Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY393371 Inspection date 05/11/2009 Inspector Jennie Lenton

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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 registered in 2009. She lives with her husband and their child in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. The dining room, kitchen and conservatory are used for childminding along with downstairs toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has two pet dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Currently there are two children on roll, both of whom are in the early years age range.

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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

Children feel safe and content in the childminder's welcoming and relaxed home. All children make excellent progress in their learning and development as they are provided with a fantastic range of activities and resources to help them learn through play. Their individual needs are met as the childminder works effectively with parents to get to know each child's likes, dislikes and any special requirements. Consequently, all children are thriving in the childminder's care. Most required policies and procedures are in place to ensure that the safety and welfare of all is effectively promoted. The childminder has positive plans for the future of the setting and these are focussed on improving outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain information about who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 12/02/2010

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further?

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

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further?

 develop communication systems with other providers to fully support children's learning and development across settings.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded effectively as the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities. There are clear written procedures to be followed in the event of suspected abuse and the childminder has ensured that she has up-to-date contact details for the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Risk assessments are carried out to ensure that resources and equipment are fit for purpose and the home is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regularly checked to make sure that children's safety is fully promoted on a daily basis. The childminder also works with parents to ensure that any individual safety issues are understood. A safety check list is completed for each child, ensuring the childminder is fully aware of their level of understanding and ability. For instance, she checks whether children are aware of the difference between hot and cold taps or their level of mobility on stairs. This helps to ensure individual needs are

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and consequently, children are well cared for and effectively supported on a daily basis. There is a positive approach to training and the childminder has completed all required courses. She is also undertaking further training to enhance her understanding and knowledge of child development. All policies and procedures are in place to support the welfare and development of children and these are routinely reviewed and shared with parents. As a result, parents are kept up-to-date with any changes and are well informed about the care provided. The childminder is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of her setting and has put in place plans to bring about future improvement. She is enthusiastic about developing her service and has focused future plans on improving the setting so that children's enjoyment is maximised.

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the early years provision

Inclusive practice, equality policies and procedures are successfully implemented so that all children achieve their full potential. Each child's individual needs are recognised and catered for as the childminder works in partnership with parents to meet any individual requirements. However, the childminder has not obtained details about parental responsibility and legal contact. Parents are provided with good quality information about the care provided and are effectively involved in supporting their children's learning and development. A thorough review process is in place, which ensures parents are included in their child's progress. The childminder works in partnership with other settings that children attend. She exchanges information about children's welfare needs, such as details of any accidents or incidents, but currently has no system in place to share information about children's learning needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely happy in the childminder's care, snuggling up with the childminder to enjoy cuddles and chattering away confidently. They receive lots of attention and are treated with genuine warmth and positive regard. This enables them to develop a strong bond and enhances their feelings of self-worth. They are developing social skills and a sense of responsibility for their own behaviour as the childminder reminds them to consider each other's needs as they play. For instance, including each other in their games of make-believe. Any unwanted behaviour is dealt with calmly and in an age appropriate manner. Children's welfare and safety is also well promoted. They take part in emergency evacuation procedures and learn about road safety as they go on outings with the childminder. Their health is successfully supported as they are reminded to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and after messy play. The childminder promotes

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 healthy eating encouraging children to have a varied diet while physical activity is also encouraged through daily access to the garden and visits to local parks. Children also dance in the home, moving about energetically as they pretend to be on stage. They emerge from behind the large parachute 'curtain' and dance across the floor, twirling and jumping with glee as the childminder applauds their efforts.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder expertly supports children's learning and development. She asks open questions, encouraging children to explore their thinking and develop their understanding. For instance, as they play with toy food, she asks them where each food item would go in the kitchen and what it could be used for. She skilfully engages in their play with them, encouraging them to maximise their learning as well as contributing to their fun and enjoyment by joining in enthusiastically. For example, she encourages them to keep trying as they play with hula-hoops, showing them how to wiggle their hips and helping them to spin the hoop around them. Children are also able to self-select from a wonderful range of toys and equipment. They move around the home freely, accessing resources, which are clearly labelled and easily accessible. Their interests and preferences are respected and favourite activities and toys are always available alongside a range of varied

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and outcomes for children

resources. The childminder also plans a variety of exciting activities for children to engage in. For instance, she takes them swimming and on outings to indoor play centres as well as to parks in the local area. Children learn about the wider community through these visits and enjoy exploring the natural world.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children as they play and makes note of their achievements. She links these to the six areas of learning and plans future activities based on what children need to do next to make progression. As a result, children are always effectively challenged and stimulated. Observations are shared with parents and their views are also sought regarding their children's abilities. The learning environment is stimulating and extremely well resourced so that children's learning is supported in a natural way. Consequently, they make rapid progress across all areas of development as they are constantly engaged in fruitful activity. 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 1 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 1 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 1

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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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