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 255578 Inspection date 25/03/2009 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Brierley Hill, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding purposes. This includes access to a dedicated playroom. The first floor is not used except to gain access to the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Her home is within walking distance of a local school, parks and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum five children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for one child who is within the early years age range and one older child who attends before and after school.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming family home and their welfare is adequately promoted. The childminder provides sufficient activities and opportunities to help children make progress in their learning and development. The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents and others to ensure continuity of care and learning. Inclusive practice is assured as the childminder has a sound knowledge of children's individual needs and interests. Most of the required documentation is in place to ensure children's overall well-being is supported. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of her strengths and areas requiring development to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the quality improvement processes to monitor and evaluate the strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children  further improve the safety of children by ensuring they have opportunities to practise the emergency evacuation procedures.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure all records, policies and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of the childminding service are maintained. This is specifically in relation to the record for risk assessment, the daily record of children's hours of attendance and the requirement to display the certificate of registration (also applies to both parts of 08/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the Childcare Register) (Documentation)  develop the observation and assessment arrangements in order to plan for children's individual needs and help them make progress towards the early learning goals. (Learning and Development - Assessment arrangements). 08/04/2009

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provision

The childminder provides a welcoming homely environment for all children in her care. The childminder has not had sight of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) welfare, and learning and development requirements or attended training relating to the framework. As a result, her knowledge and understanding of the EYFS requirements is limited. Children's well-being is adequately promoted because the childminder understands her responsibility to protect children in her care and report any concerns. The childminder has ensured all members of the household undergo vetting procedures to confirm they are suitable to have regular contact with children. Partnership with parents is well-established and the childminder has effective settling-in procedures to ensure children settle quickly in her care. Good attention is given to inclusive practice and parents are kept fully informed about their child's care routines and achievements through daily

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provision

discussions with the childminder. Effective procedures are in place for recording accidents and medication. However, the children's attendance register does not always include the exact times of attendance to ensure their safety is protected, and the childminder's certificate of registration is not displayed for parents to see her conditions of registration. Information relating to Ofsted is displayed and this ensures parents can take prompt action if they have any concerns about the provision.

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provision

The childminder undertakes visual checks each day to ensure the care environment is safe and secure. However, she has not developed a risk assessment record that can be reviewed and updated to reflect all potential hazards indoors and on outings. The childminder has clear procedures in place for the emergency evacuation of the premises, however, these procedures are not practised with the children to ensure a quick response in the event of an emergency. Fire detection and control equipment such as smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place and checked by the childminder on a regular basis. The childminder has addressed the recommendations from the last inspection and this impacts positively on children's safety and well-being. The childminder has a general awareness of her strengths and weaknesses but has yet to devise a system for evaluating her own practice to bring about continuous quality improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled and happy in the childminder's home. Consistent routines and caring support ensure children develop a sense of belonging. The childminder knows the children well and recognises their individuality, favourite activities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 interests. She provides a suitable range of resources and opportunities for them to develop a variety of skills. The childminder uses space and resources effectively to create a comfortable environment where children can select resources and direct their own play. This supports their enjoyment and achievement. However, the childminder's lack of knowledge relating the EYFS learning and development requirements and specifically the use of observational assessments is limited, and this impacts on the quality of planning for children's individual needs to ensure that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's interaction with the children is good and it is evident that she genuinely enjoys their company. Children are given time to play freely, they are offered quiet times to rest and there are frequent opportunities to explore the local environment. The childminder recognises the learning opportunities in everyday activities. Children develop their physical skills in the park and soft play centre. They learn about the world around them and how to keep themselves safe as they travel on public transport and develop their confidence and social skills as the enjoy lunch in the café. Children’s communication skills are encouraged and developing well as the childminder interacts with them constantly, making use of open-ended questions to encourage their thinking skills and carefully listening to the response. Children's awareness of letter sounds, numbers, shape and colour is explored during daily activities. Children are developing a love of books and enjoy

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

story time and singing nursery rhymes. Children are developing an understanding of mathematical concepts as the childminder talks to them about drawing a round shape and about the number of bricks left if she takes one away. Children's creativity is developing well and they get pleasure from drawing, painting and cooking activities. They use a range of equipment confidently such as scissors, pencil sharpeners, rolling pins and shape cutters. Good resources are available for children to express themselves through role play, such as a play kitchen, work bench and dressing-up clothes. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion and welcomes all children and their families into her home. Children play with toys and resources that reflect positive images of gender, culture and disability to help develop their awareness of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well and are encouraged to play together, share resources and take turns. The childminder supports children in learning good behaviours, she is calm, consistent and praises children in their achievement. This helps promote their self-esteem and confidence. Children's health and well-being is sufficiently supported with clear procedures to reduce the risk of cross-infection, such as good hand-washing routines and the exclusion of sick children. Appropriate action is taken if a child becomes unwell and parents are kept informed of their child's condition. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is easily accessible. The childminder discusses children's individual dietary needs and preferences with parents. She provides children with a range of healthy snacks and meals to meet their needs. The childminder provides snacks such as fresh fruit, yogurts and regular drinks. Children are learning to keep themselves safe

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

through discussions about road safety and using play equipment appropriately. 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? 3

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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? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to conducting risk assessments and the daily record of children's attendance hours. (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment/Records to be kept). 08/04/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to conducting risk assessments and the daily record of children's attendance hours. (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment/Records to be kept). 08/04/2009 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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