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 209843 Inspection date 27/03/2009 Inspector Sally Ann Smith

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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 1992. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter aged 15 years in Stonnall. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog and a guinea pig

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for eight children who attend on a part- time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from local schools and attends a local toddler group on a regular basis. She walks to local shops and parks.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder implements effective procedures to ensure that children's welfare, learning and development is supported well. Good partnerships are established with parents to ensure that the needs of all children are met and they can fulfil their potential. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to enhance children's learning and maintain continuous improvement in all areas of her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further knowledge and understanding of how observations and assessments can be used to inform planning in order for children to achieve the early learning goals  develop further childern's awareness of languages and writing systems other than English and opportunities to see signs and labels that take into account children's different home backgrounds and cultures.

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provision

The childminder is developing strategies to evaluate her practice. She is aware of areas for improvement in order to provide a stimulating and fulfilling environment for children. These are clearly identified in the childminder's self-evaluation which is comprehensive and thorough. All recommendations from the previous inspection have been met and the childminder is very keen to ensure improvement is ongoing.

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provision

The childminder builds effective partnerships with parents so that the needs of all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children are met. Information is regularly shared and parents receive very comprehensive information regarding all aspects of their children's welfare and development. Policies and procedures clearly outline how children are kept safe and ensure the efficient management of the EYFS. Detailed written information is maintained to relay how children's play enhances their learning and development, and photographic evidence clearly demonstrates this.

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provision

Effective and ongoing risk assessments are in place to ensure children are safe. These cover aspects inside and outside the home so that any potential hazards to children can be minimised. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of safeguarding procedures. She is aware of the different types of abuse and her responsibility to report any concerns promptly to the relevant agencies.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time in the setting which is well-organised to provide a variety of different play and learning opportunities. Children are happily engaged in a range of planned and self-initiated activities, which they enjoy. Routines are planned so that individual children's needs and activities are adapted according to each child's abilities. The childminder regularly observes children whilst they play and records the information in development profiles. She is familiarising herself with the early learning goals so that all areas of children's learning and development are fully promoted. However, she does not as yet link her observations to planning .

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to become independent learners, developing their self- esteem and confidence. The childminder regularly praises and encourages the children, recognising their achievements and recording these to share with their parents. The childminder supports children well, listening attentively to what they say and asking appropriate questions to develop their thinking and promote dialogue. Children are encouraged to use their imagination, particularly in the art of story-telling. A three year old child recalls the story of 'The three little pigs' and uses voice intonation for the pigs and wolf. The toddler's imagination runs riot as the child talks about the mummy pig putting pepper on the wolf's nose which makes him 'burp and sneeze so that the piggies comed out of his mouth'. The childminder says 'Wow, what a great storyteller you are; so did the pigs live happily ever after?' to which the child responds 'No, that's not the end of the story;

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the policeman came and took the wolf away to prison and the three pigs and mummy were happy and they lived happily ever after. The end'. The theme is then continued as children make the pigs' houses, using building blocks to build a chimney for the wolf to clamber down.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder develops children's knowledge through daily practice. For example, children learn about spring and how it is the time for new growth so they observe buds and shoots on plants. They plant cress and sunflower seeds and are eager to see the sunflower grow. Children enjoy nature walks and use observation sheets to spot various bugs, insects, flowers and animals. They like digging in the garden for worms or trying to catch spiders which they then observe at close range. Babies and younger children are closely supervised by the childminder but This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 participate in all the activities available so that the learning environment is enjoyable for all. The childminder is very aware of children's different abilities and adapts activities accordingly. Children learn about healthy practises and staying safe through ongoing discussion and daily routines. Despite some children being

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

reluctant at times to wash their hands, they are gently reminded that this is so that they can eradicate germs. 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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