Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

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

p.1

Unique reference number 208533 Inspection date 06/07/2009 Inspector Shirley Amanda Wilkes

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and two children, one an adult, the other aged 15 years. They live in the village of Little Dawley, Telford access to the premises is via a steep drive. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently minding seven children, four of whom are in the early years age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is an accredited member of an approved childminding network and currently receives early education funding for some of the children in the early years age range. She is also a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's policies and procedures are effective and inclusive. She shows a clear understanding of meeting the regulations for children's care, learning and development. The childminder's effective practice is based upon a positive relationship with parents which helps to ensure that children make good progress, given their age, ability and starting points. She reflects on her practice, though she is not fully confident at using self-evaluation as a tool to aid this process.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further the use of self-evaluation to identify strengths and plan for areas of improvement

p.3

provision

Children are cared for in an inclusive setting where all necessary essential information is gathered and consequently, the childminder is able to meet the specific needs of individual children. The childminder makes all required policies and procedures available to parents which ensure that the setting is managed effectively, safely and in the interests of children. As a result, children are safeguarded, which is further enhanced as all adults within the childminder's home are vetted for suitability and levels of supervision are always good.

p.3

provision

The childminder has completed risk assessments which helps ensure children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safe within the home and when outdoors. She has a thorough knowledge of her safeguarding policy and understands the procedures to follow if she is concerned about any child in her care. She also carries out fire evacuation drills from her home to help children learn how to keep themselves safe in an emergency. The childminder has detailed records for all accidents and for administering medication and the childminder has updated her first aid training.

p.3

provision

The childminder is skilled at using observations of children to plan a range of appropriate activities. Observations are effective at identifying their individual likes, dislikes and developmental needs. The childminder has excellent systems in place to maintain written records in order to monitor children's progress and identify their next steps.

p.4

provision

The childminder develops positive relationships with parents which ensures continuity of care for all children. This helps to promote children's welfare and help them to have a sense of belonging. Completed references from parents include comments such as, the childminder 'has been flexible in her approach to working but consistent in the level of care given'. The childminder shows a commitment to on-going training to ensure that her skills are updated regularly, which in turn provides good outcomes for children. The previous recommendation to ensure that the playroom lights were made safe has been addressed to ensure children's safety and well-being.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled and benefit from a caring, responsive relationship between themselves and the childminder. They show a strong attachment and relate very well to the childminder, showing that that they feel a sense of belonging within this setting. The childminder provides a varied and attractive range of age-appropriate play resources that children are eager to use, all of which are easily accessible to the children. The childminder’s home is appropriately organised and gives the children opportunities to become independent. The daily routine meets children's needs and promotes their welfare and all the required documentation is in place. During routine outings, the childminder often talks to children about road safety allowing them to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. The children’s safety is further promoted because the childminder regularly practises fire drills with them. The premises are clean and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's positive behaviour is praised and they receive lots of praise and encouragement for their achievements and efforts, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They play well together, for example when building the train track and when looking at pictures on the computer, eager to share when identifying others. They respond positively to requests from the childminder, such as when asked to help tidy away, which they do with some encouragement. She talks to them in a calm and positive manner.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy sharing books, craft activities, messy play, cooking, jigsaws, singing rhymes, making music, using their imaginations widely during imaginary games This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 such as when playing in the shop, and they are becoming aware of the wider world around them when exploring festivals and celebrations such as Chinese New Year. Children enjoy looking at lifecycles and take delight in looking at the chrysalises explaining that they will turn into red and black butterflies. The childminder provides the children with opportunities for frequent outdoor play and visit local community facilities such as local toddler groups.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have individual cups so that they can take a drink whenever they wish to have one, and younger children are prompted regularly to have a drink. The childminder makes an agreement with the parents regarding the provision of food and drinks. She encourages a healthy diet at all times and takes account of particular dietary needs, to ensure the promotion of children's overall well-being. Young children can rest and sleep in accordance with their individual needs. The childminder promotes good hygiene practices, for example, by the use of individual towels. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7