Childminder in Coventry

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 504743 Inspection date 03/03/2009 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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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 1993. She co-minds with her daughter and has an NVQ childcare qualification to Level 3. The childminder lives with her husband and two grown up children in a residential area of Coventry in the West Midlands. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The premises are easily accessible. The whole of the ground floor and the main bedroom and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Children attend a local carer and toddler group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently four children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged five years and over. There are eight children attending in this age group, three of whom are over the age of eight years.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and thrive well in a clean and safe environment. The childminder is caring and knows their individual needs and personalities very well. Children are making good progress in their learning and play because they access a wide variety of stimulating resources and activities. Their health and safety is effectively enhanced through comprehensive and effective policies, procedures and everyday practices. The strong partnership with parents ensures that she is aware of the uniqueness of each child and promotes inclusive practice. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continually improving her practice and is actively developing her systems for observation, assessment and planning.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further children’s assessment records to include their next steps and encourage parents to contribute.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures. She is aware of possible signs of abuse and harm and has a clear understanding of what to do should she be concerned. The childminder has attended training in child protection and this knowledge is underpinned by a clear policy, which is shared with parents. All documentation is well organised and regularly updated in order to promote the welfare of children. Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted which means the potential risks associated with her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 premises, procedures, equipment and outings have been considered and minimised.

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provision

Strong partnerships exist with parents and they are kept well informed about their child's day, care and activities, as well as their progress. The childminder has created individual scrapbooks for the children and these include photographs of them involved in play, alongside examples of their work. However, parents do not contribute to these records to help build on what children know and identify the next steps in their learning. The childminder works closely with other settings that some children also attend to ensure a common and consistent approach.

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provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and demonstrates a strong commitment towards continually improving her service. She evaluates her practice and shows a clear understanding of her own her strengths and weaknesses. Training courses are frequently attended in order to enhance her practice, and she reads childcare literature to keep up to date with current trends.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and secure because the childminder builds good relationships with them and provides comfort, praise and encouragement. She plans and provides a broad variety of experiences that effectively motivate children and help them learn and have fun. All areas of learning are covered through a good balance of adult-led and child initiated activities. The childminder talks to parents about what their children like and can do, and she observes them closely to find out where they are in their development. She knows the children in her care well and demonstrates a good knowledge of child development and how children learn. Formal methods used for observation and assessment are still being developed. The childminder has researched childcare websites for ways in which to best record this information and is currently developing a systematic approach that includes children's next steps

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to be active learners and they move freely between rooms and activities. Toys are easily accessible and well maintained. They are stored in various places around the childminder's home and children are confident to ask for items that they cannot see or reach. Children’s language is developing and the childminder encourages their communication and learning through asking them questions, showing interest in their responses and joining in with their play. They begin to problem solve as they operate programmable toys or attempt to place jigsaw pieces into the correct spaces. Children learn about weight and measure whilst taking part in cookery activities and enjoy listening to stories and singing nursery rhymes. They are starting to learn about differences and develop a respect for themselves and others because the childminder encourages positive attitudes through everyday discussion and planned activities. For example, children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

celebrate a range of special days and events, have food tasting sessions and visit shops that sell produce from around the world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing a good awareness of health and hygiene. Routines for hand washing are well established. Each child has their own individual flannel to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 prevent the spread of germs. They are provided with a wide variety of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks and the childminder is effectively helping them to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. They talk about healthy and unhealthy foods and have made an 'I know my vegetables' game. Children have plenty of fresh air and exercise. They run off their energy in the large garden and enjoy lots of outings in the local environment. For example, they visit the park, shops, library, other childminders and local community groups. Consequently, children enjoy opportunities to mix with others and develop their social skills. Children behave well because the childminder provides them with a positive role

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

model and ensures that her expectations for their behaviour are clear. She explains why boundaries and house rules are in place and actively encourages good manners and respect for people and property. 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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