Childminder in Dudley

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 EY378730 Inspection date 20/04/2009 Inspector Anne Felicity Taylor

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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 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. She lives with her partner and child, aged 10 years, in the Withymoor Village area of Brierley Hill. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with access to the upstairs bathroom. There is a step into the front porch. There is an enclosed back garden available for outdoor play. The family has a cat and two guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to providing a service to meet individual learning and care needs, and has strong relationships with parents. She has begun to build some links with other early years settings. Children develop an awareness of difference and learn to respect others because the childminder is a good role model. Alongside the books and equipment that reflect positive images of wider society, this effectively promotes the inclusive service she offers. Some self-evaluation systems are in place, enabling the childminder to respond to any changes and adaptations needed in her childminding service.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop additional procedures for observation and assessment, and the links with other settings children attend, in order to identify learning priorities  broaden procedures to evaluate the care and learning offered.

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provision

The childminder has developed many written policies and procedures to support her childminding practice. Theses include written risk assessments and daily checks, ensuring that children are cared for in a safe and clean environment, for example, procedures to clean and safety-check toys and equipment. Well- maintained registers, and accident and medication recording, demonstrate that the childminder completes all the required documentation for the safe management of her provision. She has confidence in her understanding of child protection issues and a good understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding safeguarding, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and therefore, children are kept safe.

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provision

The childminder has completed all the required training following her registration, including first aid. She is keen to develop her knowledge and understanding of caring for young children, and is completing some short courses. This means that the children are cared for by someone who is up-to-date with current developments in early years. The childminder builds strong relationships with parents, which benefit the care and development of each child. They discuss individual needs and chat daily about events and achievements, which means that all needs can be met. Parents have easy access to all information about the provision and about their own child, and therefore, parents have confidence in the service offered. The childminder has begun to build links with other early years provisions that the children she cares for attend. These links are weak at present, which may impact on the progress children make.

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provision

The childminder liaises closely with parents and other professional workers to address any specific requirements for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. All children have access to, and are encouraged to take part in, all the activities available. Appropriate toys and books encourage the children to have a positive attitude to different cultures and traditions.

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provision

The childminder has begun to evaluate the service she offers. This evaluation is limited at present, which impacts on improvement. She always tries to respond positively to requests made by parents and children, ensuring parents feel involved in their child's care, and that children feel valued.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's home is a child-friendly environment with clear play space and easy access to the garden. A good variety of resources and toys are in place for the children, including lots of outdoor play equipment, for example, a slide and wheeled toys. The children's health benefits because procedures are in place to change nappies regularly, keeping babies clean and comfortable, and older children develop good hygiene routines as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before lunch. All the required paperwork is in place should children have an accident or become ill, for example, emergency contact numbers, and therefore, children are cared for well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has developed some observation and assessments procedures, which means that she can plan for individual children. However, these are not yet detailed, which may impact on the effectiveness of the planning, and therefore on the children's progress. The childminder provides a variety of play to meet each child's individual needs, for example, garden play after pre-school. Children are offered lots of choice, including adult and child-led activities, and they appreciate the support offered by the childminder to complete a complicated puzzle. Imaginative play is an important element in the children's learning and they enjoy using 'telephones to talk to Mummy', and 'going to the shop to get the paper'. The childminder develops these opportunities well to discuss money and introduce some simple sums. Creative activities develop the children's interest in colour and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

texture, and raises their awareness of different festivals, for example, making masks and chicks for Easter. Children are encouraged to share and to be kind and considerate as they play alongside friends, and learn to respect toys and equipment as they help to tidy up.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health benefits from opportunities for regular outdoor play, walks and healthy eating. The childminder provides all meals and snacks, including weaning foods for babies. Food storage temperatures are monitored and good food safety procedures are followed. Children enjoy a sandwich and cucumber stick lunch, having fun counting the vegetable sticks and doing some simple sums as they eat. Healthy eating posters consolidate the children's awareness. Fire safety procedures and equipment are in place, and evacuation procedures are discussed with older children. This means that children develop an understanding of keeping themselves safe. Road safety is practised as the children walk to and from pre- school. Therefore, children are kept safe. 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? 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? 3 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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