Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

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 EY315791 Inspection date 22/04/2009 Inspector Olwen Pulker

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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 2005. She lives with her husband in a small village between Newport and Market Drayton, Shropshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house, except the dining room and the conservatory, are used for childminding. Two rooms on the first floor are available for children to sleep and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The house is accessed via a step. The couple has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time when working alone and a maximum of eight children when assisted by her husband. She is currently minding 18 children of whom five are in the early years age group. All attend part-time. The childminder and her assistant drive to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends carer/toddler groups with younger children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and of an approved childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and settled, and supported well by the childminder who has a clear awareness of each child's individual needs. The partnership with parents and other providers contributes effectively to ensuring that children's needs are met. The childminder meets the statutory requirements to promote the safety and welfare of children. She evaluates her practice and is committed to further development in order to improve outcomes for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that all records pertaining to minded children contain all required details.

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provision

The childminder shares comprehensive policies and procedures with parents and records relating to children are mostly in good order. However, some required details, such as the date of administrating medication are occasionally omitted. Consequently. the welfare of all children is not always fully promoted. The childminder regularly reviews and updates risk assessments to cover all areas of the home and also outings children take part in. This ensures any potential hazards This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to children are minimised, and promotes children’s safety whilst in her care. The environment is well-organised and enables children to freely access a range of equipment and resources. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection and a clear understanding of her own responsibility, which ensures all children are safeguarded.

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provision

The childminder continues to update her professional skills by attending various training and has completed a number of short courses introducing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In addition, she has gained a NVQ level 3 qualification in Childcare Learning and Development since the last inspection. As a member of an accredited childminder network the quality of her provision is regularly monitored. In addition, the childminder's own evaluation successfully identifies the strengths of the setting and any areas of weakness are acted upon effectively to achieve improvements for the children and parents who use her service. Views of parents are carefully considered as part of this evaluation. Recorded comments show that parents value the high standard of care and learning given to their children.

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provision

The childminder and her assistant provide a friendly and relaxed environment for parents and children and this helps to ensure that children's individual needs are met on a daily basis. Her relationship with parents is good, with information shared verbally on a daily basis with regard to children's care and activities. Parents can access their children's portfolios containing photographs and detailed observations at any time to see the progress children have made. In addition, the childminder produces a progress report each term, for each child to keep parents well informed of their children's activities and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in every area of learning. The childminder's constant engagement with the children encourages their sustained thinking and helps them to gain the maximum enjoyment and benefit from their activities. They are happy, well-settled and eager to learn. The children have use of a dedicated playroom, they freely select their favourites from the range of toys, activities and equipment suitable for their individual needs. Individual routines for sleep and rest are fully incorporated into the childminder's day, promoting continuity of care for everyone. The childminder knows each child well and works closely with parents and other providers to support children's learning. Children's speech and language is promoted well by the childminder speaking to them clearly and encouraging them to extend their vocabulary with new words as she reads books of their choice. Their numeric skills develop as they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

meaningfully use numbers and shapes in their play and during their daily routines. Children engage in a wide range of creative activities and become accustomed to the feel of different textures as they explore with cornflour, paint or make cakes. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the world through celebrating various festivals and learning about different countries. The childminder makes effective use of multi-cultural resources and library books when planning activities to support children's awareness of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's individuality is celebrated and promoted well through the childminder's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good understanding of child development and her relationships with parents. She plans simple, yet interesting activities that are adapted to each child's knowledge and understanding of the subject and takes into account children's personal interests. This enables the children to maximise their learning whilst helping them to feel engaged and fulfilled. The childminder's observational assessments of what children do clearly link to steps within the different areas of learning. These enable her to identify and plan effectively for children's next steps.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Hygiene procedures are robust and children are taught to routinely follow good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands throughout their daily routines. The childminder holds a Healthy Eating award, she has a good knowledge of nutrition and encourages children to eat a varied diet. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle is further promoted as children access fresh air and exercise on a daily basis enjoying outdoor play in the garden or walks around the local area.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well-cared for in the event of having an accident as both the childminder and her assistant are qualified in first aid and have all systems in place to respond appropriately. Children are kept safe as the premises are secure. The home is free of hazards as a result of rigorous risk assessments. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder manages their behaviour effectively, she speaks to the children using age-appropriate language so they understand what is required of them and know what to do. They receive encouragement and meaningful praise which helps promote their confidence and self-esteem. Children have regular opportunities to meet and play with others when the childminder meets socially with other childminders and attends local groups. This helps them to develop good life-skills for the future. 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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