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

p.1

Unique reference number 204622 Inspection date 24/04/2009 Inspector Janette Elizabeth Owen

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and four adult sons in the village of South Littleton near Evesham close to local schools, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range when working alone; and a maximum of six children in the early years age range when working with another registered childminder. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the local childminding group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The partnerships with parents and others are highly effective, this reinforces consistency of care and ensures continued awareness of children’s individual needs. The childminder effectively uses information provided by parents to ensure she is able to meet the individual needs of the children. All children enjoy access to a broad range of interesting, age-appropriate and enjoyable experiences which help them to make good developmental progress given their starting points. Arrangements to promote children's welfare are implemented effectively in a caring, homely and secure environment. The childminder has carried out an effective self-evaluation of the provision resulting in identified steps to be taken to improve outcomes for all children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further knowledge and understanding of how children who are disabled or have special education needs will be included and supported, and how reasonable adjustments will be made for them.

p.3

provision

The childminder demonstrates through her practice a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She makes effective use of the Statutory Framework and guidance materials to plan and teach the educational programme. This results in children making good progress given their starting points. Systems This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for planning and conducting observations and assessments of children's achievements are well-organised enabling the childminder to use individualised learning plans based on children's interests and stage of development. Children's development folders provide evidence of each child's stage of development and how the childminder intends to build on what children already know and any areas for development.

p.3

provision

All records, written policies and procedures are maintained appropriately and used to ensure the welfare requirements are met and children's welfare protected. Children are cared for in a homely environment which is safe and secure. Regular risk assessments and daily checks are carried out to ensure there are no risks to children's health or safety. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and implements good hygiene procedures to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Arrangements for administering medication when required are sound; this means children's good health is promoted well. The childminder follows Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines and continues to update her knowledge of safeguarding procedures through training. All household members are checked for suitability to have contact with children, this helps ensure children are safe from harm or neglect.

p.4

provision

The partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. Very well-established procedures for ensuring a good two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents enables the childminder to provide a high level of care which is based on parents' wishes and expectations for their child's care. Arrangements to share children's development records with the local nursery also attended enables knowledge and expertise to be shared and a consistent approach used to enable children to make good developmental progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder bases care routines and the programme for learning and development around information provided by parents and ongoing observations. Information on the children's day is shared through a daily diary and more in depth information on their progress and achievements is recorded in their progress file and shared regularly. This enables parents to comment or discuss any

p.4

provision

The childminder uses the views of parents to help her identify the strengths of the provision and any areas for improvement. The childminder reflects on how she can improve outcomes for children and an effective self-evaluation documents show that many areas identified for improvement have already been addressed. Through her self-evaluation, the childminder has identified a need to further develop her knowledge of special education needs (SEN) to enable her to fully understand the needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder organises her childminding so that children are able to learn and develop in an environment where their individual needs are understood and they receive a high level of care. Children settle well and form secure attachments to the childminder who is caring and supportive. Daily routines in relation to sleep and meals are followed. Children are developing a sense of belonging where their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 physical and emotional needs are met well. Children enjoy activities indoors and outdoors where they can be physically active, develop their co-ordination and agility. They learn about healthy diet and the importance of good hygiene routines. Safety is well-managed and planned activities such as learning about the green cross code and danger near water, alongside daily routines such as tidying away toys so they do not cause a hazard are used to raise children's awareness of

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The premises indoors and outdoors allow children to be self-reliant, make choices about what they play with and develop their independence. Low level storage boxes and developmentally appropriate toys and equipment mean that children can play safely with toys they choose for themselves. The childminder makes sure children can play safely, placing babies to play with toys around them with cushions to stop them rolling over until they are developmentally ready to sit unaided. Treasure baskets with stimulating objects capture the interest of the babies, enabling them to use their senses to find out about the environment they are in. They are developing their co-ordination and dexterity as they grasp and manipulate the tactile objects picking them up and putting back into the box.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder helps children develop their language and conversational skills, talking to children, reading stories and encouraging children to talk about their own experiences. They use mark making materials during activities such as crafts and role play, learning to use writing materials for a purpose. Children's progress records show a progressing from random marks to recognisable letter formation. Table games and activities enable children to learn about numbers, shape and colours. Daily routines such as sorting, matching and counting cups and plates enable children to consolidate their understanding and demonstrate what they know.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children socialise with other children and take part in activities with children minded by the co-minder. Children are taught to play harmoniously and to learn right from wrong. Visual posters on behaviour reinforce house rules. Praise and encouragement reinforces children's confidence and self-esteem. Events and activities that raise children's awareness of communities are included in planned activities; children made Remembrance Day poppies and planted bulbs as part of a Marie Curie fund raising event. They learn about the wider world, other cultures and people through participating in activities to celebrate customs and religious events. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7