Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

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 224598 Inspection date 12/03/2009 Inspector Sue Anslow

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 1990. She lives with her husband and adult son in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. The whole of the ground floor, plus the first floor bathroom, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed outside play space to the front and rear of the property. The family have a dog and a cat.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years. She also offers care to children over five years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from local schools and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall quality of the provision is good. The childminder's knowledge of each child and her high level of commitment to them ensures that their welfare and learning are very well supported. The uniqueness of each child is valued and the childminder works closely with parents to promote consistent and appropriate care and management. Children are introduced to the wider world around them through diverse play experiences and an inclusive and welcoming service is provided. The childminder evaluates her day-to-day practice, building on her strengths and highlighting areas for improvement. In this way the children's welfare and development are consistently prioritised.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 extend communication with parents and other professionals so that everyone works together to identify whatever is necessary for each child to ensure continuity in their learning  improve hygiene arrangements when serving snacks

p.3

provision

The childminder organises her daily routines and play resources very effectively to include and safeguard each child. Space is available for children to play together or separately. The hallway and kitchen are decorated with children's artwork and posters, which provide a warm welcome for children and their families. Toys and play equipment are organised well on low shelving and in boxes on the floor, enabling children to make free choices. Children can also get ideas from a file of photographs of all the games and equipment stored in the outside store shed. In this way the childminder very effectively promotes children's early independence This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and initiative. Children are kept safe and secure in the clean, well maintained home and outside play space. They learn how to cross roads safely and evacuate the house quickly, through regular practices with the childminder. Written check lists

p.3

provision

remind the childminder to check doors and windows are locked appropriately and such things as smoke alarms are tested regularly. Excellent procedures are in place to keep children safe on outings and the childminder wears a badge with emergency contact details on, at all times.

p.4

provision

The childminder takes effective steps to continuously improve her practice following inspections and has successfully implemented the recommendations made at the last inspection. She continues to access relevant training courses to update her knowledge and skills and meets regularly with other childminders and the Sure Start advisor for information and support. A full set of written policies and procedures governing the childcare practice are shared with parents and any concerns are dealt with immediately. The childminder has completed a detailed self evaluation form in order to highlight her strengths and record any areas for improvement. She takes and collects children from local schools, occasionally seeing the teaching staff. Messages are passed between home and school and the childminder keeps herself informed by reading the school newsletters. However, more detailed discussions between the childminder and the teachers does not take

p.4

provision

place, thus hindering continuity of children's learning and development.

p.4

provision

Links with parents are open, warm and successful in promoting the integrated care and education of the children attending. During settling-in times, the childminder explains about her childcare service and gains information from parents about their children's daily routines, likes and dislikes and any concerns they may have. The childminder observes children's development closely and records any notable achievements or comments made by children as they play. In this way the childminder is able to demonstrate what children are learning through the various activities and keep parents informed of their children's progress and development. Parents are consulted, both verbally and through questionnaires, about all aspects of their children's care and routine. The childminder aims to involve parents as much as possible in their children's learning and development, although their general stages of development in different areas, are not sought before they start.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports children's learning and development with skill and commitment so that they are making very good progress towards all the early learning goals. Children are happy, settled and eager to participate in the many and varied activities. Their independence is encouraged and fostered as they choose what they want to play with or help put away the cars, ready for the next game. The childminder chats constantly to all the minded children to encourage conversation. She asks appropriate questions to make them think, for example, 'who is that in the photograph with you' and 'who can find me an egg'. As a result, children are making very good progress in their communication and language and are beginning to work things out for themselves. These areas are key features that will contribute to their future economic well-being as well as their enjoyment and achievement at present. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a varied and stimulating play environment and activities which are conducive to learning and enjoyment. Children enjoy a balance of indoor and outdoor play, along with outings to local toddler groups and other play facilities. In this way children develop their social interaction with other adults and children, as well as enhancing their physical skills in larger play spaces. Children learn about the local community as well as the wider world through watching the changing seasons in the surrounding countryside and counting all the red cars on their way to school. They enjoy feeding the ducks in the park and know they must be gentle when stroking the childminder's dog. Activities are based on the children's interests or specific requests, for example, pictures of favourite television or cartoon characters are provided for colouring in. Young children love looking at photographs of their family members and different activities they have done at the

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

toddler groups. This promotes children's sense of time and past events and the relationship between home and being with the childminder. Creative development is promoted very well, with a range of different materials to enhance children's experiences. They particularly love water play, pouring water from one container to another or blowing bubbles through a straw. Art and craft materials are available at all times and children thoroughly enjoy filling empty bottles with dry pasta shapes in order to make noisy shakers. The provision of these interesting and informative activities promotes children's development in all areas, resulting in enthusiastic, creative and well behaved children who play together very well.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder assures children's safety and well-being because she is vigilant, attentive and talks to children about how to stay safe and healthy through the routines of the day. Freshly prepared, healthy meals and snacks are provided each day and children have constant access to drinks. Children normally follow good hygiene procedures to ensure risks of contamination are minimised. However, on the day of inspection, young toddlers were given whole peeled bananas in their hands to eat without a plate to rest on. Appropriate activities for each age group are planned and provided according to each child's interests and abilities. Children have fun making tea for the childminder with the kitchen set and play food, or seeing how many cars they can fit on the roof of the garage. Their physical development is promoted through walks to and from school every day and lots of outdoor activities in the garden. They enjoy music and singing,

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

accompanying themselves with the musical instruments and their home made shakers. The childminder helps children learn new skills through every day activities, for example, recognising shapes and colours in picture books and wall displays or counting the numbers on the stairs. This balance of activities in the daily routine, both indoors and outdoors, ensures children progress towards the early learning goals with enthusiasm and enjoyment. 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 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