Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 224553 Inspection date 01/02/2010 Inspector Lynne Milligan

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and adult grandson in Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local pre-school groups. The family has a dog.

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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 successfully promotes all aspects of children's welfare and development. Children are safe and well cared for in the childminder's welcoming and inclusive home. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and engage in a variety of stimulating play opportunities. As a result they are making good progress in their learning and development. Good partnerships with parents have been established and effective systems are in place for sharing information. The childminder has begun to evaluate her provision and demonstrates a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the observation system in place to clearly identify key objectives for children's learning that link to the early learning goals

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the early years provision

The childminder safeguards children's welfare effectively. She is very well organised and has all the required records in place that promote children's health and wellbeing. All adults in the home are suitably vetted and the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities towards the children in her care and is familiar with the steps to take if she has concerns about a child. The childminder organises space and play resources well which enables children to safely engage in a wide variety of play experiences. In addition, she actively engages and challenges the children, taking into account their individual abilities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 preferences. Effective risk assessments are completed enabling the childminder to put measures in place to safeguard children, both indoors and on outings. The childminder has begun to self evaluate her service, recognising her key strengths

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the early years provision

and areas for improvements, for instance, she discussed that she intends to seek more information on how to further support children's learning using 'schemas'.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children and their families. Children have access to a range of toys and activities that promote positive images of diversity and equality, enabling them to learn more about the world around them. Furthermore to support children whilst in her care the childminder asks parents to share their knowledge of their family background. As a result, children are settled, happy and secure in her care. There are good systems in place to share information with parents, who are also encouraged to look through their children's development records and add their comments on a regular basis. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of the need to work closely with other partners, as and when the need arises.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they confidently move around and independently help themselves to toys and play materials. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they are reminded to sit down carefully and are offered assistance as they reach up for a toy. They adopt rigorous hygiene routines when they wash their hands before meals or after a messy activity as they sing 'rub-a-dub-dub' whilst making sure the soap covers all their hands. Furthermore, the childminder is helping children to adopt healthy lifestyles as she encourages them to brush their teeth whilst promoting their independence. Children learn about healthy foods and drinks as they are offered a varied menu, some of which they have grown themselves. They independently access fresh drinking water as beakers are regularly topped up and placed within easy reach which helps children to remain

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and outcomes for children

hydrated. Children develop an understanding of how physical activity makes their bodies change as they run about, play outside and sing and dance. Relaxed, quiet times allow children to rest, with the comfort of a warm blanket and the childminder's reassurance.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the early learning goals. Prior to children starting, she ensures she has information from parents on their child's starting points. This enables her to provide stimulating and fun activities which are based on children's likes and interests. The childminder undertakes observations of the children's development and achievements but has yet to link them to the early learning goals. Their next steps are reviewed on a regular basis and systems for monitoring and tracking children's progress towards each area of learning are developing well, with each child's individual next steps incorporated, into the flexible and informal planning. The childminder actively encourages parents to access these records to enable them to see how their children are developing and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children enjoy a balance of indoor and outdoor activities, with regular visits to local

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and outcomes for children

groups and parks where they enjoy physical activity and joining in the singing sessions. Children are keen to communicate and are beginning to use early language to express their ideas and to chat. They particularly enjoy singing and dancing and this is enhanced by the use of hand made sock puppets and other props. They confidently help themselves to the bright and well maintained resources and actively involve the childminder in their play, for example, as they squeeze the play dough through the tubes, excitedly grasping the coloured strings of dough as it rises out of the top. They show curiosity and get excited as they get ready to fly their helicopter, understanding that passengers need to wear seat belts and that it’s the captain who flies it. Children are consistently encouraged to respect differences, develop social skills and show care and consideration for others through positive role modelling and encouragement of excellent manners.

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and outcomes for children

Children are continually developing skills for the future through the topics covered and from support in using a wide range of learning resources. 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 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

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

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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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