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 255488 Inspection date 23/06/2009 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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2000. She lives with her three teenage children in a house in Walsall. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for minding as well as the upstairs bathroom and back bedroom. The childminder's home is accessible via a low step at the front entrance. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for four children. The childminder is currently minding six children, three of whom, are within the early years age range and two over the age of eight.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA), Quality First assurance scheme and is a Family Support Childminder. She is available to collect children from the local school.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where children are happy and settled. Children's individuality is recognised and the childminder offers them a wide range of experiences that are well-prepared to encourage them to make good progress in their learning and development. Most of the required documentation is in place and well-organised. Close partnerships have been developed with parents and other professionals to ensure children's individual needs are met. The childminder shows a strong commitment to continuous improvement and there are effective systems in place for self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written consent prior to administering medication to children  develop further the observation systems to ensure that all areas of learning are sufficiently covered.

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provision

The childminder offers a fully inclusive service and welcomes all children into her care. The childminder has a recognised childcare qualification and demonstrates a professional approach to her role. She shows a clear commitment to meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has accessed additional training in order to improve her knowledge and understanding. Children benefit from good levels of supervision and individual attention and have formed good relationships. The childminder regularly evaluates and monitors the quality of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her care, as part of an accredited quality assurance scheme, and through the use of the Ofsted self-evaluation form. She demonstrates a positive attitude towards continuous improvement and as a result, she has addressed the recommendations raised at the previous inspection.

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provision

Relationships between the childminder and parents are honest, open and trusting, resulting in excellent partnerships. This ensures children are settled and secure. Parents are provided with clear information about the setting and their children's progress through, for example; daily discussions, regular newsletters, review meetings, photographs, observations records and text messages. The childminder regularly asks parents for feedback and suggestions, often using questionnaires. Any comments are appreciated and acted on if necessary. The childminder works closely with other local childminders and arrangements are in place to work in partnership with other professionals 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, as thorough risk assessments are carried out to ensure that any hazards are promptly identified and minimised. The childminder has devised a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures and these are implemented effectively and shared with parents to fully promote children's safety and well-being.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good working knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides a good variety of toys and activities to ensure children remain interested and stimulated. The childminder is intuitive of children's individual needs and adapts activities to take into account their developmental ages and interests. She takes positive steps to find out what interests each child, how much they know and what they can do. She observes the children while they play and records what they can do. However, these systems are new and yet to be consolidated to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered. She plans activities in line with themes, which are often initiated by children's interests. For example, children are currently learning about 'wild life'. The childminder has organised a corner of her garden solely as a nature area, where children can look at insects, plants, participate in bark rubbing and sow

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

seeds. All of which encourage children's knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder adopts an embracing approach to inclusion and welcomes all children to her setting. Children are very much 'at home' in the childminder's care and are encouraged to choose what they want to play with. Children benefit as the childminder spends the majority of her time at their level, interacting with them and giving reassurance when necessary. She acts as a positive role model and speaks to children in a calm, gentle and respectful manner. She has a good understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies and children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouraged to share, take turns and consider the needs of others as well as themselves.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The welcoming environment enhances children's health and well-being. Clear risk assessments and safety checks ensure children enjoy a safe environment. Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe, as they learn safety rules, including the fire evacuation procedure and road safety. The childminder helps children to follow good personal hygiene routines, for example, washing their hands before eating. There are effective arrangements in place to care for children who are ill and the childminder is trained in administering first aid. However, consent to administer medication is not in place to ensure children's well-being is fully protected. The childminder provides a range of healthy snacks and meals, and drinks are made readily available to ensure they remain hydrated throughout the day. The childminder is aware of each child’s individual dietary needs and ensures these are met. 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? 1 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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