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 EY312075 Inspection date 05/03/2009 Inspector Jennie Lenton

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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 2005. She lives in Leek, Staffordshire with her partner and their two sons aged 11 and four years. The whole of the house is available for childminding and there is a garden to both the front and rear of the property for outside play. Access to the home is via some steps and a steep pathway. Bathroom facilities are on the first floor of the property.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of four children under the age of eight may attend at any one time. Currently, there are two children on roll, both of whom are in the early years age range.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and comfortable in the warm and welcoming home. Their learning and development is promoted through a range of age-appropriate activities. Most required policies and procedures are in place to ensure their well-being. Self-evaluation is used to ensure that standards are maintained, but the childminder has not identified ways to promote future improvement. The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met and provides an inclusive setting where all children are treated with equal concern.

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further?

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

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further?

 match observations of children's behaviour to the expectations of the early learning goals  develop planning to show how children's next steps are used to inform future activities  develop the use of self-evaluation to identify strengths and weaknesses in practice and to promote continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement an effective safeguarding policy which includes the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of the household and ensure this is in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board guidance and procedures (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 02/04/2009  carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 02/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has developed her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has attended some training relating to the welfare requirements. As a result, she demonstrates a suitable understanding of how to support children's learning and development. Most documentation is of a good standard. For example, there is a clear written complaints procedure in place which ensures parents are clear about how to raise any concerns.

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provision

Safeguarding responsibilities are generally well understood. The childminder is clear about the signs and symptoms that indicate abuse and knows how to report concerns. However, she does not have up-to-date contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board and is not aware of the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against her or a member of her household. Children's safety is appropriately prioritised within the home. The childminder undertakes regular checks to ensure that the environment is safe and suitable for use and specialised equipment such as a safety gate and a fireguard is in place to protect children from hazards. Children are also suitably protected on outings. The childminder takes contact details and a first aid kit on outings and ensures children learn to walk safely near the road. However, she has not completed a risk assessment for each outing.

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provision

A full contract and registration form for each child attending the setting is in place. The childminder obtains details about children's individual needs and ensures she has contact details and other essential information to promote children's well- being. Parents are also very well-informed as to the care provided. They are able to read all the childminder's policies and contracts are updated regularly to ensure that any changes are promptly recorded. A daily diary is also provided to inform parents about their children's progress and development throughout the day.

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provision

The childminder has undertaken some self-evaluation of her provision in order to ensure that she is meeting the required standards. However, strengths and weaknesses of the setting have not been fully identified and the childminder has not considered ways to further improve the quality of care. All recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed. For instance, the childminder has obtained parental consent for children to receive emergency medical advice or treatment and has improved the security of the home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children bring packed lunches and healthy snacks from home. The childminder reminds them to wash their hands before eating and after visiting the toilet to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. Sick and infectious children are excluded from the home to maintain the health of all. There are daily opportunities for physical activity, as the childminder regularly visits local parks and takes children for walks in the area. This helps to promote a healthy lifestyle. Suitable procedures are in place should children become ill or have an accident and the childminder has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 maintained her first aid qualification to ensure she is able to treat children appropriately. Children also learn about staying safe. For instance, they take part in the fire evacuation drill which helps them learn to respond to instruction quickly.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of the six areas of learning and provides a range of suitable activities to engage and stimulate children. Great fun is had as they play with 'moon sand', filling up toy tractors and trailers and making different shapes with plastic moulds. Train sets, dolls, books and puzzles are also enjoyed as children help themselves to the range of resources set out in the home. They also enjoy going on outings to the local supermarket, where they help the childminder to select fruit and other items, discussing the size and texture of the produce they choose. The childminder responds positively to children's interests and provides activities that will build on their personal preferences. For example, she takes them out to see a car wash as they display a high level of interest in cars and other vehicles or talks to them about the different species of bird as they watch them in the garden. Consequently, children are content and settled as the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

play opportunities on offer reflect their individual characters. Children's achievements are recorded in daily diaries and the childminder is developing her skills in observation and assessment. She is not linking children's achievements to the expectation of the early learning goals or feeding children's next steps into planning. Consequently, progress is not fully extended.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is clear about how to manage children's behaviour safely and with regard to their self-esteem. Unwanted behaviour is swiftly dealt with by distraction or reasoning. Children are reminded to share and to play together nicely. Positive actions are rewarded with praise and encouragement. As a result, children behave well and generally play together harmoniously. Their social skills are further extended as the childminder takes them to toddler groups where they have the opportunity to interact with other children and develop confidence within a group setting. 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? 3 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? 3 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

 implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse or neglect and share this with parents (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 02/04/2009

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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 Childcare Register section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 02/04/2009 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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