East, Karl Alexander

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 201129 Inspection date 18/03/2009 Inspector Hazel Christine White

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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 1990 and lives with his wife and two adult children in a residential area of Bedworth in Warwickshire. He co-minds with his wife, both childminders have equal responsibility for the childminding practice. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The premises are easily accessible and the whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a small fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are currently seven children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), most of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. There are four school aged children attending for various sessions. The childminder currently supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. The childminder and his co-minder provide a child- friendly environment, in which children make good progress towards the early learning goals and enjoy a broad range of activities and challenging experiences which effectively meets their needs. Strong partnerships with parents and effective links with local schools promote children's learning and development with success. He recognises the uniqueness of each child and makes sure he promotes inclusive practice for all. The childminder and his co-childminder have systems in place to reflect on their practice and have prioritised areas for development in order to improve their service.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase knowledge and understanding of the systems used to observe and assess children.

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provision

Although not responsible for developing policies and procedures, the childminder has a good understanding of his responsibility in safeguarding children. This is because he works closely with his co-minder in ensuring that he keeps up to date with current practice. He is clear about the child protection procedures to put into practice when necessary and this means children are kept safe from harm. All documentation is well organised and regularly updated by the co-minder in order to promote the welfare of children. The childminder has written comprehensive risk assessments which very clearly identify potential hazards indoors and outside, and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the action to be taken to minimise these. They are regularly reviewed and updated. Each time children are taken on an outing or a visit a very detailed individual risk assessment is completed. Daily checks of the premises are also

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provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents and carers to ensure children’s individual needs are fully met. Good information is gathered from parents about their child before they start so that the childminder knows children's individual interests and needs. He is usually present when children are settling in and this helps them to feel secure. Verbal feedback to parents on a daily basis ensures that they are informed of their child’s progress. He is familiar with the written progress records that are shared with parents and although the co-minder is responsible for writing them, he has an input into what is recorded. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual abilities and this enables him to provide stimulating play experiences and activities to support each child's development.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development because his co-minder attends a variety of courses and the knowledge gained from these is shared with him. This ensures that they both provide activities based on children's age and stage of development. He demonstrates a clear commitment to continual improvement to develop the provision further. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) has enabled him to focus, reflect on his practice and prioritise areas for development. For example parents have been asked for their views and this information is used to make improvements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a good relationship with the childminder and co-minder and are happy and settled in their care. He actively engages the children in the activities provided and demonstrates a good awareness of how to encourage their participation and development by using effective questioning to help children think and problem solve. He is less secure in his knowledge of the system used for observation and assessment because this is the role of his co-worker. Consequently, this may impact on children’s learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Space and resources within the home are organised well to ensure children have free access to toys and play materials and can develop the independence in their play. They are confident to ask for toys they cannot see and invite the childminder to join in with their play. Children’s language skills are developing well because of this interaction. They show a good interest in books and use pencils and crayons to mark-make. Children enjoy making up their own games. For example, they play hide and seek and 'shops' in the role play area. Everyday routines are used to help children learn to count and recognise shapes and colours. Children enjoy varied opportunities for physical exercise for example, they practise their climbing skills in the park and benefit from lots of fresh air on their walks to other local amenities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder and co-minder both provide an inclusive environment where each child is valued and they are clearly relaxed and comfortable in their nurturing care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 All children are included in play, for example young children are placed so that they can see and be involved in what others are doing and this contributes to their sense of belonging. Good levels of support ensure that all children are included and receive individual attention so that their needs are effectively met. Resources reflect diversity in a positive way and children celebrate a range of cultural festivals and special days. They are busy making cards for Mothers Day and already planning what they will do for Easter.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children to have a healthy attitude towards food because he ensures they have fresh fruit at snack time and prepares lunches which their parents have provided. Drinks are readily available so that children do not become thirsty. Clear information is gathered about children’s dietary requirements and this ensures they can eat safely. The childminder maintains a very safe and comfortable environment for children to help meet their needs. He is extremely knowledgeable about safety issues, in particular fire safety. As a result, children are very confident in knowing what to do in the event of an emergency. House rules, in which the children have been actively involved in making, are displayed and reviewed as needed. Toys and equipment are in excellent condition and well maintained. 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? 1 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 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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