Crow Wendy Fay

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 504563 Inspection date 18/02/2009 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and adult son in Northfield, Birmingham. Children have access to the playroom, kitchen, garage and downstairs toilet. The childminder's home is accessible via a step at the front entrance. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has a cat, fish and a rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for six children. The childminder is currently minding nine children on a full-time and part- time basis, three of whom are within the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. She has achieved Level three of the 'Quality First' scheme. The childminder is a member of the 'Children Come First' network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children's individuality is valued by this caring, dedicated childminder. Documentation is accurately completed to ensure children's safety and well-being. The childminder has conducted a good, thorough, honest appraisal of her strengths and areas for future improvement. The childminder has made a positive start in implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with regard to the welfare requirements, planning, and assessment and Self-evaluation systems.

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further?

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

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further?

 consolidate assessment systems in order to plan the next steps in children's progress and regularly review this approach.

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provision

Children enjoy playing in this safe and supportive environment. Regular safety checks and risk assessments are undertaken and recorded, ensuring potential hazards to children both indoors and on outings are minimised. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to protect children in her care. For example, she has attended training on safeguarding and is fully aware of reporting procedures. Vetting procedures include provision for checking Criminal Records Bureau checks and a visitor's book is maintained. Effective systems are in place to ascertain information This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 pertinent to children's progress, health and safety. Good communication with parents/carers is fostered. For example, detailed information relating to her childminding business being is displayed including an EYFS poster to help

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provision

parents/carers understands the current framework. Children's record cards include details about routines and specific dietary needs, ensuring their individual needs are catered for. Children are encouraged to develop a healthy respect for each other's differences and to value everyone as an individual. For example, older children are encouraged to be patient and tolerant whilst playing with younger children.

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provision

Children benefit from being cared by an experienced childminder who makes good use of space and resources ensuring children can initiate and direct their own play. The childminder is fully committed to updating her knowledge and skills through further training. For example, she holds an up-to date first aid certificate and has a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in care, learning and development. The childminder has given good consideration to evaluating her practice by ascertaining children’s views via questionnaires, which reflect positive comments about their experiences at the childminder's. The childminder is experienced in developing links with parents/carers and other settings to ensure good communication is fostered and children's individual progress is effectively monitored. Her portfolio includes positive reference and thank-you cards from previous service users, happy with the level of care and education their children received.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy varied learning experiences and opportunities to help them make good progress within the EYFS. Activities are carefully planned to cover a variety of challenging experiences based on children's individual interests. Effective planning and assessment arrangements ensure children's starting points and progress is clearly recorded. For example, the childminder collates evidence of children's activities and progress in a scrap book. However, these systems are yet to be consolidated and evaluated to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered. The childminder uses her knowledge and experience to plan and provide a challenging range of activities making good use of space and resources. The childminder demonstrates a very positive attitude to inclusion. For example, additional learning needs are identified without delay and the childminder liaises with specialist professionals to ensure children receive appropriate support.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning about other cultures and the wider world through story boards, puzzles and books that reflect positive images.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's sense of right and wrong is developed because the childminder sensitively handles challenging behaviour using skills she has developed from behaviour management training. Children settle very well at this homely setting and clearly develop good, trusting relationships with each other and the childminder. Babies vocalise by babbling and squealing, demonstrating they are happy and settled. Children demonstrate mathematical and thinking skills as they discuss how they will decorate biscuits using icing and sprinkles and what patterns they will make. Babies investigate how things work whilst playing with a garage, trying different ways to turn the handles. Children use different materials for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 printing, including bubble wrap when making snow pictures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Information is exchanged on a daily basis with parents/carers and their views are sought via questionnaires. Children's health is promoted because the childminder has developed good procedures to gather information from parents regarding children's medical needs and allergies. The childminder is a qualified first aider and has an accessible medical box in the event of an accident of emergency. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety. For example, older children talk about small toys potentially posing a choking hazard to babies. Food and drink is properly prepared because the childminder has completed food hygiene training and as a result, children are provided with sufficient, nutritious snacks and meals, including pasta and stews. Children's physical development is encouraged through use of the outdoor environment and visits to the local park. 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? 1 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? 1 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 registration.

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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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