Childminder in DudleyOfsted inspection, 20 Apr 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 EY382149 Inspection date 20/04/2009 Inspector Lesley Jane Bott

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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 2008 and lives with her husband and two daughters aged five and 10 years. They live in Stourbridge with local amenities within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, together with an upstairs bedroom. Access to the childminders is via a step from the driveway into the house, and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has a rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for six children all on a part-time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy a close relationship with the childminder and have opportunities to engage in a variety of activities to promote their learning and development well. Good communication is in place with parents although partnerships with other settings that children attend are not yet fully developed. Good procedures are in place for evaluating the care and learning provided and the childminder has a positive approach to her future improvement. Written policies and procedures work effectively to promote children's health and safety.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop partnerships with other settings that provide the EYFS for children attending to ensure continuity of care and learning  ensure that paper work is completed and in place for all children.

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provision

The childminder is proactive in developing her knowledge of childcare issues and has attended a variety of training courses to enhance and improve her practice. Parents questionnaires are used to ensure their views are taken on board, and the childminder regularly evaluates her procedures. This enables the childminder to make any necessary changes to her practice and assess what is offered. The childminder is aware that she needs to promote children's awareness of diversity through celebrating more festivals and is currently looking into this.

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provision

A major strength of the setting is the positive relationship the childminder has with the parents. Detailed agreements and initial discussion ensure that the childminder is able to promote good quality care that is appropriate to children's individual This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 needs. However, the childminder did not have a complete set of paperwork for two children who are extended family members she is currently minding. The childminder is proactive in preparing progress reviews termly based on the children's learning journeys, which reflect the children's development. Partnerships with other settings that children attend are still being developed which does not allow both settings to complement what is offered for individual children.

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provision

Written detailed policies and procedures cover all areas of the EYFS and help the childminder to provide appropriate care for children. Risk assessments are undertaken and there are many precautions taken with the home. For example, stair gates in place and regular fire drills carried out on different days to ensure that all children who attend have the opportunity to practice the drills. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of safeguarding procedures and is familiar with potential signs of abuse and how to report concerns. There is a good range of resources available, which are well-organised in storage boxes situated in the large conservatory which are easily accessible to the children. This allows the children to make their own choice on what they want to play with. Children are able to play safely outdoors with a good range of equipment to offer exciting play opportunities outdoors.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There are good procedures in place to promote children's health, for example all the children have opportunity to be outside in the fresh air through regular visits to the local park and playing outside in the garden. The childminder works with parents to ensure that a healthy eating programme is provided. Hygiene routines are good and children know to wash hands before eating, using their individual towels. Children are helped by the childminder to remain safe while they play. For example, moving the mini trampoline away from the wall and obstacles before bouncing on it. The childminder ensures that children remain safe, and regularly checks that the appropriate age/development car seat is used for growing children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The home is warm and welcoming and children have a positive relationship with the childminder. They are able to make choices about their play. The childminder engages with all the children in their play, placing the rocket on the launcher while the child presses the button to launch it into the air while the other children laugh excitedly at this. Good behaviour is developed at all times and children share and play well together as a result of this.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder extends activities effectively through all play. While playing house and dusting with a peacock feather the childminder asked the child if they know what a peacock looked like and went to find a peacock in a book together. Communication and literacy skills are promoted through play as the childminder has laminated recognisable signs of shops and places they go to for the children to place on the road or train track in their play. They are able to point out individual letters, and recognise letters which are in their own name. Individual children's choice is respected and the childminder builds on this within her planning to ensure that all children's needs are taken into account. Children were painting a post box red which is to be part of the post office role play area, the child is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 particularly interested in posting and letters, and later moved on to paint his hands

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and feet red to make a picture on the paper. Observations of children's play are used well to identify what they are learning and doing, and pictures of the children involved in different activities are displayed in the play room. This helps to ensure that all children are making good progress. 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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