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 EY388363 Inspection date 21/08/2009 Inspector Janet Ann Keeling

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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 2009. She lives with her husband and their two adult children in a village situated between Rugby and Coventry. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes together with the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor activities. The family has three cats. They also have a dog and chickens which are kept in a fenced area in the garden. The premises are accessible via the front entrance with one step up into the property.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, of whom, all are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The provision is also registered, by Ofsted, on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder provides a very welcoming, child-friendly and exceptionally well-organised environment where children are very happy and secure in her care. Children make excellent progress in their learning and development as the childminder provides an exciting programme of activities which are designed to help individual children reach their full potential. The childminder effectively promotes inclusion and securely meets children's individual needs. All required documentation is in place and very well maintained. The childminder has robust systems in place to evaluate her practice and is committed to ongoing training and development.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 develop ways to further minimise the risk of cross infection, with particular reference to children's hand washing procedures

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provision

Children are cared for by a dedicated, very knowledgeable, well organised and highly motivated childminder who demonstrates an outstanding professional approach to her role and responsibilities. The environment is very welcoming, child-friendly and stimulating. Children benefit from the warm and very caring nature of the childminder, consequently, children are very happy and secure in her care. Well established daily routines and flexible planning is outstandingly supportive of all children attending the setting. The childminder is fully committed This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to building on her professional skills by prioritising further training that will enhance her knowledge and further influence her practice. The childminder has robust systems in place to monitor and evaluate her childcare practice which focuses on outcomes for children. For example, she consistently reflects on her

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provision

practice through the use of self-evaluation and by seeking feedback from parents. The childminder has all the required documentation in place and dedicates time outside of her childminding hours to ensure that all written documents and records are well maintained.

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provision

Children benefit enormously from the warm and relaxed relationships that have been established between their parents and the childminder. They also benefit from the excellent levels of individual attention that they receive each day. The childminder has effective systems in place to help and support children and their parents settle into their new environment. Parents receive a welcome pack which contains all relevant information about the childminding service, including, all policies and procedures which inform the childminder's practice. The daily exchange of information, both written and verbal ensures that children's changing needs are consistently met to an exceptionally high standard. Parents are kept up- to-date with their child's progress as they have on-going access to their child's learning journey which contains 'memorable moments' which are captured in photographic and written evidence. The learning journey's also provide evidence of

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provision

children's progress and identifies children's next steps in their learning. Parents receive monthly newsletters detailing topic work, themes and outings and also receive emails each day containing photographs of their child's involvement in the days activities. Consequently, this all ensures that parents feel valued as partners in their child's learning and development.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of safeguarding children and is fully aware of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her care. She has a well-written policy in place which is fully implemented and shared with parents on admission. Children's safety is a priority. Daily written risk assessments of the home and garden are completed which clearly identify potential hazards and actions taken to minimise any risk to the children. The childminder also completes risk assessments prior to embarking on visits and outings, these demonstrate how children will be kept safe whilst out of the home environment. Robust vetting procedures are in place to ensure that adults in the household are suitable to be in contact with the children, a visitors book is maintained and children receive excellent supervision at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit enormously from a very stimulating and child-friendly learning environment and from the childminder's sound knowledge of how to develop learning through play. Children are confident and very happy in their environment. They freely choose toys and equipment and spend quality time building trusting and positive relationships with the childminder. All children are valued and treated with equal concern, with any specific requirement being shared and met sensitively in discussion with the child's parents. Well-established daily routines ensure that children develop good hygiene practices; they are gently reminded to wash their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hands before meals and brush their teeth after lunch. Although, current hand washing procedures do not fully minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children are beginning to learn about healthy eating as the childminder talks to them about

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

eating healthy food at meal times and whilst out shopping. Children are fully involved in growing fruit and vegetables in the garden and helping to harvest them. There was great delight as the children picked plums from the tree and selected ripe tomatoes from the greenhouse. Children have daily opportunities to play in the fresh air and enjoy story-time in the quiet area of the garden. Children experience a very sociable lunchtime, sitting around the table where they have freshly prepared healthy meals such as, braised pork casserole and chicken curry with delicately fragranced rice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder helps children to develop a good understanding of how to stay safe and learn about hazards around them. For example, after the children had finished paddling in the water, the childminder explained that they must dry their feet and put on socks and shoes before walking on the laminate floor, as they may slip and fall. Whilst in the garden, they were reminded to walk around the apple tree branches. Children are beginning to learn about fire safety as they discuss what to do if the smoke alarms go off and regularly practise the evacuation drill. Children behave in a manner that is supportive of their learning. They develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder gives lots of praise and encouragement. Children learn to share, take turns and show consideration for each other and respond positively to the childminders calm and consistent approach. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of their natural

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

environment as they plant seeds and watch them grow, explore the herb garden, observe frogs in the water feature and collect eggs from the chicken house. Children's communication, language and literacy skills are very well supported. For example, children regularly visit the local library where they explore books and show great pleasure at story-time as the childminder uses puppets and prompts to help them relate to the story line. Young children express themselves very well through action and sound, for example, they 'baby sign' effectively with the childminder and their peers. In the playroom, children have open access to a wonderful range of books and also take enormous pleasure in looking through their themed scrapbooks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an outstanding understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage; consequently, children make excellent progress towards the early learning goals. Children benefit from the well organised day that provides them with an excellent balance of activities to support their differing needs. For example, all children are fully included in all activities regardless of their age and abilities; all activities are tailored to meet individual needs within the group. The childminder is skilful at using open-ended questions to challenge and build on what the children already know. Children have access to an impressive range of first hand learning opportunities to support their learning and enjoyment. For example, they planted their own herb boxes, collected rose petals and made perfume, mix dough to make bread and harvested the fruit and vegetables. Children's learning and enjoyment is further enhanced as the childminder provides excellent opportunities for children to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

visit places of interest such as Coombe Abbey, the garden centre and the butterfly farm. The childminder effectively records ongoing observations of the children's progress; evidence is both written and through photographic evidence. Children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning journeys clearly identify children's next steps in their learning; consequently, children's learning is fully supported and extended. These documents are regularly shared and discussed with parents, ensuring they are kept fully informed of their child's progress. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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