Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY218463 Inspection date 20/01/2010 Inspector Jayne Rooke

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 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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

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 2002. She lives with her husband and four children aged 19 months, eight, five and three years in Mancetter Warwickshire. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is 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 to other areas of interest. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has a cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

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

p.4

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; bathroom facilities are available on the ground floor. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

Good arrangements are in place to ensure that all children are included, safeguarded and their good health and well-being is supported well. The childminder uses on-line self-evaluation methods well to reflect on and improve her practice. Most of the written policies and procedures are generally linked to the welfare and learning requirements. The childminder works closely with parents and carers to ensure that each child's needs are met and to ensure that all children make good progress in their learning. Individual development records are clearly linked to the Early Learning Goals. The childminder maintains good links with other settings to promote continuity of care.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review risk assesment records in line with current regulations and guidelines (Documentation) 05/02/2010

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review policy information to reflect the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is fully aware of all safeguarding procedures and has good systems in place to ensure that children are protected from harm and neglect. Children's safety and security is highly regarded and all of their essential information is recorded. Risk assessments are completed regularly, but records are not clearly set out in line with EYFS guidelines and regulations. However, this has minimal impact on children's safety because daily safety checks cover all aspects of the home and outings and children remain under the close supervision of the childminder at all times.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder uses the Ofsted self-evaluation system successfully to assess her strengths and identify any areas for improvement. She has successfully implemented strategies to develop and extend children's involvement in planning and organising activities and projects and to ensure confidentiality of records is maintained, as recommended at the previous inspection. She is committed to good quality care, attending regular training events to develop her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This ensures that activities, resources and the environment are well-planned and organised and fully inclusive. She has a good understanding of equal opportunities issues ensuring that children's individual needs are met and that any additional needs are sensitively managed and supported. Parents receive detailed information about the childminder's policies and procedures, although some of the written information

p.5

the early years provision

has not yet been updated to fully reflect the EYFS, or to show the current contact details for Ofsted. However, this has minimal impact on children's care and well- being because EYFS information is prominently displayed around the home and the complaints procedure is clearly set out and discussed at the onset. This ensures that parents and carers are fully engaged in children's care, learning and welfare.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder forms strong and trusting relationships with the children and their parents which helps children to feel settled, safe and happy within a warm and welcoming environment. Their suggestions and comments are actively sought to drive and secure continued improvement. The childminder maintains good relationships with the local school which helps to build effective partnerships with all those involved in children's welfare and learning. Daily routines are well- managed taking into account children's patterns of attendance and special interests. This ensures that children receive consistent care and their educational programmes are complementary.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are content and thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They are purposefully engaged in stimulating activities, set within a bright environment in which children's learning is highly prioritised around the Early Learning Goals. Attractive displays of children's art work shows clearly how each This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning opportunity links to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Additional resources are readily accessible to ensure that all children can make choices in their play. Continuous indoor and outdoor provision offers many opportunities for them to explore, investigate and use their creativity and imagination. They use different materials to support and develop their senses through touch and smell. The outdoor environment is a vibrant and exciting adventure themed area where children can extend and enhance their physical development and imagination

p.5

and outcomes for children

during adventurous play. Children concentrate intently on self-chosen activities and games and use a good range of resources which help them to find out how things work, such as simple tools for cooking and toys and games with working parts. Interesting community activities include nature walks and visits to the local library, the 'French market' and the 'forest beach' which enhances children's learning experiences. They develop a positive interest in other cultures and beliefs and a good awareness of people's differences and similarities through varied play activities, resources and general discussion. They express their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment, creating a 'friendship garden' display to celebrate special friendships in their local community. This helps to forge their knowledge of the wider world and to value and respect themselves and others. As a result, children behave well and are happy to negotiate and wait to take turns in their

p.6

and outcomes for children

play. They keenly take on different roles and responsibilities such as being the 'toy monitor' or helping to tidy up ready for mealtimes. All children join in with claps and 'high fives' to celebrate the achievements and success of others. The childminder skilfully responds to children's spontaneous interest, encouraging them to use their personalised folders to draw and display their special pictures, younger children proudly show how they join and spell out letters to write their name.

p.6

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. Objectives for next steps learning are clearly identified which maximises opportunities to further extend children's knowledge and skills. Photographic records, children's craft work and 'show and tell' resources are shared with family members and other professionals who regularly come into contact with the children which helps all to support children's learning and development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn about the benefits of good health and hygiene. Simple quiz questions help them to find out how healthy food provides 'fuel for your body' and how vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates are good for healthy growth and brain development. Children help to make pizza's with a range of toppings and make healthy choices for meal and snack time menu's. The childminder actively promotes a positive attitude towards healthy lifestyles which helps children to understand the importance of regular physical exercise and that it is important to have clean hands to prevent germs spreading. Children move freely and safely around the home and on outings because they learn how to play safely on equipment in the garden and how to keep safe when going to the park or crossing the road. Older children confidently explain fire procedure rules and know that they must play safely with snowballs, particularly when younger children are

p.6

and outcomes for children

nearby so that they do not hurt each other. The childminder is a good role model, remaining calm and giving children time to discuss, initiate and manage their own play. 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.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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.7

Stage

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

p.7

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 2

p.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8