Childminder in DudleyOfsted inspection, 6 Mar 2009

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 255613 Inspection date 06/03/2009 Inspector Jackie Nation

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Brierley Hill, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. The childminder's house is easily accessible and toilet facilities are available on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Local shops, parks and schools are within walking distance.

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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. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has three children on roll in the early years age group, all of whom attend on a part- time basis. She also cares for eight children before and after school, all of whom attend on various days. The childminder walks to a local nursery and school to take and collect children. There are effective systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, or with English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a NVQ Level 3 Early Years Childcare and Education. She is a member of the Dudley Quality Assured Childminding Network and the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy their time with this experienced and committed childminder, who understands how to promote their development and learning effectively. Inclusive practice is promoted and effective links with parents, other settings and professionals ensure continuity of care and learning for children. Most documentation is in place, although currently the risk assessment does not cover all areas accessed by the children and the observational assessments are not always linked to future plans. The childminder shows a capacity to maintain continuous improvement and is using the self- evaluation process to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the risk assessment record for the premises to ensure all areas accessed by the children are included  develop further the system for using observational assessments to inform planning for each child's continuing development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children are provided with an extensive range of activities and experiences, enabling them to make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder maintains most of the required records, policies and procedures for the safe and efficient management of her setting and ensures children's well-being and safety. All recording procedures are shared with parents, stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. Children's safety is promoted well and the care environment is safe and secure. The childminder has conducted risk assessments of her home, garden and for all outings taken with the children. The childminder has a range of safety equipment which is used effectively in the home to ensure children's safety. However, the risk assessment of the premises does not include all aspects of the setting used by the children. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children

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provision

Board procedures and her duty to report concerns. The written child protection policy is shared with parents. The childminder supervises the children well and vetting procedures for all adults in the household are robust and this ensures children are protected.

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provision

The childminder offers an inclusive service and welcomes all children into her care. Partnerships with parents and carers are strong. At the initial meeting the childminder talks to parents about their specific requirements, the children's routines and the settling in procedures and this ensures children's individual needs are met. Parents are also provided with details about the childminder's policies and procedures, as well as access to the childminder's portfolio, which includes information about her training and qualifications. The childminder makes sure that she provides parents with feedback each day about their child's care routines and activities. Children's progress is recorded and shared with parents through the use of individual 'Learning journeys' which detail children's 'Wow' moments, together with a range of delightful photographs which show parents how their children are developing. The childminder seeks the views of parents and children with regard to

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provision

her provision and parents speak positively about the service provided. The childminder is very committed to updating and improving her knowledge and practice. Children benefit from the training the childminder has undertaken as part of her early years care and education studies and as a member of an accredited childminding network. The childminder has successfully completed the recommendations from the last inspection to improve the information made available to parents with regards to the complaints procedure.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. Children are happy and relaxed in her home and their learning and development is successfully supported. The childminder clearly enjoys the children's company and is genuinely interested in what they say and do. This helps children feel valued and have a sense of belonging. She involves herself in their play and supports their learning well by asking questions to make them think. The childminder is aware of children’s This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 interests, characteristics and play preferences. Planning and assessment systems have been introduced to record children's progress and achievements. Planning is flexible and children are engaged in activities which cover the six areas of learning. However, the planning documents do not show how the observations and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

assessments are used to inform future plans. Children have access to a range of good quality resources, children are given choices in their play and this helps them to become independent learners and develops their confidence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's personal, social and emotional development is well-fostered. The childminder encourages children to be independent and active learners; they enjoy a wide range of activities both in and out of the home. They benefit from being able to explore the local community and places of interest. They visit local parks where they feed the ducks and play on a range of equipment such as climbing frames and slides. They enjoy playing in the garden and develop their physical skills as they ride on bikes, play with bats and balls and have fun blowing bubbles. Children's understanding of diversity and the wider society is promoted successfully. The childminder talks to children about recognising similarities and differences as they explore a good range of resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. The childminder ensures children have equal access to the toys and resources available. Frequent opportunities are provided for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children to develop their critical thinking skills as they talk about numbers, letters sounds, shapes and colours during everyday activities and routines. They problem solve as they build with a good range of construction toys, threading activities and puzzles. Speaking and listening skills are encouraged during 'circle time' and an enjoyment of books is developed as children listen to and eagerly participate in stories. Children enjoy telling their favourite stories to each other. Children are encouraged to use a wide range of materials to develop their mark-making skills such as chalks, paints, crayons and shaving foam. There are good opportunities to be creative and play imaginatively with a range of dressing-up clothes, play food, dolls and musical instruments, Children explore and investigate how things work and use a range of electronic toys and suitable programmes on the games console.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well and appropriate behaviours are encouraged by the childminder, for example, sharing and consideration of others. Children's health and well-being is effectively supported as the childminder ascertains relevant information relating to their individual dietary needs and parents' preferences. Children understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle; children walk to and from nursery and know that eating fruit is good for them. The childminder provides a range of well-balanced meals and snacks. Children are involved in growing vegetables in the garden and making their own sandwiches and pizzas. Very good procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection, including effective procedures for hand washing at appropriate times and the exclusion of sick children. Children's awareness of keeping themselves safe is developed through discussions and activities on topics, such as road safety and by practising fire

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

evacuation procedures. 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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