Childminder in Staffordshire

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 EY293908 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Lynne Milligan

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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 has been registered since 2004. She lives in a residential area on the outskirts of Stafford and is close to local shops, school and parks. She lives with her husband and two children aged two years and four years. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with access to the front and rear bedrooms and family bathroom on the first floor. Access to the property is via a main driveway with a step up into the property. There is a large rear garden which is reached through the back door in the kitchen. The garden is mostly lawn with a level patio area. The childminder has two pet dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for two children in the early years age group. She is also registered on the Childcare Register to provide care for children in the later years age group. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age group, all whom attend part-time.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Stafford childminding network and visits local playgroups, taking and collecting children from nursery.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children’s individual care, learning and development are generally well promoted by the childminder. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development and of the requirements under the Early Years Foundation Stage. Most procedures and documentation to support her practice and enable children to progress in their learning are in place. A process of self-evaluation is used to assess the setting and provide the childminder with an insight into her strengths and areas for development. Partnerships with parents and other settings the children attend are developing well as the childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of sharing information and good practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop understanding of safeguarding; with specific regard to implementing the procedure effectively  obtain written parental permission for all children to take part in outings  develop further the use of observation and assessment to inform specific planning for the next steps in individual children's developmental progress and ensure that this links to all areas of learning.

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provision

Most documentation required for the efficient running of the setting is in place. Safeguarding procedures are sound as the childminder understands what to record This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and who to report any concerns to. However, she is not confident in knowing the methods in which she should gather information in these situations. The childminder is secure in knowing who to contact should an allegation be made against her. Safety procedures around the childminder’s home are robust as written risk assessments are completed for both indoor and outdoor areas and daily checks are undertaken. Children’s safety is further protected as all outings are thoroughly risk assessed and children are helped to develop safe practices both in the home and when walking to and from nursery. Parents are kept well informed, as a range of relevant information is displayed and they are offered the

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provision

opportunity to read through the childminder's policies. All medication, accident and incident records are accurately maintained, supported by strong procedures that are followed by the childminder to ensure children’ welfare is promoted. Children’s records contain most of the required information but some do not have parental consent to take children on outings.

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provision

The childminder has begun to assess her setting, using comments from parents to inform her practice. The use of evaluation to identify her strengths and areas for improvement is developing and includes some planning for future development. The childminder's commitment to improving is supported through the many training courses she has attended that include; speech and language therapy, vision impairment, keys to inclusion and raising boy’s achievements. The childminder is proactive in her approach to improving and has further plans to update her existing knowledge and skills. She is a member of the Stafford childminding network and meets regularly to share information and good practice. The childminders' approach to inclusion is positive, with first hand experience that helps support parents who may have a child with a specific need. She is aware of the processes involved if she were to identify a child with a learning or

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provision

development need and has systems in place to ensure all involved are well informed. All children and parents are fully included, and children are encouraged to value and respect each other and those around them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s welfare is well supported as they enjoy a healthy diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder prepares home cooked meals and snacks that the children enjoy as they socialise around the table, discussing their day. Their health and well-being is further supported as the children and childminder follow good routines that help them learn about personal hygiene and safety. They are able to exit the home as they practise the fire drill regularly, with records of which exit they used and how quickly they left. Children’s behaviour is closely monitored, with explanation from the childminder as to why they should share and play nicely. They enjoy helping to tidy away before snacks and are respectful of the childminder’s warm and welcoming home. Children are confident and self- assured, trying things for themselves before seeking help. The childminder acts as a good role model as she sits with them whilst they are eating, encouraging their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

social skills as they chat and help each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Planning for children's next steps in their learning is themed around a specific area, such as, the seasons, festivals and celebrations and people who helps us. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder ensures that planning is flexible depending on the children’s interests. However, the planning refers to children as a group and is not specifically tailored to individual children. She carries out observations using various methods, such as, written notes on what the children have learned and photographs that show the process and end result. Observations are detailed and evaluative, with some next steps predicted. However, these are inconsistent and not always specific to the children’s individual needs or clearly related to the early learning goals. Children take part in a variety of activities that include baking, craft and puzzles. They are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

able to relax as they watch television and enjoy playing outdoors either in the garden or at the playgroup.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

They learn about the world around them as talk about people who help us such as; nurses, police and the fire service. Children understand that doctors and nurses help people to get better and that both men and women can do these roles. Children’s understanding of gender and equality is promoted at a level for them to understand as they learn about important figures as well as enjoying all resources and celebrations that further underpin their understanding. Opportunities for children to develop their problem solving skills and thinking skills are promoted as the childminder encourages concepts that are new to them or that require thought. She helps them manipulate the position of the puzzle pieces and allows them to find out where it fits and what parts of the picture matches with others. Their language skills are extended as conversation is abundant, with encouragement from the childminder to ask questions, follow instructions and offer some

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

alternatives. Generally the childminder supports children’s development well as she uses open ended questions that stretch children’s minds. She changes resources to suit the needs of the children but is not confident at identifying other ways in which children’s development can be challenged further. Children play happily alongside each other as they press the horn on the driving game, steering the wheel as they make the noises of the engine. Children press buttons and pull levers to act out their roles. They use a variety of electronic toys to develop knowledge of current technology. Older children mix with the younger children, negotiating their play and organising their games so all are involved. 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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