Childminder in WarwickshireOfsted inspection, 15 May 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 201441 Inspection date 15/05/2009 Inspector Adelaide Griffith

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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 for 20 years. She lives with her husband who is also a registered childminder. They live in Nuneaton close to schools, nurseries, a pre-school, shops and a park. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a secured garden for outside play. The childminder has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are four children on roll in this age group. She also offers care for children aged over five years to 11 years. Together the childminders may care for a maximum of 10 children under eight years. Currently they are caring for eight children between them. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes children to school and also collects them. Both childminders have equal responsibility for the childminding practice.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder and her co-worker provide a welcoming environment in which children are comfortable. Children's welfare needs are met effectively and the childminder ensures that risk assessments are carried out to provide a safe setting. Each child's needs and preferences are addressed competently and they are making steady progress in their learning and development. A key strength is that of managing behaviour. Positive links with parents and other providers ensure that most of the children's learning needs are addressed. The childminder and her co-childminder have an accurate understanding of their practice and have made improvements to support the care of children.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve systems for observational assessments to identify learning priorities for each child  improve partnership working with other early years providers in order to support children's progress towards the early learning goals more effectively.

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provision

All records required for the smooth management of the setting are available. The childminder takes responsibility for writing policies, ensuring all documentation are maintained and for interviewing parents. The childminder ensures that she is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 suitable to care for children by attending additional courses. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment where they feel at ease.

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provision

The childminder strives to improve children's learning and has recently obtained a wide range of resources for all age groups. Her evaluation of the service shows that she has a clear concept of the strengths and she holds discussions with her co-childminder on how to improve children's learning and development. However, observational assessments do not always include detail for moving children on to the next stage in their learning. They have made continuous improvements by reviewing activities and they have provided specific equipment such as a ball pool for outside play. Targets for further improvement include extending activities to provide sand and water play. The childminder demonstrates the capacity to make necessary improvements by addressing the recommendations from last inspection.

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provision

Each child's care needs are addressed competently and their welfare is met. Owing to effective procedures such as risk assessments children are kept safe. There is a strong partnership with parents and the childminder implements strategies that promote children's care and development as agreed with parents. Although the links with other early years providers are established the childminder has not consistently implemented activities to complement the learning in other settings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are effectively helped to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage due to the childminder's clear understanding of their needs. The childminder supports children’s learning by consistent interaction and involvement in some activities. The learning environment is stimulating and child-friendly with a broad selection of resources. There is a wide range of planned, purposeful play and exploration that includes all areas of learning. For example, children are developing large muscle skills due to opportunities for floor play. Some are confident in their recognition of primary colours and are beginning to focus on secondary colours. They are gaining an understanding of numbers due to nursery rhymes. Children are forming relationships and play contentedly alongside others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is an appropriate balance of adult-led and child-led activities. For example, the childminder asks children which resources they wish to play with and at other times offers toys in order to create interest. Observational assessments are carried out regularly but the next step in learning is not consistently included although in some instances it is linked to the planning. Children's individual preferences are addressed and the childminder includes challenges such as learning about textures by walking on different surfaces. The childminder has previous experience of looking after children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She understands the importance of liaison with parents and agencies as appropriate in order to promote children's additional needs effectively. The childminder supports parents to promote children's developmental skills, for example, implementing strategies that help children to sit for longer periods. The childminder understands the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

importance of working with other early years providers. However, she has not consistently implemented specific activities that complement work carried out in those setting. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are competently safeguarded due to the childminder's understanding of child protection issues. All other aspects of safeguarding are effectively addressed. For example, the childminder ensures that procedures for dealing with accidents are followed consistently. Children's good health is well promoted due to the provision of balanced meals and snacks of fresh fruit. Children are helped to stay safe when walking to school as the childminder talks to them about road safety. Children are well behaved due to the childminder's skills in using appropriate strategies and her prompt response when they appear upset. 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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