Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 201306 Inspection date 12/01/2010 Inspector Jayne Rooke

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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 1989. She lives with her partner in Grendon, near Atherstone Warwickshire. She works with her daughter on occasions who is registered as an assistant. The whole of the ground floor of the premises and two bedrooms on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are shops and schools within walking distance. Children are taken on local outings to the park and many other areas of interest. Children go to local community childcare and activity groups. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age range. She also provides care for four children over eight years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and who speak English as an additional language. There is suitable access to the ground floor of the property for people with disabilities; toilet facilities are available on the ground and first floor. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Excellent arrangements are in place to ensure that all children are valued and safeguarded. Their individuality, good health and well-being is promoted very well. The childminder is highly committed to ongoing improvement. She uses informal self-evaluation methods successfully to drive forward her professional practice. Detailed written policies and procedures are clearly linked to the welfare and learning requirements in most areas. The childminder works closely with parents/carers and her assistant to ensure that each child's needs are met and to ensure that all children make excellent progress in their learning. Her unique system of recording children's development shows that children make rapid progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder maintains excellent links with all those involved in each child's care to ensure that consistent information is shared about their development and welfare.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 improving the clarity of the record of risk assessment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's safety and security is highly regarded. All of the necessary documentation is in place and is regularly reviewed to ensure it is up to date. Risk assessments cover all aspects of the home and outings and records contain most of the detail required in the statutory guidelines, although information is not always clearly set out in the written document. This has minimal impact on children's safety and well-being because the childminder is vigilant about all health and safety procedures. For example, visitors are introduced to the fire safety procedure on arrival and are asked to adhere to the 'no shoe policy' so that young children playing at floor level are not at risk from contaminated debris. Children remain under the close supervision of the childminder and her assistant at all times and both are fully aware of their responsibilities towards safeguarding procedures. Children learn how to keep themselves safe from an early age as they take part in

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the early years provision

a regular fire evacuation drill and know that they must stay close to an adult when they are on outings. Older children are assured of private transport arrangements ensuring their safe arrival and collection to and from school. As a result of these highly effective systems children are protected from harm and neglect.

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the early years provision

The childminder works in close partnership with her assistant, both of whom are keen to drive and secure continued improvement within the setting. The childminder is fully aware of the complaints procedure; following a recommendation from her last inspection she keeps appropriate information and records to ensure that parents and carers can pass on any compliments or concerns. She uses informal methods to continually review and assess her practice and uses her professional knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to best effect, ensuring that activities, resources and the environment are well-planned and organised and fully inclusive. The childminder and her assistant form strong and trusting relationships with the children and their parents ensuring that children's individual needs are met and that any additional needs are sensitively managed and supported. The childminder has a sensitive and

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the early years provision

comprehensive understanding of equal opportunities issues. She creates a warm and welcoming environment which helps children to feel settled, safe and happy. A wide range of resources are attractively set out and are easily accessible so that all children can make choices in their play. They particularly enjoy creative and imaginative play activities which help them to explore and investigate in a variety of ways.

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the early years provision

Parents and carers are highly valued as significant in their child's life. They are fully involved in all aspects regarding their child's care and welfare. The childminder initiates regular social and contact meetings so that children and their families become part of a 'big family'. Parents receive detailed information about the childminder's policies and procedures; their suggestions and comments are actively sought so that they can work closely together to ensure improved services for their child. Older children express their personal views about their enjoyment and pleasure whilst at the childminder's, writing many complimentary notes in their thank you cards. Young children demonstrate strong bonds with the childminder through their comfortable, loving movements and happy expressions. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder maintains excellent links with other settings and carers which ensures

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the early years provision

that children receive consistent care. She has continual contact with other education providers to ensure that children benefit from complementary educational programmes.

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and outcomes for children

Children are actively engaged in stimulating and exciting activities which cover all aspects of learning and which are clearly linked to the early learning goals. The childminder skilfully uses child development information to devise a well-balanced programme of adult-led and child-choice play which builds on what children already know and can do, and which significantly enhances their future progress. For example, positive relationships are formed at the onset as children choose a special comfort toy of their own which remains with them throughout their time with the childminder. Spontaneity is key to children developing an interest in their local community and the world around them as they explore the changes in weather patterns, find out how things work and fit together and take a keen interest in early design skills, landscaping and gardening activities. Their creativity and imagination is stimulated as they engage in a wide variety of role play games,

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and outcomes for children

such as a 'Turkish market' and build models under water with the 'magic sand'. They learn to value each other and their family members as they make gifts and cards to celebrate birthdays and special events with a 'family' party. Puppet play and stories help children to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and comforting environment. Children develop confident literacy skills as they learn how letters and sounds work together and choose their favourite books and stories to read. Number rhymes, jigsaw puzzles and electronic computer games help children to develop early numeracy and technology skills that stand them in good stead for the future. Outings to many places of interest help children to learn about animals and life cycles, historical events and how different types of machinery work. Children enjoy robust physical play in the garden and at the local park and babies are effectively supported when they are ready to take their first

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and outcomes for children

tentative steps. Children develop a positive interest in other cultures and beliefs and an awareness of people's differences and similarities through varied play activities, resources and general discussion. This helps them to become aware of the wider world and to value and respect themselves and others.

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and outcomes for children

Observations and assessments are used very well to ensure that the programme of activities is tailored to promote individualised learning and to ensure that specific needs are identified and accommodated. Photographic records show that children make excellent progress towards the early learning goals over a period of time and form a personal learning journey of each child's achievements. Effective planning methods ensure that all children take part in activities which are stimulating and enjoyable. Information is utilised very well to identify areas for continuous provision across each area of learning and to inform future planning. Objectives for next steps learning are clearly identified through discussion and the childminder's knowledge of each child's interests and capabilities. This maximises opportunities to further extend children's knowledge and skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about the benefits of good health and hygiene during bathroom and mealtime routines. All children enjoy freshly prepared and nutritious meals ensuring their healthy growth and development. Children use individual paper towels when drying their hands and adults wear protective clothing when changing babies nappies which minimises the risk of cross-infection. Children are safely supervised at all times so that they learn how to play safely on equipment in the garden and how to keep safe when going to the park and when travelling in a vehicle. The childminder's home is well organised so that children can move around freely and safely. Children behave well and are respectful of each other. They play happily together and enjoy individual time with the childminder. The childminder and assistant present themselves as good role models, remaining calm and giving children time to discuss, initiate and manage their own play. They

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and outcomes for children

speak positively and kindly to the children, setting realistic and achievable goals and boundaries so that children develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities. 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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 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 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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