Childminder in StaffordshireOfsted inspection, 11 Feb 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY396146 Inspection date 11/02/2010 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 2009. She lives with her husband in Rugeley Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom on the first 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 childcare activity and community groups. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and pre- schools. The childminder has a cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently two children on roll, who are within the early years age range. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years register and the compulsory part 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 first 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

Arrangements to ensure that all children are included, safeguarded and their good health and well-being is supported are effective. The childminder is committed to good quality care, using formal self-evaluation methods to continually review and improve her practice. Detailed written policies and procedures contain most of the necessary information and are clearly linked to the welfare and learning requirements. The childminder works closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that each child's needs are met and to ensure that all children make good progress in their learning. Development records are clearly linked to the early learning goals in most areas. The childminder maintains good links with other settings to ensure that consistent information is shared about children's development and welfare.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review observations and assessments to identify clear learning priorities for each child  review complaints information regarding details for contacting Ofsted. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Safeguarding procedures are robust and the childminder is clear about her responsibilities to ensure that children are protected from harm and neglect. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and security ensuring that they take part in activities safely under her close supervision. Risk assessments are detailed and cover all aspects of the home and outings. All of the necessary documentation is in place, although the complaints policy information has not yet been updated to reflect the current address details for Ofsted. This means that potentially, parents are not up-to-date with how to contact Ofsted if they wish to pass on any compliments or concerns about their child's care. Details about who has parental responsibility and legal contact are recorded, as are children's hours of attendance. Daily routines are well-managed taking into account children's interests and abilities.

p.5

the early years provision

Parents, carers and children are welcomed into the childminder's home during their introductory visit. Parents receive detailed information which helps them to understand the childminder's policies and procedures. Information about their child's care and progress is regularly shared through daily discussion and individual development records. The childminder actively seeks to drive and secure continued improvement. She values parents suggestions and comments to ensure continuity of care and improved services for each child. Children are asked of their opinions and views which are recorded in picture form to show if they are 'happy' or 'sad'. The childminder has a well planned training strategy to continually develop and enhance her professional knowledge and skills. This helps her to use her current knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage to best effect. She seeks advice, support and guidance from other professionals in order to share good practice and

p.5

the early years provision

to develop new ideas which benefit children's care and education. She maintains effective partnerships with all those involved in children's welfare and learning so that children receive consistent care and support.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities issues. The home environment is well-planned and organised and fully inclusive so that children can make independent choices in their play. She forms strong and trusting relationships, ensuring that the individual needs of children and their families are met and that any additional needs are sensitively managed and supported. As a result, children feel settled, safe and happy within warm and welcoming surroundings.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are content and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They are actively engaged in a well-balanced programme of adult-led and child-choice play which builds on what they already know and can do, and which successfully supports their knowledge and skills across all of the areas of learning. For example, children are actively engaged in meal preparation routines. They learn This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 that they must wash their hands before handling food to make 'the germs pop down the sink'. They enthusiastically prepare pizza wraps for lunchtime, handling simple tools to spread their ingredients and use their hands and fingers to 'sprinkle' cheese topping onto their pizza base. The childminder initiates conversation about good health and nutrition as she helps young children to recall which vegetables went into their home-made soup. She is attentive to the children encouraging their

p.5

and outcomes for children

conversation about what they like to eat and do at home. Children behave well and understand how to use 'please' and 'thank you' words in context. Older children show sensitivity and kindness to younger children when they are feeling 'poorly'. Children are keen to act as 'volunteers' to set the table ready for lunchtime and to help with tidying away toys and activities.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Picture labelled resources are readily accessible so that all children can make independent choices in their play. Children use household and craft materials to create interesting and exciting models and puppets, carefully following simple instructions. The childminder is supportive, providing a good range of resources to help children explore, investigate and develop their curiosity and creativity. They confidently try out new things such as handling the dispenser to get the 'special magic tape' to stick things together and learn how to use scissors safely so they can cut out different shapes. The childminder helps children to work out how to 'measure' the length of a piece of paper. Children show pride in their creations using 'wow' words when they cut out a picture by themselves and want to display their pictures on the wall. The childminder responds positively to each child's sense of pride and feelings, joining in with enthusiastic praise and offering comfort and

p.6

and outcomes for children

reassurance as needed. This helps children to feel comfortable, special and valued.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Observations and assessments are used well to ensure that children make good progress towards the early learning goals over a period of time. Development information is utilised well to identify areas for continuous provision and to ensure that specific needs are quickly identified and supported. The childminder is beginning to identify objectives for next steps in learning, although, these are not always clearly noted in relation to the learning priorities for each child. This potentially minimises further opportunities to enhance children's knowledge and skills. Effective planning systems ensure that children have much fun and laughter as they take part in a wide range of activities, games and outings which help them to develop their confidence in all areas, to obtain skills for the future and to appreciate other cultures, beliefs and traditions. 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