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 EY318201 Inspection date 19/05/2009 Inspector Karen Cooper

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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 since 2005 and lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 9 years. They live in a house in Sutton Coldfield. The ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The premises are accessible via the front entrance which has a low step.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of six may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently 15 children attending, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Six of the children are within the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding network. She is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are well-settled and enjoy a close relationship with the childminder. The children have access to a varied range of good quality toys and resources and make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder’s practice is fully inclusive because she works closely with parents and other providers to meet children's individual needs. She is well-organised and most documentation is in place. The childminder carries out a self-evaluation of her provision and continually monitors her practice to ensure children's needs are effectively met.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the evaluation of activities to ensure children meet all areas of learning  obtain written consent prior to administering medication to children.

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provision

Children benefit from the commitment the childminder has shown to update and improve her knowledge and understanding. She has attended training for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, child protection and first aid. The childminder has devised a range of written policies and procedures which she ensures are shared with parents. Documentation is well-organised and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality is maintained.

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provision

The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's individual needs, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouraging a two-way exchange of information through daily discussions. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children’s learning and are kept up-to-date with their child’s progress and development though photographs, observation records and children’s individual scrap books. The childminder works closely with other local childminders and arrangements are in place to work in partnership with other settings who deliver the EYFS to ensure that children are provided with appropriate levels of support.

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provision

Positive steps have been taken by the childminder in order to safeguard children and to promote their welfare. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities in relation to child protection and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has implemented a written risk assessment which is reviewed regularly to ensure their safety is protected. The childminder is committed to improving her practice by addressing the recommendation set at her previous inspection. Part of this ongoing commitment to improvement includes developing self-evaluation systems to include the views of children and parents as the childminder very much values their opinions and feedback.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the EYFS. She plans a varied range of age appropriate activities to ensure children remain interested and stimulated and regularly observes their progress. However, information gathered is not sufficiently evaluated to ensure children are meeting all areas of learning. Children enjoy using their imagination in role play, such as feeding, dressing and undressing their dolls. They are provided with a variety of activities to encourage their simple problem solving and mark making skills. For example, alphabet games, box games, construction activities and paper and crayons. Children particularly enjoy cooking activities when they decorate gingerbread men and biscuits. As a result, children are eager to join in with the activities and make good progress in their learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident and choose what they want to do from the varied range of toys and resources on offer. Children benefit as the childminder spends the majority of her time at their level, interacting with them and engaging in their play. She has a good understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies and children are encouraged to share, take turns and consider the needs of others. Daily opportunities are provided for children to enjoy a range of experiences outdoors which helps to develop their physical skills. For example, they have access to a range of push-alongs, wheeled toys, bats, balls and skipping ropes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a good understanding of how to stay safe. For example, the childminder regularly practices the fire evacuation procedures with them to ensure they are aware of where to go to stay safe. There are appropriate arrangements in place to care for children who are ill, which are shared with parents. However, prior written consent from parents to administer medication to children is not in place to ensure children’s health is fully protected. Through daily routines, children are encouraged to learn about good hygiene practises such as washing their hands This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 after toileting and before eating. Food is provided by parents, which the childminder ensures is stored appropriately and drinks are made readily available to ensure children remain hydrated throughout the day. 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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