Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

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 EY345388 Inspection date 08/04/2009 Inspector Jayne Rooke

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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 2006. She lives with her partner and child aged 15 months in a residential area of Longton Stoke-On-Trent. There are shops and schools within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor is used for childminding. Children are taken on local outings to the park and other local community venues including a local carer and toddler group. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and pre-school.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. There is currently one child attending who is within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language. There is level access to the ground floor of the premises and the toilet is accessible on the ground floor. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall judgement for the provision is good. The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The developing system of observation, assessment and planning ensures that all children enjoy their time in her home and make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder creates an inclusive and welcoming environment so that all children benefit from the provision. She maintains most of the required documents well and continually reviews her practice to improve the experiences of the children who attend the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the assesment systems to match observations to the Early Learning Goals  review risk assesment records in line with current guidelines and regulations.

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provision

Effective safeguarding policies ensure that children are well protected. The childminder has a clear understanding of all safeguarding children procedures and how to implement policies appropriately in order to protect children from harm and neglect. Children are closely supervised by the childminder at all times and all of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the necessary vetting procedures have been completed. The childminder is developing good systems to monitor and evaluate the provision to ensure that improvements are made where necessary. For example, she is taking steps to improve the outdoor area to provide opportunities for 'free flow' outdoor play for children.

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provision

Most of the records policies and procedures are well-maintained for the safe and efficient management of the setting. Risk assessment records are generally kept in line with requirements and regulations, although are not consistently reviewed when children first start to attend the setting. This potentially minimises children's safety.

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provision

The childminder is highly committed to improving her knowledge, skills and understanding of how young children learn and develop. She holds relevant childcare qualifications and undertakes regular training events to enhance her professional development. She works in close partnership with parents and carers, valuing their contribution as partners in their child’s learning. She is developing good links with other professionals and within the local community to ensure that consistent information is shared between providers involved in each child's care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with varied and exciting opportunities to investigate, explore and use their creativity and imagination. This ensures children make good progress across all of the areas of learning. For example, themes and topics are well planned so that children actively participate in practical learning activities such as planting cress seeds to make 'egg heads'. They find out about different textures, life cycles and how to nurture plants to help them grow. They develop a sense of pride and meaning as they create special gifts to present to their parents. Books and other interesting craft resources are used effectively to support and enhance children's learning, helping them to develop a keen interest in the natural world and their everyday environment. Songs, rhymes and stories are used effectively to develop children's emerging language and numeracy skills. Children mimic sounds and rhymes linked to project themes, repeating songs, words and parts of stories.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

They count the number of objects in pictures and around the room and respond to what they see and hear with delight. Treasure baskets containing a variety of natural and man-made materials, contribute to children developing strong sensory awareness in their play and explorations. Young children are fascinated by the feel of soft brushes and feathers on their skin and thoroughly enjoy bead play and placing candles into metal and plastic holders. The childminder's close interaction enables children to find out what happens to different materials as they 'bend', 'push together' and 'twizzle around'. They use everyday technology equipment in their imaginative play and develop confidence and independence as they choose from an exciting range of toys and equipment which are easily accessible to them if they wish to make changes. Role play and outings to various places of interest help children to expand their knowledge and understanding of the wider world,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

attending toddler groups for social interaction with others. Children learn to respect and value people's differences and similarities through stories, discussion and educational television programmes. Interesting activities and projects are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 devised to celebrate different cultural events throughout the year. This successfully helps children to develop their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of customs, traditions and beliefs and raises their awareness of people who have different abilities. Children develop good coordination and balance skills during indoor and outdoor play. Young children practise their emerging walking skills and learn how to kick a small ball with confidence because the childminder responds caringly and encouragingly to their individual achievements, expressing enthusiastic praise which enhances children's confidence and self-esteem. As a

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

result children enjoy strong and trusting relationships with adults and each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to base observations and assessments on what children enjoy and can do, taking account of their abilities when they first start to attend the setting. This ensures that activities are well planned and organised to suit children’s individual interests and capabilities. She observes children as they play, using the information well to plan the next steps in their learning. She is developing useful record systems to show children's progress over a period of time so that parents and other providers are informed of children's learning styles and interests, although assessment records contain limited information about the Early Learning Goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder creates a safe and welcoming environment in which risk is minimised. All hazardous materials and equipment are stored securely so that they are inaccessible to children. Indoor spaces, furniture, equipment and toys are suitable and safe. Outdoor provision is suitably managed and checked prior to children using public park facilities. There is a clearly defined procedure for the emergency evacuation of the premises. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through the daily routine and because the childminder helps them to understand the need for safety rules. As a result, children develop good knowledge and understanding of how to play safely indoors and outside. Children learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle because they eat nutritious snacks and meals and take part in robust physical exercise. The childminder pays close attention to hygiene routines to ensure all areas are kept clean and to help children learn how

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to keep themselves clean. Good nutrition and health information is shared with parents. The childminder has joined the 'Live for Life' campaign which includes an interesting range of resources and games to promote healthy lifestyles. As a result, children are helped to stay safe, be healthy, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution, and develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well- being. 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? 3 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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