Childminder in ShropshireOfsted inspection, 1 Apr 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 EY277941 Inspection date 01/04/2009 Inspector Suzette Butcher

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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 2004 and works with her mother as an assistant. She lives with her husband and three children, aged two, five and seven years in Rednal, West Felton, Shropshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog and cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding two children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She also offers care to children over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder takes and collects children from a local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a qualified nursery nurse and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder reviews most areas of her practice to improve the overall impact for children but does not critically reflect on this impact as part of a quality improvement process. She has a basic understanding of child development and has introduced systems to record children's progress but this is not shared effectively with parents and other providers within EYFS. Children are secure and their welfare needs are adequately met although there are some omissions in recording risk assessments. Parents value the childminder's professionalism, generosity and flexibility.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase opportunities to share relevant information about children's progress within EYFS with parents and other providers within EYFS about individual children's progress within EYFS to promote effective continuity and progression  implement a quality improvement process, such as the Ofsted self-evaluation form, as a basis of ongoing internal review to assess what the setting has to offer gainst robust and challenging criteria  improve observation and asessment programmes to inform future planning and link with the early learning goals to monitor progress for individual children.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure records of risk assessments identify all aspects of the environment, such as the ongoing building 24/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 programme within the home, that need to be checked on a regular basis ( Suitable premises, environment and equipment)

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provision

The childminder is well-qualified and experienced in caring for children. She recognises the importance of reflecting on the overall quality of her practice and seeks support from local authority early years consultants to ensure she meets all requirements. She regularly meets with other childminders to share good practice and identifies further relevant training opportunities to increase her understanding and experience. For example, she has obtained a place on a safeguarding course to update her knowledge on child protection procedures. However, self-evaluation systems are informal and do not fully identify what the setting has to offer against robust and challenging criteria. The childminder has basic knowledge and understanding of the implementation of EYFS. However, the depth of her knowledge of the early learning goals and EYFS does not help her to identify and plan a wide range of play and learning experiences based on children's individual

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provision

needs. This has a negative impact on children's learning and development. The childminder promotes a positive attitude towards diversity and inclusion in her practice. Every child is listened to and respected and they and their families are encouraged to feel included, safe and valued. Appropriate policies and required documentation are in place and reviewed on a regular basis. Children’s safety and welfare are adequately protected through satisfactory procedures and risk assessments are completed and recorded on areas of the home and outings. All areas are regularly reviewed and potential hazards made safe for children during the ongoing building programme within the home. Nevertheless, clear records of these risk assessments are not maintained. This a breach of requirements and does not fully protect children.

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provision

Positive partnerships are maintained with parents through open, trusting, friendly relationships. Parents comment that they value the childminder's 'professionalism in all aspects of daily care, communication, confidentiality and adherence to official guidelines'. They appreciate the childminder's flexible organisation to meet their differing work patterns, such as when the childminder works with an assistant. Contract details are reviewed with parents on a regular basis and information on the care of their children is informally shared through verbal feedback at handover times or in daily diaries. However, systems to involve parents, carers and any other providers within EYFS in supporting children’s learning and development are in the early stages and do not provide continuity and progression for everyone involved.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of how children learn and develop in different ways. She informally plans activities on a daily basis, to meet children's individual needs and provides a balance of adult-led and child initiated opportunities. Parents comment that their children 'look forward to their days, with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 exciting plans, such as a picnic or trip into town'. The childminder records her observations and identifies next steps for each child included in their profile. Photographs and samples of work provide practical examples to supplement children's record of their individual learning journey. Areas are organised to enable young children to move about freely and safely within identified play areas. Activities flow between the indoor and outdoor environment where a suitable range of resources are organised in low level units, to offer children choices and to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

promote independent, active learning. Young children happily tidy away their toys, as part of their daily routine and learn to make a positive contribution within the setting. They eagerly sort and match resources, such as plastic bricks or books, and organise equipment into different boxes. This helps them to develop a strong sense of belonging and positive self-esteem. Minor disagreements are skilfully dealt with in a way that is appropriate to each child's age and stage of development. Consequently, children are relaxed and secure as they begin to consider each other's feelings and consider the consequences of their actions. They relate warmly to the childminder and her family in the familiar environment. Regular attendance at toddler groups help young children to develop social skills as they adapt to being part of a larger group.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to make their own decisions and happily develop imaginative games with discreet support from the childminder. They enjoy a pretend tea party and count how many plates they need. Toddlers learn to solve problems cooperatively as they eagerly share their interest with everyone when they help to build a high tower of bricks. They snuggle up with the childminder and their friends to share a story and point to pictures in a favourite book. Resources and activities contribute to nurturing children's positive attitude towards people who are different from themselves. This helps children to learn to value different aspects of their own and other people's lives. A healthy lifestyle is actively promoted and adequate hygiene routines are followed The children enjoy home-cooked, nutritious items at meal times and help themselves to healthy snacks and drinks, with fresh drinking water always accessible. Children enjoy the benefits of regular exercise in the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

outdoor environment as part of a healthy lifestyle. Parents describe how their child enjoyed picking vegetables from the garden and eating them for lunch. Walks and adventures in the local countryside or along the nearby canal encourage children to learn about their natural environment and the world around them. Safety issues are highlighted, to encourage children to learn how to recognise and respond to risks and dangers. For example, children practise emergency evacuation procedures and road safety on outings. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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