Childminder in Staffordshire

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 EY137172 Inspection date 07/04/2009 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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 2002. She lives with her husband, four children and mother-in-law in a Staffordshire village near Market Drayton. Both her husband and mother-in-law are also registered childminders and all share responsibility for the childminding practice. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the property is gained via one step into the house. The family has five cats and a rabbit as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time when working alone and for 11 children when working with her co-childminder(s). Currently they are caring for 13 children between them, seven of whom are within the early years age range. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she attends the local carer/toddler group. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 children take part in evacuation drills so that they become familiar with the procedure to follow in order to keep themselves safe in the event of fire.

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provision

The childminder takes lead responsibility for maintaining comprehensive records, policies and procedures which are shared with parents. She 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 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 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 Cache Level 3 Diploma in Home Based Childcare as well as a Diploma in Child Psychology. She uses childcare related publications effectively to introduce new ideas into her practice and improve outcomes for children. The childminder evaluates her provision and has the commitment to make continuous improvements.

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provision

The childminder and her co-childminders 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.

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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 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. Their speech and language is promoted by the childminder speaking to them clearly and encouraging them to extend their vocabulary with new words. Children spontaneously sing familiar nursery rhymes and follow hand actions as the childminder sings their favourite

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

action songs. They enjoy a variety of craft activities, such as baking biscuits and decorating flower pots which they plant up and give to their mothers as gifts. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the world through celebrating various festivals and learning about different countries.

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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 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 continues to explore efficient and effective ways of recording children's progression as they develop and learn. Her 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 and also inform her of any gaps in children's knowledge. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Hygiene procedures are robust and children are taught to routinely follow good

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

hygiene practices, such as washing their hands throughout their daily routines. They are provided with individual towels to dry their hands thus reducing the risk of cross-infection. The childminder 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. Children are also able to benefit from visits to a swimming pool as the childminders are able to offer individual support and supervision.

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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 the childminder is qualified in first aid and has all systems in place to respond appropriately. Children are kept safe as the premises are very secure. The home is free of hazards as a result of rigorous risk assessments. However, due to their patterns of attendance not all children have practised the fire drill and consequently are unaware of the procedure to follow in order to keep themselves safe. 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 takes them to visit another childminder and local groups. This helps them to develop good life-skills for the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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