Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 204565 Inspection date 13/10/2009 Inspector Saida Cummings

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1989 and lives with her family in a residential area situated in Droitwich, Worcestershire. There are local shops, parks, playing fields, daycare settings and schools within walking distance. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and daycare settings. Children are taken on local visits and outings. The family has one dog and two pet rabbits.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The main areas used for childminding are situated on the ground and first floors. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The childminder has procedures to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and there are currently nine children on roll within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for older children. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She is an accredited childminder, a member of the Worcestershire 'Children Come First' childminding network and has achieved the NCMA 'Quality First' Level 3 quality assurance award.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children’s learning and development is very well-promoted as they benefit from a wide range of stimulating and interesting planned and spontaneous activities. They settle quickly and thrive in the childminder's welcoming home. There is a clear focus on inclusion and the childminder ensures activities are adapted so that individual children are given many opportunities to participate at their own level. There are effective partnerships with parents, carers and other providers as the childminder has developed systems to ensure there are clear communication systems in place. Although the childminder has introduced systems for self- evaluation, these are not yet sufficiently robust to ensure she is able to maintain continuous development in all areas.

p.4

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 maintain a record of risk assessments clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 06/11/2009

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop the self-evaluation systems further to ensure priorities for making continuous improvements in all areas are identified and implemented  develop planning for individual children by using the observations and assessments to help them move on to the next stage in their development.

p.4

the early years provision

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded because the childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures. She has recently updated her child protection awareness training and demonstrates a very good understanding of the known indicators of child abuse and also of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures. The childminder takes positive steps to promote children's safety particularly in relation to ensuring the premises are safe and secure, and completes visual safety checks during outings. However, the risk assessments are not all formally recorded as required by the EYFS to ensure children's safety and welfare is fully protected. Well-maintained records are used positively to support children and written policy statements are clear, personalised and provide useful information for parents and carers. Inclusive practice is promoted as the childminder encourages children's positive self-esteem and adapts the activities to

p.5

the early years provision

ensure all the children are able to join in at their own level. Children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to providing good quality childcare. They are given the opportunity to instigate their own play as they are able to self-select their activities from the wide range of interesting and stimulating toys and resources. The newly refurbished garden is used as an outdoor learning environment, and is set up with activities such as painting, sand and water play. Children are able to choose whether they play indoors or outdoors as the garden is easily accessible from the main play room.

p.5

the early years provision

The effective partnership with parents and carers plays a key part in providing high-quality care and early education for individual children. The childminder is aware of the importance of involving parents and carers in the care of their children and constantly consults with them, ensuring they are kept fully informed of how their children spend their day. The childminder has developed very good written communication systems for each child, which are shared with the parents and carers. This ensures all parties are able to liaise and work closely together to ensure each child receives consistent care and early education, helping them to progress in all areas of development. The childminder has a positive approach to her professional development and has completed a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childcare. She regularly attends appropriate training to ensure she keeps herself updated with the latest information and legislation.

p.5

the early years provision

Children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to further development as she implements any changes or good practice into the care provided. The childminder has made several improvements to the provision and has fully addressed the recommendations from the last inspection. Self-assessment is evident in her practice and the childminder has a clear vision for high quality and inclusive care. However, the process of monitoring and evaluation to see how well this is being This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 achieved is still in its infancy and does not identify priorities for developing all areas of the provision.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children thrive in the childminder’s care as they benefit from playing in a well- organised environment which allows them to be independent and make choices. They have formed harmonious relationships with their peers and the childminder. Children's language skills are developed through their love of books and story- telling, as well as joining in with relaxed everyday conversations. They have many opportunities to extend their problem solving skills and hand-eye co-ordination when they enjoy using a variety of resources. For example, they bury the zoo toy animals in the green coloured sand, experimenting with how much sand they need to be able to bury each animal depending on the shape and size of the toy. Children are creative and enjoy using a variety of writing materials to make marks. They have many opportunities to explore and investigate whilst developing their imaginative play. Children’s behaviour is well managed and they are encouraged to

p.6

and outcomes for children

take turns and share. They help each other with their chosen tasks and are encouraged to give consideration to each other.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are progressing well in their learning and development as they benefit from an exciting range of activities which are appropriately adapted to ensure individual children’s preferences and needs are fully catered for. The childminder has developed a system for observing, assessing and planning appropriate activities for each child which provides them with many interesting opportunities to develop their skills. However, these systems are not used effectively to inform further planning to ensure each child is given the opportunity to move on to the next stage in their development. Children’s awareness of the wider world is encouraged through various planned activities and routines, such as taking part in themed days to make them aware of various cultural festivals and events. For example, they enjoy making ‘Shamrock Crowns’ during St. Patrick’s Day, and visiting a local Chinese restaurant to sample and taste various Chinese food as part

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's good health and well-being is promoted exceedingly well as all children have daily opportunities for physical indoor and outdoor activities. They are made aware of healthy living through a variety of activities which include regular opportunities to exercise and develop their physical skills. For example, they love to join in with outings such as visiting the park, going on local walks and using soft play areas to develop their jumping and climbing skills. Young children are supported and encouraged to develop their creative physical experiences. For example, the childminder supports them when they attempt to stand up and adapts the play areas to ensure there is sufficient safe floor space for rolling and crawling. Children enjoy a varied diet of freshly prepared meals and snacks using a variety of healthy and nutritious ingredients, including fresh fruit and vegetables. They are made aware of healthy eating as they are given the opportunity to help

p.6

and outcomes for children

with devising the menu, looking at recipe books to see what they would like to eat and the childminder encourages them to choose the healthy options to ensure they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are provided with a balanced diet. Children are made aware of safety through everyday routines and activities, such as road safety when out walking. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

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

p.8

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 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9