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 210305 Inspection date 12/08/2009 Inspector Jasvinder Kaur

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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 and works with another childminder. She lives with her husband and two children aged over 16 years. They live in a property in Burntwood where there are shops and an open wood within walking distance. All areas of the property, except for two bedrooms, are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access is via a sloping driveway and two steps up into the provision.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding 13 children on a part-time basis. This provision is registered with Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children and she attends the local toddler group. The family has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. All policies and procedures are inclusive and implemented successfully to promote children's welfare. Children benefit from exceptionally strong relationships between the childminder, parents and carers. She has also developed high quality links with other providers, schools and pre- school groups to ensure all children’s specific needs are met successfully. Planning of activities create challenging experiences and progress in most six areas of learning for all children. Regular self-evaluation by the childminder ensures that most priorities for future progress are identified and acted on to help 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?

 support children’s imagination further through art and design and by increasing opportunities for child-initiated play during daily routines  take reasonable steps to minimise hazards to children, with particular reference to the sharp objects in the kitchen.

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provision

Children are protected from harm or neglect as the childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and Local Safeguarding Children's Board procedures. All adults within the provision have undergone effective vetting procedures. This ensures adults are suitable to have regular contact with children and further promotes children’s safety. Detailed risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments confirm that the childminder carries out safety checks both around the home and for proposed outings to eliminate risks. However, access to sharp objects in the kitchen is not prevented. This compromises children’s safety. Nevertheless, praiseworthy opportunities are arranged for children to become skilled at how to keep themselves safe, including visits from police officers and a lollipop lady, and visiting a local fire station. There is a good procedure to protect

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provision

children from the spread of infection, as arrangements are in place to exclude children who have any infectious illnesses.

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provision

The childminder embraces the concept of inclusion and promotes this through children's everyday experiences. Children value diversity, as they have access to a wide range of play materials, play opportunities and activities that reflect disability and diversity and acknowledge cultural differences. They take part in fundraising for different charities. Children are valued as unique individuals, and support is offered according to their needs. Children who have identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities have their needs well met. The childminder works well with parents/carers of the children, valuing their contribution as partners in their children’s learning and care. Regular newsletters, daily notebooks, children’s profiles and a detailed prospectus of the service maintain a two-way flow of information between parents and the childminder.

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provision

The childminder has implemented a robust system to monitor and evaluate her practice to ensure that improvements are made where necessary. For example, all policies and procedures are under continual review and the complaints procedure and children’s records are effectively maintained and readily available for inspection and for parents. The childminder continues to update her professional skills by attending training and workshop sessions. Recent training includes food hygiene, supporting children with speech, language and communication needs, first aid, safeguarding children and workshops on the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with excellent play opportunities to help them make progress across all areas of learning and development. To cater for the needs of individuals, the planning of activities contains detailed information on the six areas of learning and development. The childminder plans purposeful play for all age groups, although daily routines reveal that opportunities for child-initiated activities are not optimum. She has set up a very good system to observe and assess children’s play to help her plan activities. Her findings are used effectively for the individual child’s next steps in learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children display high levels of involvement in activities and engage adults and peers in story sessions about 'Lola the doll' and ‘Owl Babies’. They demonstrate excellent listening skills while taking part in group games and showing recognition of sounds. They talk freely about their experiences at home and school. A good selection of books is readily accessible to all children. They enjoy stories and rhymes, and older children even make up their own songs, such as ‘Twinkle- twinkle chocolate bar’ Good opportunities are provided for mark-making and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 writing for different purposes. A variety of musical instruments, listening to music, dance and texture experiences including sand, water, jelly and pasta support children’s talents. However, art work can rely on colouring-in, and children’s imagination is not fully supported through exploration of their own ideas in art and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Opportunities are given to supplement children’s numeracy skills through singing number rhymes, measuring, counting and games such as matching numbers and size-comparison. This includes counting toys and everyday objects, using vocabulary to compare different sizes of toys and weighing out ingredients when baking and cooking. A variety of themed activities is planned to supplement children’s learning and knowledge of the environment, including trips to the park, library and local innovation centres, and nature walks. Children also help in the garden and visit the local community to understand the world around them. A good range of programmable toys gives them opportunities to begin to develop their understanding of how technology can help them in their everyday lives.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are supported in learning how to keep themselves fit. They enjoy an excellent range of both indoor and outdoor physical activities that contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Children make healthy choices, enjoying freshly cooked meals and nourishing options such as fresh fruits and vegetables at snack times. Through a variety of resources and themed activities, children gain understanding of the value of good nutrition. Drinks are readily accessible for all children throughout the session. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through relevant talks, posters, signs and daily routines, for example, washing hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children behave well, demonstrating an understanding of the set boundaries and expectations within the home. All are happy and confident, as the childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour which takes into account children’s levels of understanding and maturity.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 1 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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