Childminder in Walsall

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 255312 Inspection date 12/05/2009 Inspector Permjit Tanda

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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 has been registered since 1987. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 13 years in the Great Barr area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the property and the toilet, bathroom and bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She also employs an assistant and on these occasions is able to care for six children in the early years age group of whom two may be under one year. Currently there are four children on roll in the early years age group. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools and nurseries.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The warm and child-friendly environment created by the childminder ensures that children are valued as unique individuals. This means that individual needs for their learning and development are addressed well within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of welfare and the safety of children are effective. Strong and open relationships with parents and other professionals helps support children in her care. Effective practice of self-evaluation ensures priorities for future development are identified and addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 make a broad range of writing materials easily accessible to increase opportunities for children to use writing in their play.

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provision

Children's care, welfare and development are positively promoted because the childminder is committed to providing a stimulating family-orientated environment for the children in her care. She takes advantage of the training opportunities offered to enhance her skills and knowledge in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures and is fully aware of her responsibility to protect children in her care. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised as detailed risk assessments indoors, outdoors and on outings, clearly ensure that any hazards are promptly identified and minimised. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 There are efficient procedures in place to ensure adults caring or having access to children are suitable to do so.

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provision

The childminder takes time to develop warm and caring relationships with the children in her care and demonstrates a good understanding of their needs, and routines and interests. This knowledge is enhanced by the information shared by parents on admission. The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents and keeps them informed about their children through the use of diaries, daily discussion and photographs taken of children engaged in activities.

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provision

The childminder also understands the value of working alongside other professionals and agencies to meet the needs of children in her care. Effective systems ensure children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are supported well. Consequently, children are valued and their diversity is respected through offering support tailored according to their individual needs and through making adjustments when and where required.

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provision

The childminder builds good foundations for future success in the care and education of children. A commitment to improving the childminding service is evident through the childminder's attention to addressing the recommendations set at the previous the inspection and therefore improving outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enter an inviting environment which is organised to enable children to be independent and take initiative as they choose activities. The childminder plans a broad range of experiences around the seasons, festivals and children's interests which helps children make good progress in all areas of learning. Regular systematic observations and assessments of each child's achievements and interests helps the childminder plan for their next steps in learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered well. Children are confident in their environment and show a real sense of belonging. They settle easily and show good levels involvement in their play. They are encouraged to express their ideas and feelings and are provided with experiences which help them develop a positive sense of themselves and others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's thinking, listening and language skills develop well due to the good quality adult-child interactions which helps support children's communication skills. Children's language is developed as the childminder extends their language by introducing new words, repeating words and asking interesting questions to make them think. A selection of books and puppets which are made readily available, along with daily story sessions and regular visits to the library helps develop the children's fondness for books. Children have planned opportunities to colour and draw using a variety of writing materials, however, opportunities for children to use writing materials during their play are not always well incorporated.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills are developing well as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they work with numbers, count, sort and match through everyday routine and play. Children enjoy activities such as puzzles, shape sorters, threading with beads and measuring with the tape measure, which helps develop their mathematical thinking. Children achieve well in the area of knowledge and understanding of the world. This is because they spend a lot of time outdoors in the garden and visiting the local park observing changes in the natural environment, collecting insects, plants and objects and growing carrots, potatoes, beetroot and sun flowers. Children learn about their local environment and encounter various people, for example, children visit the local supermarket and talk to the fishmonger at the fish counter because the children show a special interest in this.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have many opportunities to be creative, they paint, manipulate dough and enjoy gluing activities and junk modelling. They sing nursery rhymes, dressing up and making music using a variety of percussion instruments. Children extend their imagination through role play activities and also use a variety of small word toys such as the farm, garage and construction site which are popular with the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There are high expectations of behaviour and children develop good habits due to the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. Children develop a good understanding of staying safe and making healthy choices when they eat and drink. Children enjoy a wide range of energetic physical activities both indoors and outdoors that contribute to their health and well-being. Indoors children thoroughly enjoy the sit and ride cars to travel around and show excitement whilst playing with the skittles and ball. They successfully develop skills that contribute to their future economic well-being through making good progress in their communication, language and mathematical development. 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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