Childminder in DudleyOfsted inspection, 18 Feb 2009

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 EY273958 Inspection date 18/02/2009 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and six years. They live in Halesowen, West Midlands. The premises are easily accessible and the whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding. This includes access to bathroom facilities. Two bedrooms on the first floor are used for sleep purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and nurseries. She visits local parks and attends a local toddler and music group on a regular basis. The childminder has systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children who speak 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 voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding two children in the early years age range on a part time basis, and three children before and after school.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder makes good provision for children in the early years age range and this ensures they make good progress towards the early learning goals. Children are happy and relaxed as they play in this welcoming and inclusive environment. Planning and assessment systems have been carefully considered to ensure children's interests and achievements are recorded. All documentation is accurately completed to ensure children's safety and well-being. The childminder has developed good partnerships with parents and carers and formed good links with other providers to provide continuity of care. The childminder is aware of her strengths and any action required to further promote positive outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the assessment system to ensure all areas of learning are fully covered.

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provision

The childminder creates a homely, relaxed environment where children can self- select resources and develop their independence. The childminder maintains organised and effective recording systems with regard to the children's details, attendance, medication and accidents. She implements a comprehensive range of policies and procedures which support all aspects of children's care. The children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 care environment is safe and secure as suitable safety equipment is fitted around the home. Written risk assessments are developed sufficiently to ensure all aspects of the environment are included, as well as outings. Good attention is given to making sure children play with toys that are safe, clean and in good condition. This ensures children are kept safe. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board

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provision

procedures. She has completed child protection training and has the appropriate details available should she have any concerns about a child protection issue. The child protection policy is shared with parents.

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provision

The childminder offers an inclusive service and welcomes all children into her care. She has a range of resources and books which reflect diversity and she spends time encouraging children to value and respect each other. Partnership with parents and carers is good and they receive a wide range of written policies and procedures. This includes information about how parents can make a complaint about the provision. Useful information is obtained from parents at the start of the childminding arrangements. This is used by the childminder to plan and provide care and learning that meets children's individual needs and interests. The childminder provides parents with detailed written feedback each day, this includes details about their care routines, activities and achievements. This ensures continuity of care and learning. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement, she has implemented the

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provision

recommendations from the last inspection and has a system in place for self- evaluation. She is currently completing her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development and undertakes short courses and workshops to update her knowledge and skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning and development. Consistent routines and caring support ensures children develop a sense of belonging. The childminder knows the children well and regularly carries out observations of children's play and uses these to plan a range of stimulating and challenging activities. Planning is flexible and takes into account children's next steps in their learning. However, the assessment system has yet to be consolidated to show clearly how all the areas of learning are incorporated.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are active learners and enjoy a wide range of activities both in and out of the home. During outings to the park children play on varied equipment such as climbing frames and slides, to help develop their physical skills and co-ordination. Children have good opportunities to play in the garden, they plant bulbs and play in sand and water. The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking questions and engaging them in discussions to promote their language and communication skills. Each day there is a discussion about the weather and children sing the 'Days of the week' song. This gives children the opportunity to observe and discuss changes in the weather and the different seasons. Children enjoy story time, singing and dancing. The childminder brings stories and songs to life with movement and dance, for example, as she reads the story 'Were going on a bear hunt'. Children enjoy being creative and explore varied media and materials.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 They like to manipulate dough, mix colours while painting and take part in a range of art and craft activities. Children's understanding of numeracy is fostered through everyday activities. They sing number songs, explore numbers in the environment, and collect and measure rain water. Children talk about shape, size and colour during their play and they are beginning to understand the concept of more and less. Children are provided with a good range of resources to develop their imagination, they are able to dress-up and take on different roles and enjoy the play kitchen where they pretend to cook and serve meals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder praises and encourages children in their achievements. This helps promote their confidence and self-esteem. Appropriate behaviour such as sharing and taking turns is encouraged by the childminder. Good procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection and children learn about good hygiene practices through the daily routine. Children learn about road safety whilst on outings and through procedures within the home such as fire evacuation drills. Children's health and well-being is effectively supported as the childminder ascertains relevant information relating to individual dietary needs and parents' preferences. Healthy eating is encouraged and children know that eating fruit and being physically active makes them healthy. 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? 2 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? 2

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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? 2 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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