other childminders on a regular basis and this provides opportunities to share practice issues and discuss articles they have read in early years educational journals. The childminder's excellent self-evaluation reflects rigorous monitoring and analysis of what she does well and what she needs to improve. Plans for the future are well targeted to bring about further improvement to the provision and outcomes for children.

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provision

Excellent links are established with parents and other providers of the EYFS to ensure children enjoy continuity of care. Parents receive a wealth of information about the provision and are encouraged to share information about their child's development, interests and care. This helps children to settle and develop a sense of belonging. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's development, care and activities through a detailed diary which they take home at the end of each day. Parents receive a copy of the childminder's planning documents and they have access to their child's learning journeys, which detail their achievements and progress, the next steps in their learning and an excellent range of photographs. Parental views are regularly sought and valued through questionnaires and feedback from parents is extremely positive, they speak highly about the quality of care provided. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a very good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning, development and welfare requirements. All children make very good progress in the learning and development because the childminder is child- focussed and fully committed to inclusive practice. The childminder has a very good understanding of child development and is highly skilled in helping children learn. Children play at their own pace and freely access numerous play opportunities. The childminder effectively monitors children's progress and planning is securely based on their interests and ideas. Children and parents contribute to the planning process by being asked their opinion and how they can be developed. The childminder reflects on these discussions and adjusts her planning to further support children's learning and enjoyment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit greatly from the well-planned interesting activities which results in children being active learners, creative and be able to think critically. The childminder places very good emphasis on all aspects of personal, social and emotional development to support children's ongoing learning. Children's communication skills are developing very well. They freely access a wide range of books. Younger children clearly enjoy looking at picture books, and hide and seek books with the childminder which encourages their language development. Children's awareness of number and counting is explored during activities and children count, play matching games, talk about shapes, colours and explore the properties of sand and water. Children enjoy a superb range of creative activities; they enjoy cooking, painting, role play, making music and exploring sounds. There are good opportunities for children to make marks, link sounds and letters and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

practise writing their own name. The childminder takes children out on a regular basis to explore the local and wider community. They visit toddler groups, activity centres, parks and farms.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very comfortable and relaxed in their surroundings. It is evident that the childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children. She listens to their views and takes into account their thoughts and feelings about the provision. The childminder has an extremely positive attitude to diversity and this is complemented by the provision of a wide range resources reflecting positive images of gender, culture and disability. Children have excellent opportunities to explore the local environment and develop an awareness of different celebrations and festivals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of how to create a safe and welcoming environment. Children develop an understanding of all aspects of safety such as fire evacuation procedures, road safety and stranger danger. All children are very clear about how to use equipment safely. Children learn about the importance of being healthy through the childminder's skilful support and well- established daily routines. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the importance of providing a healthy diet. Children are well nourished and kept hydrated. Children's physical skills are developing well as they take part in a broad range of activities and enjoy using the play equipment in the garden. Good attention is given to developing younger children's physical skills as the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder ensures they have plenty of space indoors to use sit and ride toys and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

walkers. The childminder has a very positive approach to managing children's behaviour and is a very good role model. A clear policy is in place, children are encouraged to share resources and take turns. Children receive meaningful praise and encouragement for their achievements. This helps to promote their confidence and self-esteem. 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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