Childminder in Warwickshire

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 EY385897 Inspection date 12/06/2009 Inspector Karen Eunice Millerchip

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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. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and 16 months in a house in Exhall near Coventry. The childminder uses the whole of the house for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under eight years and currently there are three children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group. This provision is registered on the Early Years and compulsory childcare registers. The childminder holds a level 3 early years qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder meets children's individual developmental and learning needs successfully and welfare requirements are consistently met well. Children are safe and secure and make good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder has systems in place to review her practice and is implementing systems to address areas of improvement in order to enhance the service she provides. Strong links have been made with parents providing a regular two-way flow of information to ensure children's needs are met; links with other providers are being developed.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information about who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child  devlop further the systems for self evaluation to identify strengths and prioritise development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and this ensures that children are appropriately protected. She is clear that the welfare of the child is a first priority and has information regarding contact numbers and the local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The childminder shows a strong commitment to developing and improving practice in order to provide the best possible care for the children she minds. However, newly developed systems are not fully effective in identifying how areas for improvement will be addressed. She works closely with parents to ensure she is meeting children's individual needs. To promote her continuous development she has attended a variety of training courses and has highlighted others for the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 future. The childminder has created a very welcoming environment for children

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provision

and their parents. Toys and resources are stored accessibly to encourage children to develop independence in their play. The children's work is displayed to help them develop a sense of belonging. Toys and activities are provided in different areas of the home, for example, puzzles and games are stored in the lounge, and this creates a varied environment for the children. The childminder has built up strong links with the parents of the children she cares for. Information is gained from other settings the minded children attend, to provide consistency of care.

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provision

The childminder provides a safe and secure environment for the children and minimises risks effectively. Daily visual risk assessments are carried out and written risk assessments that include daily activities, going to local groups and on outings are recorded and reviewed. Records are kept efficiently and include the majority of required information. However, information relating to parental responsibility and legal contact is not known and could impact on children's well-being. The childminder has developed a clear set of policies and procedures and all parents receive a copy of these which ensures they are well informed of the type of care provided. The daily diary contains a detailed record of each child's daily achievements and care and this together with daily verbal feedback, ensures parents are very well informed of what their child has been doing on a daily basis. In the comments book one parent has written that their child ‘has come on leaps

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provision

and bounds’ since moving to this setting. The childminder takes time to settle children before care begins. Parents complete a 'settling in' questionnaire to ensure she knows information such as, their favourite books and toys, members of their family and details of what they like to do, as well as anything they are scared of or do not like. This ensures that children's individual needs are known and met by the childminder. The childminder shows a commitment to inclusive practice and is skilful in including each child in activities, according to their particular age and stage of development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with good opportunities to help them make progress across all areas of learning and development. The childminder makes regular observations of children and knows them very well. Observations are made and future planning is based on these observations, as well as information obtained from parents. This ensures that children enjoy their time at the setting and are able to take the next steps in their 'learning journeys'. The childminder offers a good level of support to all children and includes them in the activities. Children benefit from her quiet, supportive manner which helps them feel valued and raises their self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident with the childminder and her family and are learning social skills with visitors. They show a pride in their achievements, smiling as they press the correct button to activate the music cube and showing great enjoyment when making hand prints to use on their 'sun-shine face masks'. They develop manipulative skills as they skilfully complete their masks, making marks with crayons and using glue sticks to fix tissue squares to their colourful creations.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children relate very well to the childminder who is sensitive to their needs. Regular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 visits to local community groups provide opportunities to learn to play cooperatively alongside each other, learn about rhythm and rhyme and to explore different environments. They share and take turns and benefit from the good role model shown by the childminder, who is calm, quiet and polite. Children's language is developing as they look at books and are encouraged to respond to the childminder and their peers. They develop physical skills on play equipment in the garden and in local parks and play areas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to solve problems and recognise numbers in their daily play. For example, young children are encouraged to count objects during daily routines. They develop an understanding of volume as they pour 'cups of tea' in the outdoor role play area. Exploration of their natural environment and discussions about change in the garden and parks develops their knowledge and understanding of the world. Good quality well organised resources support their play and learning in all areas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a safe and welcoming environment and are learning how to keep themselves safe. For example, the childminder talks to all children about road safety and general safety within the home such as, playing with toys appropriately and using the slide safely. In addition, children are learning to understand and adopt healthy habits as they follow good hygiene practices, discuss foods that make them healthy and about the effects of the weather on their body. 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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