Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY316148 Inspection date 16/11/2009 Inspector Jill Nugent

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 registered in 2005 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives with her husband and two children, aged six and two years, in a house in Enfield. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. Access to the house is at ground level. The childminder's husband works as an assistant.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of four children under eight, of whom two may be in the early years age group at any one time. When working with an assistant she may care for a maximum of seven children under eight, of whom four may be in the early years at any one time. Currently she has three children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age group and one on the part of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe and inclusive setting where children's well-being is prioritised. Children are supported in their learning through the interaction of the childminder, and her assistant, as they access a variety of play activities. The childminder exchanges information with parents about children's progress and individual needs. She implements appropriate health and safety procedures and takes advantage of opportunities to increase her own knowledge and understanding of childcare, thereby continually improving the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that assistants are deployed effectively so that all children receive an enjoyable and challenging learning experience  ensure that there is a balance of adult-led and freely-chosen activities delivered through indoor and outdoor play  extend the provision of learning opportunities which help to increase children's awareness of different cultures.

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the early years provision

The childminder is particularly strong in her commitment to the organisation of paperwork. All the required documentation is in place and her policies and procedures are made very clear for parents. She has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and follows set guidelines if having any concerns about child This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 protection. Regular risk assessments of the premises are carried out and the childminder notes any action taken to ensure children's safety. Her assistant also has a sound understanding of health and safety issues. All medical records are well maintained and the childminder keeps her first aid qualification up to date.

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the early years provision

There is a good working partnership with parents and carers. The childminder provides useful information for parents both in writing and on a notice board. She exchanges information daily about children through the use of written diaries, telling parents what children have enjoyed doing and adding some comments relating to their development. The childminder also shares information from her observation records with parents so that they can become involved in children's learning. Parents are pleased with the provision for their children, especially the caring nature of the childminder and the various activities on offer.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes an inclusive environment, sharing routine tasks with her assistant so that children's individual care needs are always met appropriately. Children enjoy good access to resources in the play room and play happily. However, the childminder does not deploy her assistant effectively during the day in order to maximise opportunities for children to enjoy a wide range of learning experiences, both indoors and outdoors. There is an emphasis on free-choice activities with few adult-led activities being organised and this leads to an imbalance in the overall provision for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses self-evaluation to reflect on her practice and is aware of her strengths and some aspects that could be improved, for example, she highlights the need to monitor her resourcing so that children have plenty of play space. In her individual development plan she sets herself relevant targets towards improving the outcomes for children, for instance, providing more opportunities to explore mark-making or learn about healthy eating. She makes good use of training opportunities to further her own professional development and has attended several courses relating to the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop close relationships with the childminder and her assistant. The adults offer good support to children involved in play activities, talking with them and providing help when necessary. Children are encouraged to be active learners and have much fun in imaginative play, for example, using toy cars, trains and dolls. The childminder is aware of their favourite activities and ensures that suitable resources are available. Children show much interest in the introduction of alternative resources, for instance, a tunnel through which they crawl excitedly. They develop good communication skills as adults engage them in conversation and encourage them to join in songs. When constructing models and doing puzzles children develop problem solving and number skills. However, children are not always extended effectively in their learning through focused activities and therefore have limited opportunities to develop useful skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has introduced a system of observational assessment and records This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 her observations on individual children on a regular basis so that she can demonstrate their progress in learning journeys. The introduction of six-monthly reviews for all children help to show how well they are progressing and to highlight any particular needs. In this way she determines children's next steps in learning so as to enable her to plan activities in response to their developmental needs. However, her planning is not sufficiently rigorous in making good use of both herself, and her assistant, to move all children on effectively in their learning, especially in different play situations. The childminder offers good support to children with special educational needs, working closely with parents and other professionals to help children develop appropriate skills. Children benefit from her

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and outcomes for children

use of books and games to consolidate and reinforce learning. On outings in the local area children find out about different environments, for example, when visiting the shops or park.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's welfare effectively, ensuring that all children keep safe and healthy in her care. Children are reminded how to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others. They approach adults with confidence and show a sense of security as they move freely around the play area. The childminder is attentive to matters of hygiene and provides healthy, nutritious meals. Children become aware of healthy lifestyles when encouraged to adopt good hygiene practices and take part in outdoor activities. Children have an awareness of diversity and learn to respect others, although there are limited opportunities overall for them to increase their awareness of different cultures. The childminder has appropriate strategies in place for managing children's behaviour. They learn to share fairly as they play alongside each other and enjoy background music which contributes to a happy, lively atmosphere.

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and outcomes for children

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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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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