Childminder in Staffordshire

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 EY317373 Inspection date 18/06/2009 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

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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and nine years in a house in Tamworth. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes except for the master bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The location is convenient for schools, park and shops.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of five children may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently five children attending of whom three are within the early years age range. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has suitable procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language. The premises are accessible via the front entrance which has a low step. The family have a rabbit and a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the local childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder who encourages them to learn and develop through a wide range of stimulating play experiences. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the children in her care and works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure children's individual care needs are met. Most of the required documentation, including written policies and procedures, are in place and shared with parents. The childminder is able to identify her strengths and areas for development and demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving her service for young children and their families.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further systems for assessments to ensure children cover all areas of learning and development.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information with regard to who has legal parental responsibility of the children in attendance (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 25/06/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is motivated and committed to providing a good level of care and education for children. She attends training on a regular basis to update her knowledge and expertise and demonstrates a good understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. She demonstrates a professional approach to her role and regularly evaluates and monitors the quality of her care and has a positive attitude towards continuous improvement.

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provision

The childminder is well organised and manages daily routines effectively to accommodate the individual needs of the children attending. The environment is child-orientated and utilised to its full potential to provide children with choices about where and with what they wish to play. The childminder takes time to develop warm and caring relationships with the children in her care and demonstrates a good understanding of their needs, routines and interests. This knowledge is enhanced by the wealth of information gained from parents on admission. The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents and keeps them informed through the use of a welcome pack, daily diaries, photographs and a range of policies and procedures. She regularly uses questionnaires as a means of evaluating her practise and values parents comments, acting on any suggestions if necessary. The childminder has made links

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provision

with other childminders and school and understands the value of working alongside other professionals to ensure children individual needs are met.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures, and is fully aware of her responsibilities to protect children in her care. However, information with regard to who has legal parental responsibility is not in place to ensure children’s welfare is fully protected. Regular risk assessments are carried out on both the indoor and outdoor environment as well as outings to ensure children’s safety is fully protected. Documentation is clear, concise, well organised and used effectively to support the care of the children and complies with the EYFS requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder organises her home to ensure space is used effectively so that children can choose to access areas and resources offering different activities to extend their play and develop their independence. There is good range of quality toys and resources which help children to make progress in their learning and development. They particularly enjoy playing with musical toys and listening to CD’s of nursery rhymes. Children also benefit from a range of activities outside the childminder’s home. They visit the local toddler group, park, library and pond where they feed the ducks. All of which provide opportunities for children to engage in further activities and socialise with their peers.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder regularly observes children play and plans activities in line with children’s interests. She uses the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 practice guidance to help with her planning. She has started to use the information gained from observations to inform her planning ,however, systems for assessing children progress towards the six areas of learning are still in their infancy. The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking questions and engaging them in discussions to promote their language and communication skills. Children’s efforts and achievements are praised and valued and photographs and children's art work are shared with parents, which in turn develops children’s sense of belonging.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder offers an inclusive service and welcomes all children into her care. She has a range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. She spends time encouraging children to respect each other and children are learning to share, take turns and consider the needs of others. Children are valued and the childminder helps children to feel good about themselves by frequently providing positive support, praise and encouragement, while managing behaviour very well, this helps build children’s self-esteem.

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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, emergency evacuation procedures are practised with children to ensure they are aware of where to go to stay safe. There are good arrangements in place to care for children who are ill, which are shared with parents and the childminder is trained in administering first aid, which ensures children’s well-being is fully protected. The childminder promotes children’s health by recognising and reducing possible risks. She takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping the premises clean and well maintained and providing paper towels, liquid soap and anti-bacterial lotion which the children refer to as ‘magic’ soap as no water is needed. Children are helped to understand that washing their hands regularly helps keep them healthy. They are provided with nutritious snacks and food provided by parents is stored appropriately. Drinks are made readily available

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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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