Childminder in DudleyOfsted inspection, 13 Aug 2009

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 255718 Inspection date 13/08/2009 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two older children in a house in a residential area of Dudley. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for minding and the master bedroom is only used for sleeping purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder's home is accessible from the ground floor and there is small step up to the front entrance.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently minding eight children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Three of the children are within the early years age range. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The family has two cats and two gerbils.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She regularly attends local toddler groups and 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. Children enjoy their time at this setting where they are stimulated through a wide range of toys and activities. Children's individual preferences are recognised in the planning for their learning and development and their needs are competently met. Well-organised documentation is mostly in place to ensure children's safety and well-being is effectively promoted. There is a well-established working relationship with parents and other early years providers that support the learning and development of children. Good practice is sustained through the childminder’s commitment to improvement, ongoing training and evaluation of the provision.

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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 make progress towards all six areas of learning  develop further procedures for risk assessment to include a record for each type of outing.

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provision

Children have formed good relationships with the childminder and benefit from her experience of childcare, good levels of supervision and individual attention; as a result, they happy and well settled. The childminder is committed to improving her practice and has attended further training to ensure her knowledge is up-to-date. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder demonstrates the capacity to make necessary improvements by addressing the recommendation from the last inspection in order to promote children's care and learning. She regularly asks parents for feedback and suggestions acting on any comments made to improve her practice and effectively monitors and evaluates the quality of her provision using the Ofsted self-evaluation system.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility in relation to safeguarding and child protection and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise about a child. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised as written and visual risk assessments are carried out on the premises, toys and equipment to ensure that any hazards are promptly identified and minimised. However, a record of outings are not included as part of the risk assessment procedure to ensure children's safety is fully protected.

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provision

The childminder is well-organised and methodical in her approach to her childminding arrangements. Children's records are up-to-date, easily accessible and stored securely to ensure confidentiality is maintained. The childminder has formed good links with other childminders, support workers and early years practitioners who deliver the EYFS to ensure that children are provided with appropriate levels of support. She has developed strong relationships with parents, encouraging a two-way exchange of information through daily discussions and written documentation.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage due to the childminder's ability to promote learning through their play. Children are valued and the childminder helps them to feel good about themselves by frequently providing positive support, praise and encouragement, whilst managing behaviour well; this helps build children’s self-esteem. The childminder provides good opportunities for children to take the lead in selecting activities and regularly rotates toys and resources to ensure that they remain interested and stimulated. She supports the children’s play enthusiastically and gives guidance as required. Planned, purposeful play promotes all areas of learning effectively, for example, children remain focussed during a water play activity. They experiment with various objects to see what floats and what sinks and have made paper ships to sail around the water container. They thoroughly enjoy using their imagination in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

role play, acting out familiar family roles and taking part in talent contests. Children are gaining an understanding of other cultures and disability due to a range of resources that reflect positive images.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder 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 yet to be consolidated to ensure children are covering all areas of learning. The childminder adopts an embracing approach to inclusion and welcomes all children to her. She understands the importance of discussing children's additional needs with parents in order to promote their development effectively. The childminder works with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 parents to promote children's independence and children’s individual learning folders are shared with parents to ensure they are involved in their children’s progress and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines and discussions. They are helped to understand that washing their hand before eating and after some activities helps to keep them healthy. Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They learn about fire safety and know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency and the childminder regularly practises this with them. There are good procedures in place to care for children who are ill, which are shared with parents. Children enjoy a varied range of nutritious meals, and snacks and drinks are readily accessible for all children to ensure they remain hydrated. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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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