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 209455 Inspection date 21/01/2009 Inspector Christine Holmes

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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 1998. She lives with her partner and two children aged 14 and 17 years in a residential area in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The whole ground floor is used for childminding.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently six children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children attend on a full and part-time basis. The childminder also provides care for one child aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language. The premises is accessed via a step into the hall. The childminder has a recognised childcare qualification and she is a member of the National Childminding Association. She attends the local toddler group on a regular basis and uses her car to transport children.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from their time with the childminder because she provides a high standard of care and she supports their learning and development well. Her practice is inclusive so children's individual needs are met in all respects. She has carried out a detailed self-evaluation of her provision and has identified a number of future improvements that will enhance children's experiences. She works closely with parents and she is beginning to develop links with some other EYFS providers who share the care of her children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the opportunities for partnership working where children receive care and education in more than one setting  continue to develop systems in order to match children’s achievements to the expectations of the EYFS so that they make as much progress towards the early learning goals as possible  draw on the full range of quality improvement tools that are available to implement the EYFS.

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provision

Children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to making ongoing improvements to her provision. She has met the recommendations made at the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 last inspection to make improvements to some of her documentation and records to fully promote children’s health and safety. She has carried out a detailed self- evaluation that identifies her many strengths and also sets out areas for future development which ensures outcomes for children are continually improving. The childminder attends training events to update and improve her knowledge, although she is not yet drawing on the full range of quality improvement tools that are available to her to implement the EYFS.

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provision

Children benefit greatly from the childminder's knowledge and understanding of how children learn and how she can help this process. The quality of her interactions enhances children’s experiences and learning. The good emphasis she gives to providing children with an inclusive environment further supports their learning, independence and confidence. The childminder knows the children well and she uses this knowledge well to provide children with challenge and stimulation in order to learn more. Children are able to continue their learning at home because the childminder provides parents with daily written and verbal information about what their children have been doing and learning. However, the current systems to match children’s achievements to the expectations of the EYFS in order to support them to make as much progress as they can towards the early learning goals is not yet fully effective. Whilst children who are attending more

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provision

than one setting are beginning to enjoy continuity in some of their learning strong enough links have not yet been made to fully support his.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding issues including the possible symptoms of abuse and the action she should take if she has concerns about children in her care. The childminder has carried out detailed written risk assessments of the home and of any outings. As a result, children are kept safe and secure at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder has a firm understanding of how to extend individual children's learning through their play. She pays much attention to supporting children in their own chosen activity acting as a role model and showing much interest and enthusiasm for what the children are doing. For example, whilst children play imaginatively with the 'iron' and 'ironing board' the childminder is on hand to encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings and to link the play with real life experience which helps them to make sense of the world around them and helps to support their communication skills. She encourages them to take an interest and become familiar with the simple technology of the toy iron and take part in simple problem-solving activities. Children receive much praise at their achievement which supports their self-esteem and their eagerness to try new

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

experiences and become active learners and critical thinkers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop their creativity because the childminder provides a range of craft materials which children use to produce their own work. Their interest in colour is promoted well through a ‘colour table’ which children proudly contribute to throughout the day. The childminder makes good use of everyday routines to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 support children's interest in number. For example, children count out the hamster treats and the number of items they put into the recycling box.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave very well. The childminder is a good role model in helping children to learn good manners and to share toys. They learn to consider each other and to care for the pet hamster. Children develop a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. They learn good hygiene routines. They have plenty of fresh air and exercise as they walk to nursery and the childminder uses these occasions to help them develop their understanding of road safety. 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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