Childminder in WalsallOfsted inspection, 23 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 EY380494 Inspection date 23/03/2009 Inspector Susan Rogers

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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 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 2008. She lives with her husband and their three children, aged 10, seven and three-years-old, in Streetly, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor, the first floor bathroom and the enclosed rear garden are used for childminding. The front door is reached by using a small step from the front driveway. The rear garden is accessed by using a small step form the rear living room and the area is level, with paths and lawns.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children feel at home, are happy and are progressing well in the childminders welcoming setting, where their individual needs respected. Partnership with parents has been fully implemented with successful systems in place to exchange information in respect of their child's individual needs that promotes their continuity of care. The activities and experiences provided, encourage children to participate at their own level. A system for reflecting on the effectiveness of the provision has been implemented and consequently, the childminder has a realistic view of her key strengths and areas for improvement within her service.

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further?

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

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further?

 take reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children are kept to a minimum.

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provision

The childminder provides a warm environment that is spacious, welcoming and stimulating. Equipment and resources are provided that meet children's individual abilities and stages of development. Strong regard is given to children's stages of development and individual interests and this heavily influences the individual planning for each child. The daily routines meet children's needs promoting their welfare. Close supervision and interaction with children's play helps to keep children safe. The documented risk assessments address most of the risks on the premises, however, aspects of this are not effective and do not fully promote children's safety. A self-assessment system has been implemented and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has participated in additional training, which promotes the learning outcomes for children. Parents are encouraged to spend time in the setting, which

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provision

promotes their child's continuity of care. Daily diaries, individual assessments and observations further inform parents of their child's progress. Children's progress is regularly shared with their parents enabling both childminder and parents to prepare for children's next steps in their stages of development. This encourages parents to continue with their child's development in the home setting.

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provision

The childminder has good knowledge in respect of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures of the local authority, has clear knowledge of the known indicators of abuse and advises parents of her responsibilities. The emergency evacuation procedures are regularly practised with the children who are encouraged to understand the importance of this. Policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents which keep them informed of children's daily activities and routines. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and demonstrates a good knowledge of managing minor accidents and attending to children's first aid. Children's individual dietary requirements are carefully attended to as the childminder provides a combination of healthy eating snacks, and food that is brought from the child's own home. The systems for observing and assessing children are progressing well and the childminder has a good grasp of

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provision

the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A stimulating learning environment encourages children to self-select activities, which promotes their independence. The spacious accommodation allows children to explore and sample a variety of play opportunities which promotes their self- esteem. Younger children who are learning to walk regularly use furniture and equipment to extend their skills to help them gain in confidence. The activities provide children with interesting challenges and the childminder's involvement and open ended questions encourage them to problem solve as they play. For example, younger children watch in wonder as the cars run down the slopes in a play garage. Each child is acknowledged as an individual as the childminder works closely with their parents to promote their continuity of care and to ensure their needs are met. Detailed knowledge and information in respect of children's individual abilities is frequently applied when engaging children in play. For

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

example, children who like accessing books are given a wide variety of age- appropriate books to examine and explore, promoting their early communication skills. Younger children are developing effective communication skills as they are involved in frequent conversations involving other children and the childminder. Children settle well as they enjoy a warm and secure relationship with the childminder this results in them being content and happy in their environment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an effective understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. Children's assessments, planning and daily diaries are regularly completed, which provides effective information in planning for children's future development. Their development is regularly shared with their parents, encouraging continuity of care and further progression in children's development. Older children's independence and sensitivity towards younger children is actively This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouraged as they demonstrate a caring nature and gentleness towards children less able than themselves. Children are encouraged to name shapes and colours and use number as they count and problem solve during their daily routine. Their awareness of the local environment, through visiting shops and the local areas, promotes their understanding of the world around them. An understanding of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

diversity in society is nurtured as there is a wide variety of toys and resources that promote equality of opportunity and positive images.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Opportunities for children to enjoy physical play activities are widely encouraged as there is a variety of climbing and exploratory equipment in the rear garden, which promotes their physical skills. Children are able to take responsibility for their play environment by clearing away their toys and handling these carefully during their play sessions. An effective balance of both adult and child lead activities is actively encouraged due to the effective organisation and layout of the spacious play area. Flexible use of these areas ensures that children are able to take part in a variety of activities. Children behave well due to the calm nature of the childminder and through her encouragement, praise and positive comments they respond positively. 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

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