Cannock School

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 126803 Inspection date 20/02/2009 Inspector Patricia Mary Champion

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and four teenage children. They live in a house in a residential area within walking distance of schools and shops in Dartford, Kent. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. Access is via one small step into the house. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 in the early years age group. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and takes children on outings to the local parks.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The highly experienced childminder has a good working knowledge of each child and is committed to meeting their individual needs. Children take pleasure in the time they spend with the childminder as they enjoy many stimulating experiences that promote all aspects of their learning and development. Most of the essential documentation is in place to promote children’s welfare and safety. Self-evaluation is accurate and the childminder is committed to improving outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 encourage parents to review and contribute to their children's learning and development record.

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further?

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

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further?

 request parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 20/03/2009

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provision

The childminder provides a very warm, welcoming environment for the children in her care and has a good knowledge of how children learn and develop. Her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 practice is inclusive and she ensures that all children can participate fully. Children benefit because the childminder is well-organised and motivated in all aspects of her childminding. She is committed to her own ongoing professional development and uses reflective practice to help her identify how she can improve the work she does with children and families.

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provision

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder routinely checks the premises to ensure that potential hazards are removed or made inaccessible to children. Documentation is well-maintained with a high regard for confidentiality. Appropriate accident and medication records are kept and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. However, the childminder may not always be able to deal with all eventualities as she does not hold parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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provision

Children benefit from the friendly partnership with parents and carers. The childminder works closely with parents to understand children's needs and they are given copies of the policies from the outset so that they are fully aware of the service she provides. The childminder has implemented contracts and consent agreements relating to the business arrangements and children's care needs. Parents make very positive comments about the care provided. They appreciate how their children thrive in her care and value the way she combines calmness and gentleness with firmness and professionalism.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have fun as they enjoy a wide variety of play experiences and activities, both indoors and outside. Activities are provided to enhance children's future economic wellbeing through developing their problem solving, numeracy, and literacy skills. The childminder is knowledgeable about children's learning styles and what particularly interests them. Assessment is good; observations and evaluations of what children know and can do are effective and the information is used very well to challenge the children and to move them onto the next stage in their learning. The childminder compiles beautifully presented developmental records, however parents are not currently contributing to these by sharing what they know about their child's achievements at home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel very welcome because the childminder is proactive in ensuring that they can easily access resources and feel comfortable. Children can rest according to their own needs and arrangements allow them to sleep peacefully and undisturbed. A high priority is given to gathering personal information about each child's routines right from the start. The childminder ensures that she is fully aware of any allergies or special dietary requirements so that she meets individual needs. Children behave well because the childminder has effective strategies to ensure that children remember right from wrong and act responsibly. Interaction between the childminder and children is good. She fosters their developing communication skills by chatting with them all the time and supporting them as they find out that print carries meaning when they look at books together. 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

Outings and outdoor play are a major contribution to children's overall development. Children learn about the wider world when they meet people who speak different languages and prepare food from other countries, for example, when children watch sushi being made in a Japanese restaurant. They learn about the natural world and changing seasons when they feed the ducks, collect leaves or observe a frozen pond in very cold weather. 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 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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