Childminder in Walsall

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 EY382913 Inspection date 01/06/2009 Inspector Susan Rogers

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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 registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 10 and 15 months. They live in a house in the Pelsall area of Walsall. The house is within walking distance of local shops, parks and schools and access to the house is one level. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time. She currently cares for two children in the early years age group on a full and part-time basis. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and who speak English as an additional language and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where children are happy and settled. The educational programme has not yet been developed, however, children's different interests and learning styles are used by the childminder to identify and organise their learning priorities. Children settle well as the childminder is caring and takes time and effort in learning about their individual routines and needs thus providing for their continuity of care. Children are making steady progress in their learning and play because the childminder provides ongoing support and encouragement and they are able to access a good variety of interesting resources. Formal systems to identify the childminders areas of strengths and development have yet to be developed and most of the documentation is appropriately organised.

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further?

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

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further?

 gain knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Learning and Development requirements so that children are provided with an educational programme that will enable them to make progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning  ensure plans for the future are targeted to bring about further improvement to the provision and outcomes of children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the educational programme by making systematic observations and assessments of each 30/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 child’s achievements, interests and learning styles and use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating experiences for each child (Early Learning Goals)  keep a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance (Documentation) 12/06/2009

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provision

The organisation of the childminder's home gives children opportunities to feel welcomed and place them at their ease in the childminder's care. The daily routines match each child's needs and promotes their welfare with regard to their ages and stages of development. The childminder has acquired sufficient knowledge in respect of the children she cares for and uses this information to provide individual toys and activities that meet their specific needs. The supply of toys and equipment are wide-ranging and accurately match the development needs of the children who attend. Effective supervision and children's close interaction with the childminder provides protection in respect of children's safety. The risk systems are documented, identify any areas of concern and ensure children's safety and security. Children are suitably safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of any indicators of abuse, has the appropriate contact

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provision

numbers and ensures that parents are aware of her obligations.

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provision

Children are protected if there is an accident or if they become ill whilst in the childminder's care as she has a suitable paediatric first aid qualification and knows how to respond in cases of emergency. Although the childminder is committed to her own professional development the current self-evaluation process has not yet been formalised and, consequently, the lack of formalised self-evaluation compromises children's progress. There is a clear procedure in respect of any complaints that may be received from parents. Most of the documentation is in place, however, the attendance register is not sufficiently detailed as it does not record children's full names and their daily times of arrival.

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provision

Positive relationships are developed between parents and the childminder which ensures that there is an effective exchange of information when children are collected through discussion and daily diaries. This encourages parents to continue with their child's activities and progress in the home setting. There are some observations and assessments in respect of children's progress and this contributes towards the childminder meeting children's individual needs. However, the observations do not follow each area of learning and do not provide a clear focus in respect of planning for children's future progress which may compromise their development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy positive play experiences in the childminder's care. A stimulating environment that is well stocked with resources encourages children to self-select activities promoting their independence and development. Challenges are provided for younger children as they reach and grasp play equipment, discovering cause and effect and new experiences as they instigate sounds from activity toys. Consequently, this assists them in making some progress towards the early learning goals. The planning and assessment systems for individual children is currently being developed and presently does is not track each individual area of learning which potentially compromises children's progress and development. The childminder closely supports children's individual play by getting down on the floor with them encouraging eye contact and promoting their communication skills. As a result, children have ample scope to exercise their preferences and this promotes

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

their ability to self-select activities. Younger children's development is extended as they use specific equipment that help them sit safely. A safe play environment that incorporates clean and comfortable floor coverings encourages their mobility as they practise their crawling skills. The childminder has detailed knowledge of the needs of all the children that attend and ensures that sufficient differentiation is provided in all activities has activities are adapted to meet the needs of all the children that attend. Children's confidence is encouraged through praise and activities that are well suited to their different needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Close links with parents through exchanges of information and completed daily diaries helps promote children's continuity of care. The childminder welcomes parents whilst she cares for their child and readily discusses their needs and their settling-in arrangements. There is appropriate provision for children's care and welfare. Careful routines are practised by the childminder which significantly reduces the risk of the spread of infection. Children's health and safety is promoted as they enjoy healthy snacks and meals that adhere to their dietary requirements which include fresh vegetables and fruit. Drinks of water are always available and meals are served that meet with children's individual daily routines. There is sufficient scope provided for daily exercise with all children by visiting local parks and walking to and from school with the childminder. Children wash their hands regularly after using the toilet and after outdoor play and there are hygienic

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

arrangements for nappy changing for younger children. Older children are encouraged to take responsibility for their play environment by tidying away their toys and all children are encouraged to develop their social skills thorough their interaction with others and outings to local toddler groups. 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? 3 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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