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 209384 Inspection date 22/01/2009 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 1995. She lives with her partner and their two children aged 11 years and eight years. They live in a house on the outskirts of Stafford within walking distance of shops and local parks. The childminder uses the whole of the downstairs of the property for childminding. Access to the property is via a step up into the large front hallway, with all areas downstairs on one level. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years, of these three children may be in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children’s welfare, learning and development are generally well supported whilst in the care of the childminder. The childminder has begun to identify the strengths and area for improvement within her service and has some plans for future development. She has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and uses this to provide a broad range of learning experiences for children. Key relationships are developing well as the childminder values parents input, sustaining secure relations and further developing those with other settings the children attend. Children's individuality is fostered well to ensure the needs of all children are valued and appropriately supported.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure routines to prevent the spread of infection are implemented consistently; with regard to washing younger children's hands before mealtimes  develop further understanding of the agencies that concerns should be referred to and the procedures to follow should any allegations be made.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 carry out a risk assessment for each type of outing and record when risk assessments for indoors have been checked (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 16/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has begun to assess her practice and has a good understanding of the strengths and areas for improving her service. The systems to formally monitor her provision are still developing. The childminder is committed to improving for the benefit of the children and has some plans for the future such as further training and developing her home to create a free flow from indoor to outdoor areas. The childminder has made satisfactory progress in addressing areas of improvement identified at the last inspection.

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provision

Children are sufficiently protected as the childminder has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow should she need to report any safeguarding concerns. However, her understanding of the steps she should take and the agencies that should be contacted should an allegation be made against her is not yet secure. All areas of the childminder’s home are safe and secure, with good procedures in place to ensure children are kept safe. Regular fire drills and explanation from the childminder about why these are carried out, help children to understand the dangers of fires and how to evacuate safely. Their safety is further promoted by robust procedures that ensure children are collected by correct adults and are monitored closely when playing at the park. Hazards on the premises are minimised as daily checks are undertaken and risk assessments include details of any action taken to address potential risks. However, these are not dated and risk

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provision

assessments are not carried out for outings such as, the daily walks to and from local schools. Areas of the home are clean and spacious, with resources laid out for children to access independently.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of sharing information and positive relationships exist between the childminder and parents. Relevant information relating to the childminders service is displayed and available for parents to take home. Parents report to be well informed because the childminder talks to them about what their child has done and informs them about their achievements. The childminder has taken some positive steps to enable her to work in partnership with other people caring for the children. She has made links with the local schools and supported children to settle into school or pre- school. Children's individuality is supported well because the childminder gathers relevant information about children's individual needs and promotes an environment where children learn to respect differences. Children confirm to their parents how happy they are at the childminder’s home, together with how much

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children receive a healthy diet whilst with the childminder as she ensures parents provide nutritious snacks and packed lunches that are stored appropriately. Children eat fresh vegetables and fruit, with access to fresh drinking water at all times. Their independence is strongly promoted as younger children feed themselves, with support and close supervision from the childminder. Good routines are generally followed but not all children wash their hands before eating. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children’s safety is supported as the childminder ensures they follow house rules, respecting her home and each other. They learn about road safety as they walk to and from school and pre-school, with reminders at home to pick up toys and to sit nicely whilst eating. Behaviour amongst the different ages of the children is well- managed as the childminder is proactive, ensuring children understand how their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

behaviour can impact on others. They are continuously encouraged to share and praised for their efforts no matter how small. Children are valued as individuals, with the childminder having secure knowledge of their abilities and their own personalities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Planning for the next steps in children's learning is in place and the childminder sets out certain activities she would like to cover in the week. These follow a theme which changes throughout the year and is flexible to the individual needs of the children. She plans for individual children, setting activities that cover most of the early learning goals. Her understanding of child development and the requirements under the EYFS enable her to provide valuable learning experiences for the children that keep them stimulated and help them progress. Observations are used to inform the childminder about what children are learning and the steps she needs to plan for in order to help them develop further.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a range of activities that are based around indoor and outdoor play. They enjoy many craft activities such as, playing with home made play dough, coloured to add visual stimulation for the younger children. Babies skilfully follow the instructions from the childminder, watching her closely as she shows them how to roll the dough into sausage shapes. They talk about size, shape and colour and count the number they have. The baby imitates the rolling action and the sounds of the words she is saying, lining them up and pointing to each one as they count to three. The childminder supports their learning through careful questioning, encouragement and demonstration which reinforces their learning. Older children learn about the world around them as they discuss the roles of doctors, fire officers and paramedics, with younger children being exposed to images in books and through dolls. Opportunities are optimised whilst they are out walking as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children enquire as to where the bottles go that are picked up by the recycle lorries. Children taste foods from different countries and celebrate many festivals that help them understand traditions and cultures. Opportunities for children to learn about current technology are provided through various resources that include push button toys and electronic games. Children are confident in their ability and ask questions to gain further understanding or to problem solve. Language is abundant in the setting as children socialise when they get back from school, talking about their day and catching up with friends. Babies babble away as they play, imitating sounds the childminder makes. They make the noises of the cows, pigs or dogs, giggling as they watch the childminder snap her hands like a crocodile’s mouth. Older children play name games where they match a word to a letter in the alphabet, thinking of more difficult words in order to score higher

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

points. All children join in the fun and learn to take turns, follow instructions and share, creating firm friendships that they value and respect. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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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.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 update the written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints to include the appropriate response timescale (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (This also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 16/03/2009

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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:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 16/03/2009 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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