Hughes Jacqueline

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 EY246716 Inspection date 08/06/2009 Inspector Angela Dyer

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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 2002 and lives with her husband and 11 year old child in Yardley, Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and children have access to a first floor playroom and bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of six children may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently six children attending who are within the early years age range and 12 children aged between five years and 13 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has suitable procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. The premises are accessible via the front entrance which has a low step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and Yardley First Steps Childminding Network. She has completed a quality assurance award and is registered on the inclusion project. She is also part of an accredited network and able to obtain funding for nursery education.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and benefit from her caring and friendly nature. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and as a result, confidently meets most of the requirements. She provides a child-friendly environment where all parents and children are welcomed and valued. Children are supported in making good progress in their learning and development and participate in a wide range of fun, stimulating activities. However, both the arrangements for planning children's next steps in learning and for identifying areas for development are still in their infancy.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that children are fully supported in their progress towards the early learning goals, in all areas of learning, by making systematic observations and assessments and using these to plan the next steps in their learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of 07/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attendance is maintained (Documentation) (also applies to the compulsory part of the Childcare Register).

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provision

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of childcare, her experience and ongoing commitment to providing children with good quality care. The childminder demonstrates a professional approach to her role and has completed a recognised early years qualification. She is also committed to improving her knowledge through attending additional training, including workshops in relation to the EYFS and the self evaluation process. The childminder has given thought to the strengths of her practice and areas for improvement and continually reflects on what she is doing in order to consider how best to improve her service so that it meets the highest standards.

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provision

Children are cared for within a safe, secure home environment where potential risks are monitored and addressed through effective risk assessments. The conservatory area has been transformed into a child-friendly space. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has a good understanding of health and safety issues. The childminder has received training in relation to safeguarding and first aid. She demonstrates a professional understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe. Written policy statements provide useful information for parents and most documentation has been maintained to promote children's safety and well-being. However, the childminder has failed to consistently maintain registers of children's hours of attendance.

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provision

The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents and keeps them informed about their children's progress through daily discussions and sharing the observations she records in individual children's scrapbooks. A wide range of written policies and procedures are effectively implemented and shared with parents to fully promote children's safety and well-being. She takes time to build links with families so that she knows how best to build on children's interest and meet their individual needs. She also understands the value of working alongside other professionals. She has been proactive in establishing links between herself and other providers of the EYFS in order to promote consistency in care for children and promote their learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have good opportunities to learn and develop through a balanced range of adult-led and child initiated activities that reflect their interests and capabilities. Children are encouraged to make choices about what they would like to play with and make their selections from the picture cards that the childminder has put together. Children gain confidence and learn new skills because of the good support and encouragement they receive. The childminder is constantly looking at This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 how she can improve the environment to stimulate children's learning and enjoyment. She has created a cushioned 'child-friendly space' under the stairs, which is sometimes curtained off, to provide a quiet area where children can share books and explore different tactile resources.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Older children engage in fun activities including making candyfloss and creating their own rock band. They benefit from having their own space, in the first floor playroom, where they are able to select their own activities and use the games console. Everyday routines are used as fun ways to extend younger children's learning and children benefit from high levels of interaction and attention from the childminder, which in turn supports their language development. Children enjoy participating in fun and practical activities, including painting, role play and simple baking. They also enjoy playing in the garden and making dens, visiting the local park, taking part in bug hunts and visiting indoor play areas where they engage in physical activities. Children have individual scrapbooks which are used by the childminder to record photographs and observations of children's progress. However, the process of observation, assessment and planning is in its infancy and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

does not yet fully identify children's next steps in learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder takes time to develop warm, caring relationships with all of the children in her care. She has a good knowledge of their individual personalities and interests and takes pride in seeing them develop to their full potential. The childminder has a good understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies, which has been enhanced by attending further training. Encouragement and praise are given consistently through the day, which in turn develops children's confidence and self-esteem. Children are supported in making friends and learning to be sociable both in the childminder's home and at the weekly childminding group that they attend. Children are encouraged to develop an awareness of their own safety and have opportunities to practise the fire drill. Children also learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and benefit from being offered a range of nutritious meals, snacks and drinks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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: 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 described in the Early Years section of the report (Records to be kept). 07/07/2009

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