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 201225 Inspection date 14/07/2009 Inspector Paula Hunt

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and adult daughter on the outskirts of Coleshill town centre. Access to the childminder’s home is via a gentle slope and the whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. The first floor is used for sleeping and bathroom facilities only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently three children on roll, all of whom are within the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives close to local amenities, such as the park, and drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and has a dog and a cat.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's care as she knows them well and provides a satisfactory range of activities that interest them as individuals. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and provides an inclusive environment. Parents value the flexible care that the childminder provides and there are positive working partnerships in place. The childminder aims to improve her skills through attendance at training courses and she is beginning to identify areas for improvement, with some plans made for the future.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve written complaints policy so that it includes the requirement that complainants are notified of the outcome of an investigation within 28 days  undertake observations of children's achievements to identify learning priorities and plan relevant experiences for the next stages in their development, matching the observations to the expectations of the early learning goals  ensure the record of children's daily attendance is accurate and up-to-date  develop further knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

The childminder is an experienced childminder who is dedicated towards keeping children safe and offering them a homely, relaxed environment. She is beginning to develop her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 requirements and demonstrates a commitment towards improving her knowledge through the completion of appropriate training. A set of written policies and procedures are available which are mostly effectively implemented in everyday practice, however, the complaints procedure requires amendment and the daily attendance register is not accurately maintained. Previous recommendations have been addressed to improve the outcomes for children under documentation and record keeping to ensure safe practices.

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provision

The childminder has developed positive links with parents and has some effective systems in place to obtain and share information with them. For example, children's initial starting points are discussed with parents and the childminder verbally informs them how their children have been and the activities they have been involved in on a daily basis. The childminder takes into account parental preferences as she follows daily routines. All information such as medical, dietary requirements and parental preferences are recorded to ensure that each child’s needs are met.

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provision

Children are generally safeguarded effectively in most aspects of the provision. For example, the childminder has completed a basic risk assessment of her premises and has taken steps to minimise any hazards identified. Children are encouraged to help tidy away toys helping them to learn about how to look after things and think of others' safety as they play. They learn about road safety when out walking and when visiting the local parks. The childminder has a working knowledge of child protection and safeguarding children procedures. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows who to contact in the event of any concern.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are comfortable, relaxed and occupied in the childminder's home as she provides a caring, secure environment. They respond affectionately to the childminder's praise and encouragement, which helps to promote their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder is developing her understanding of the EYFS but does not yet undertake observations and assessments of children’s learning to effectively show how their learning and development is progressing. Consequently, children's next steps are not identified or used to inform future planning of activities. Despite these shortcomings, the childminder does have an understanding of the needs of the children in her care and she is able to talk confidently about their development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make independent choices and self-select some toys and activities they are interested in. Activities are planned around daily routines and she takes opportunities to highlight aspects of learning such as early colour and number recognition as children complete puzzles or build with construction bricks. Children use tools such as cutlery and scissors with increasing skill and have access to mark making materials such as pens and crayons. Children enjoy looking at books and singing songs. The childminder takes children out regularly and they enjoy visits to places of interest, such as the local farm park and the library or to feed the ducks. This helps children to become aware of the wider world and to begin to recognise different aspects of nature. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are provided with opportunities to learn about diversity as the childminder

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

provides some resources, such as books which reflect positive images of the wider world. This creates an inclusive environment that encourages children to feel a sense of belonging and promotes their self-esteem. Children begin to learn about good hygiene practices as the childminder encourages them to independently use the bathroom, providing soap and towels to enable them to wash their hands independently at appropriate times, for example, after they have used the toilet. The childminder adopts appropriate nappy changing procedures and protects children from cross-infection. Children enjoy healthy snacks of fresh fruit if required to supplement the main meals provided by their parents and regular drinks throughout the day. The childminder adheres to any special diets that children may have. 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? 3

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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? 3 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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