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 EY379876 Inspection date 16/03/2009 Inspector Elaine Poulton

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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 was registered in 2008 and works with a co-childminder. She lives with her family in a property in Burntwood. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access is via a sloping driveway and one step up into the provision.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. This provision is registered with Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and she attends the local toddler group. She is currently completing a Level 3 early years qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall quality provided is good. The childminder is effective in promoting successful outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She uses her knowledge to ensure that all children benefit from a wide range of activities. Her planning mostly ensures that all children make good progress towards the early learning goals. Her policies and procedures help her to creates a safe, stimulating and welcoming environment which is inclusive to all children and their families. Self-evaluation methods have a suitable impact on the quality of care provided, with parents contributing to ideas for continuous improvement. She is in the early stages of developing links with other providers to ensure all children's specific needs are met.

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further?

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

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further?

 make more effective use of planning to ensure that younger children make the best possible progress toward the early learning goals with regard to their language development  develop further the systems for gathering information from parents with particular regards to identifying what children know and can do and the systems for sharing relevant information with other settings that children attend to ensure effective progression of their learning and development.

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provision

Children's care, safety and welfare are actively promoted because the childminder continues to update and extend her skills. She is currently working towards a Level This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 3 early years qualification and attends training to increase her understanding and awareness of child development and care.

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provision

Records, policies and procedures that support the childminder to promote positive outcomes for children are well maintained. Parents regularly provide updated, detailed information on their children's needs to enable the childminder to provide appropriate daily routines and learning that is tailored to each individual child. However, plans lack detail regarding early language development. The individual development records on the children are evolving well and are freely available to share with parents. However, they do not show what the children know and can do when they start with the childminder. Aspects of care and are shared both verbally and through written portfolios with parents together with daily diaries about routine activities children are engaged in each day. This contributes to parents becoming involved in their children's development and learning outside the setting.

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provision

Children's welfare is nurtured within the childminder's home. She has good procedures in place to safeguard children as she has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms to look for if she has any concerns about a child in her care. She has a clear understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board's contact details and procedures. Adults within the provision have undergone effective vetting procedures which ensure they are suitable to have regular contact children. Safety equipment is fitted in the home. For example, smoke detectors are fitted and in working order. Risk assessment records are in place to ensure the children are always safe inside, outside and when on outings. There is a good range of safety equipment is in place such as safety gates, plug socket covers and high- chair harnesses.

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provision

The childminder has developed appropriate systems to monitor and evaluate the provision. This is used to monitor continuous improvement. For example, she has compiled a hand written self-evaluation form on her service that states which procedures are under review and what future plans are in place. For example, to develop the outdoor play area. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their children's care and they complete ‘satisfaction’ questionnaires.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's welfare, learning and development well. Children are helped to learn how to keep themselves healthy because they have frequent opportunities for both physical and outdoor play activities. They routinely follow the good hygiene practices such as washing their hands before food and enjoying their nutritious healthy snacks and meals. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they are taught about safety through regular discussions on road safety during daily walks and are helped to use equipment safely. Play spaces are well planned to enable children to choose and participate in a good range of well organised activities that meet their play and development needs. There is a very good variety of resources and equipment available, stored in clear plastic containers in the playroom. Older children enjoy role-play activities, especially using the many dressing-up costumes. Younger children have very good

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

opportunities to explore and investigate a wide range of sensory resources in their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ‘treasure baskets’.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's self-esteem and well-being is fostered as the childminder sees the children as individuals. She adapts her activities for learning and care to take account of children's likes and dislikes as discussed with their parents. Although partnerships in the wider context are not fully developed. Children are able to independently access a versatile range of toys, games and equipment to help them make good progress as they learn to share and play companionably together. Early numeric skills develop well as they practise counting numbers and identify and name shapes found in their books and jigsaws. Children listen attentively and enjoy sitting with the childminder as she reads their favourite story books to them. This positive interaction supports children's concentration skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing an understanding of the wider world through taking part in activities such as when playing with the 'small world' resources and figures representing minority groups. They discover the natural world both inside and outside the home on frequent walks and by growing plants in the garden. Children visit local pre-school groups to interact with other children and develop their social skills. The childminder makes observations and assessments to show progress in the children's learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder regularly praises and congratulates the children on their progress and achievements to develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children react positively to the childminder's high expectations for good behaviour this in turn reinforces good behaviour. 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? 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? 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: 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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