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

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Unique reference number EY306360 Inspection date 05/01/2009 Inspector Ann Doreen Burford

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, eight and seven years. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the front bedroom is available for use as a sleep room. The toilet facilities are on the first floor. Access to the property is via two steps to the front and back door. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), both children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from the warm and friendly approach of the childminder. Each child's individual needs are taken into consideration when organising activities so that inclusive practice is promoted. Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of how to protect children attending her setting. She continuously strives for future improvements because she accurately reflects on her current practice and identifies how she can make ongoing improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the planning further, specifically how to identify the next step in each child's learning towards the early learning goals  expand the partnerships with other settings involved in the care of the minded children.

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provision

The childminder regularly meets with other local childminders to help her acquire new knowledge which is used in the development of her service. She tentatively embraces new challenges and has designed a new system to observe children. How observations inform assessments and plans for each child's next step in their learning is not always clear because the system is still in its infancy.

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provision

Parents are given a wide range of information about the childminding service and the many written policies and procedures underpin the quality of care consistently provided. All children have a diary that can be shared with parents. It is a lovely This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 informal document where children's participation and their emotions are recorded. This aids the childminder in understanding individual needs and the approach to use to engage each child in a positive manner. Some discussion takes place between providers where care is shared. There is a strong working relationship already in place with other childminders who may also care for the same children or, for example when offering holiday cover. They share the daily diaries with parental permission. However, this system is not as effective when children attend group care which limits the continuity of learning and development.

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provision

Parents are asked for their opinions and they state they are very happy with the care and flexible service the childminder provides. The childminder organises her home so a safe play environment is provided with all the appropriate safety resources in place and risk assessments are completed. When taking children on outings or visits the childminder adopts strategies to ensure children are protected from persons who are not vetted. Outcomes are monitored through self- assessment as the childminder develops her ability to clearly identify her own strengths and weaknesses. It is an accurate picture of the current service and has identified future development which means the childminder has the ability to make continuous improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are exceptionally well behaved because they are consulted and participate in a wide variety of activities. The children can choose and frequently lead the play. Children respond well to the good role model set by the childminder. They beam with pride when receiving praise and are helped to carefully consider the feelings of others. Older children are particularly considerate to the needs of the younger children. They feel such a strong sense of belonging that they can confidently re-tell the routine and show visitors around the house explaining what the house rules are and why they are needed. Children talk about their own family and happily relate this to their own experiences as they identify similarities and differences between themselves and others. Opportunities for children to learn about the wider community has been improved since the last inspection through access to positive images but the childminder has identified this as an area for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

further development in her evaluation of her current practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Snack and mealtimes are well organised, relaxed, social times. Parents are welcome to provide food if they prefer and it is stored safely. When providing meals herself the childminder asks children what they want and offers a choice between healthy options. The childminder takes children for a walk every day. They take or collect children from the local pre-school and school. This time is not only used to promote children learning road safety, but also to help children develop their awe and wonderment about the natural world around them. For example, they talk about the effect of the sun on the snow and frost.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Time to play and have fun is a priority in this setting. The relaxed approach means the childminder is always able to be flexible and adapt to children's moods and ideas. Children listen carefully to stories and join-in enthusiastically, developing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their own ideas to add to the story line. Even the youngest children understand that the sounds they make have meaning. The childminder listens and respects them and actively encourages their attempts, building their confidence so they become expressive speakers. Adult-led activities are provided to help children develop new skills. Cooking is used to help children with practical mathematical skills. Some children can count with meaning and recognise and form many of the numerals. This approach helps children to become confident mathematicians who develop strong skills and positive attitudes to counting and using numbers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Creativity is promoted through the use of construction toys, small world play and art activities. Additional opportunities for children to express themselves are provided because the childminder regularly takes the children to toddler groups and the local children's centre. This approach enables children to become active life-long learners who embrace challenges and have a strong sense of identity. 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 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 registration.

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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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