Childminder in Shropshire

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 EY101908 Inspection date 18/02/2009 Inspector Juliette Jennings

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 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.

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

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 2002. He lives with his wife who is also a registered childminder at the same address and their two adult children in the town of Shrewsbury, in Shropshire, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder’s home is registered for childminding, though the downstairs generally is used, as well as the dedicated play room in the garden. The family have a dog, rabbits, guinea-pigs and a tortoise as pets. There is a good sized garden available for outdoor play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, or 12 when working with another childminder or an assistant and is currently minding five children under five years. He also offers care to children aged over five years to 14 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several childminding groups and other activities on a regular basis. He 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. There are also some areas of outstanding practice. The childminder works closely with his co-childminder to maintain strong and effective partnership with parents so that the individual needs of all children are fully supported in this inclusive environment. A secure awareness of safety issues means that children are cared for in a safe environment which is continually assessed to ensure any risks are dealt with promptly. Detailed systems, policies and procedures are implemented to ensure that children can progress and develop securely in a homely space which promotes child-initiated learning. The childminder works closely with his co-childminder to ensure that a consistently strong, caring and exciting learning space is provided where children's individual care and welfare needs are sensitively met.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further the systems for ongoing observations and assessments in order to plan for children's ongoing progress towards the early learning goals consolidate the systems for self-evalauation in order to continue to improve the very good outcomes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder maintains a strong partnership with his co-childminder in order to support children well and to deliver an inclusive, supportive and caring service for children and their families. Effective and strong systems for partnerships with parents ensure a consistent care approach and this is an outstanding aspect of the childminding service. Parents know about what their children have been doing because they have access to diaries, notice boards, photographs and extensive policies and procedures, as well as daily verbal feedback and discussions, to support consistency of care for all children. In addition, effective links with outside agencies and professionals, as well as the excellent partnership between both childminders, ensures that the individual needs of all children attending are fully met.

p.4

provision

Children are enabled to explore, investigate and develop their play in a secure and safe environment because thorough systems are implemented to support this. Daily visual safety checks, in addition to the completion of written daily, weekly and annual risk assessments for the home and for outings means that children are cared for safely. Security is good and children are supervised very well at all times. There were no safety issues raised at the time of the inspection. The childminder benefits from his co-childminders extensive experience in relation to safeguarding and this means that systems are implemented effectively which ensure that any issues can be promptly addressed. Detailed procedures and strong links with external agencies through his work as a network childminder help to enhance this aspect of the provision.

p.4

provision

The childminder maintains and updates his knowledge of childcare issues through reading, research and extensive discussions with his co-childminder, who is proactive in accessing training. Ideas are discussed and implemented so that the setting can continue to provide strong outcomes for children. Systems for self- evaluation continue to develop, although both childminders are good at recognising and acting upon any areas highlighted for improvement. In particular, an area for ongoing improvement is in relation to the systems for ongoing assessment and planning for the future progress of individual children towards the early learning goals.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy a relaxed, exciting, interesting and colourful learning space where they are confident and sensitively supported to engage in child- initiated play opportunities. They spend a considerable period of time colouring fairy and princess pictures and face-painting in the garden, with positive interaction and support from the childminder to extend and support concepts of colour, turn-taking and counting. Children listen with interest as the childminder explains where a drink of water goes once it has been drunk by the children. They make marks with a variety of resources such as pencils and crayons and enjoy looking at favourite books quietly on the sofa. The childminder encourages a respectful and family orientated environment and supports all children in a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 capable, relaxed and caring manner.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to become independent and develop their self-esteem and confidence because they are supported to make decisions about what they want to do and play with. They have access to a wide range of suitable resources and activities which enables them to become aware of the wider world around them. For example, resources which promote positive images of diversity are readily available within the toys, pictures and posters that are displayed and adult- led activities look at festivals and other significant events. In addition, the very close partnership with parents and other professionals ensures that children's individual needs and routines are fully accommodated within this well-organised childminding space.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with activities and resources which interest the children, whilst helping with their development and progress towards the early learning goals. There is some scope for improvement within the systems for providing planned activities using individual assessments and making clear links to the development matters stages in the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure all children continue to make progress towards the early learning goals.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder organises the environment well so that children are able to choose what they wish to play with within a homely, caring and relaxed environment. Colourful toys and resources are available at low-level within the designated play room and children are able to access their favourite activities as and when they wish to. They are able to enjoy a quieter time in other parts of the house if they wish and often spend considerable time in the garden.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals. Parents can provide packed lunches, which they enjoy in a social time, chatting about what they like and do not like or about issues that are important to them. Children are able to take a drink when they wish as they are provided with individual, age-appropriate cups whilst younger children are reminded to take a drink frequently. Records and documentation are maintained to ensure children's health needs are met. Children enjoy extensive opportunities to access the outdoor area and other outdoor activities. They enjoy visiting local play areas and countryside walks and take trips to the coast of to local nature reserves. 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? 1 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? 1 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: Not Met (with actions)

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 obtain qualification at a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to childcare, or access training in the core skills as set out in the document ‘common core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce (Qualifications and training) 31/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8