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 210279 Inspection date 06/07/2009 Inspector Justine Ellaway

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 13 years in Burton-on-Trent. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, three of whom are within the early years age range. The childminder collects children from the local school and attends 'stay and play' sessions on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is effective in promoting children's learning and development, and welfare, and ensuring that she is meeting the needs of children within the setting. Useful information is shared with parents so that good relationships are established to support children's learning and development, and care, and most of the required information has been gathered. The childminder is aware of requirements to share information with other settings so that consistency is promoted. The childminder demonstrates a capacity to improve and reflects on her practice, and makes changes when identified to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 use observations and assessments to consistently identify learning priorities. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain information from parents in advance of a child being admitted to the provision, regarding who has legal contact with the child, and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare). 27/07/2009

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provision

The childminder provides detailed information for parents, both at the time of placement and on an ongoing basis. This supports the good relationships she establishes with parents to promote consistency of care for each child. An This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 informative newsletter means that parents can extend children's learning at home if they wish, as it includes details of future activities and which areas of learning they link to. Most of the required information is gathered to meet children's needs. However, the childminder has not yet sought information from parents regarding parental responsibility and legal contact for each child.

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provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's safety, both within the home and on outings. Risks and hazards are minimised, and the childminder has a detailed written risk assessment for the home. She has a sound awareness of safeguarding issues and a very clear written procedure that is shared with parents. As a result, children are safeguarded as the childminder knows what to do should she have any concerns about a child.

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provision

Consistent hygiene practice ensures the risk of cross-infection is minimised, for example, hand washing before meals and children have their own towel for hand drying. Healthy eating is actively promoted and the childminder considers different ways of encouraging children to eat healthy foods. She uses a reward chart to assist in encouraging children to eat vegetables, which has had a positive affect on their diet and therefore their well-being. This also helps children to learn about a healthy lifestyle.

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provision

The childminder frequently reflects on her practice and makes notes within her planning of her evaluation of activities. She makes changes as and when they are identified, for example, when establishing a new playroom she bought a low level, attractive storage unit to promote children's independence during play. She demonstrates a commitment to improve as she has attended a range of training courses since the last inspection, which positively benefit the children who attend.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning because of the positive interaction and support from the childminder. She has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and is identifying which aspects of the areas of learning activities cover. This helps to ensure a broad and varied range of activities for all children to support their learning and development. The childminder joins in with play and through this interaction successfully supports children's learning, for example, counting before pressing a button. Younger children copy and as a result learn to count to three. The childminder also asks questions that encourage their thinking and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The environment is attractive and suitably resourced. There are a range of resources to suit the different stages of development, for example, more complex jigsaw puzzles for older children. Children choose what they want to play with and join in with others. Children of different ages play well together and the childminder employs suitable methods to help children to learn about right and wrong. They develop a strong understanding of safety issues as they talk about and learn different aspects of safety. For example, having observed that a character in a story wasn't wearing a seat belt the children practised doing their own seat belt. Children are developing a good awareness of what you need to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 wear when playing outside in the sun to keep you safe.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children of all ages successfully develop their communication skills as they enter into discussion or attempt to repeat words. Younger children express their views through simple two word statements. Children play with tools and equipment such as cutters during a playdough activity that supports their physical development. They learn their colours as they attempt to identify what colour toy they are playing with and use their imagination during role play. The childminder borrows additional resources to vary the role play area, for example, borrowing garden centre resources from the local toy library.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children persevere with tasks and often repeat them until they are satisfied they have achieved what they wanted to do. They have a good range of opportunities to learn about cultures as they engage in activities such as celebrating Chinese New Year. Having made a weather dial they update this regularly which promotes their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder keeps comprehensive notes of observations and assessments she undertakes on each child. She uses an overview chart to ensure each child is experiencing a range of activities within the areas of learning. She does not consistently use the information gathered to identify the learning priorities for each child to incorporate into future activities. 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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