Childminder in Dudley

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY408988 Inspection date 04/11/2010 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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 assesses 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

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 2010 and lives in the Brierley Hill area of the West Midlands with her partner and two adult children. They live close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The childminder's home is easily accessible via one small step. All of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom not more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children on roll, one of whom is in the early years age range who attends part-time. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder walks and uses her car to take and collect children from local schools. Procedures are in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. The childminder receives support from the local authority and 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

Children are welcomed into a warm and child-friendly environment where the childminder ensures they are valued as unique individuals and their learning and development needs are addressed well. Effective arrangements exist to ensure children's safety, health and wellbeing, with good policies and procedures in place. Good links with parents and carers help involve them in their children's care and education and they are kept well informed. The childminder strives for improvement, although the process of self-evaluation is in its infancy.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve the range of positive images resources to ensure children have a balanced view of the wider world  improve the process of self-evaluation, including views from parents and children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision is good. There are effective procedures in place to ensure that the assistant and adults having access to children are suitable to do so. There are good policies and procedures to ensure the safeguarding and welfare of children because the childminder understands the procedures she should follow. Detailed written risk assessments of the environment indoors, outdoors and outings means she is able to take prompt action to manage and eliminate risks. Positive steps are taken to ensure children are safe and that furniture, equipment and toys are suitable and safe. Detailed records, policies and procedures required for the safe and efficient management of the service and to meet the needs of children are in place and regularly reviewed and updated.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder effectively organises her day around the needs of the children taking into account their individual care routines and preferences. The childminder manages her time well and spends much of her time interacting positively with the children. She effectively uses the indoor and outdoor space to promote play opportunities for children. There is a good range of resources promoting most areas of learning of which is organised well and regular opportunities are created for children to access them. Children's understanding of other cultures is predominately promoted through discussions and some activities. However, relatively few resources are available to help children learn about the wider world. The childminder takes appropriate steps to ensure resources and the environment are sustainable through regularly replenishing toys and resources and making changes to the environment to meet the needs of the children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is committed to developing her provision, which will continue to improve outcomes for all children. Steps identified for improvement are realistic. She has identified further training to enhance her provision, such as a Level 3 qualification, Safeguarding and Rhythm and Music. Parents and children are beginning to be involved in the self-evaluation process, through the childminder consulting them about changes, although this is in its infancy.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnership with parents and carers is developing well and ensures each child's care needs are met well. Parents receive detailed information about the early years provision, activities carried out and its policies and procedures. They are kept well informed about the children's achievements and progress through daily discussion and through sharing the children's developmental profiles and daily diaries. A good two-way flow of information helps build close relationships with parents and helps them meet parents wishes and requests. The childminder shows a good commitment to establishing partnerships and links with other agencies to support and promote children's achievements and well-being. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals because the childminder regularly observes them during their play to identify their interests and what they can do. She uses this information to plan interesting learning opportunities for them. Children are welcomed into a relaxed environment where they enjoy a special relationship with the childminder. This close relationship leads to the growth of their self-assurance, sense of belonging and emotional well-being. Children enjoy talking with the childminder about what they are doing and the childminder responds well to this engagement. Children show a real fondness for books due to the daily story sessions and story aids, such as small world dinosaur figures, which are used to engage the children's interest.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is supported well. The childminder makes good use of the garden and local parks to provide children with meaningful first hand experiences to encounter creatures, plants and objects in their natural environment. For example, they take regular walks through the local fields and observe changes throughout the seasons. They collect objects of interest, such as leaves, that they paint, press and laminate to make book marks. Children learn about their own customs and those of others, through some meaningful experiences such as talking about festivals and celebrations and designing Diwali and bonfire pictures.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are developing an understanding of problem solving, reasoning and numeracy through accessing a broad range of resources such as puzzles, shape sorters, games and construction toys. They are introduced to concepts such as weight and measurement through practical and interesting activities such as baking cakes. Children measure their heights on the chart displayed in the playroom and talk about who is the tallest. Children increase their creativity and extend their curiosity through using their senses to explore. Children enjoy moulding and rolling dough and use a variety of arts and crafts to stick, colour and paint. Children increase their imagination and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through using musical instruments and role play activities.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has high expectations for children's behaviour and she encourages them to develop good habits due to the praise and encouragement they receive from her. Children develop a good understanding of staying safe through gentle reminders about codes of behaviour, why they should walk indoors and how to cross the road safely. They also take part in regular fire drills. Children adopt good personal hygiene routines and begin to understand the importance of eating healthy options through the snacks and meals provided. They engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out. Children successfully develop skills that contribute to their future emotional well-being through making good progress in their communication and literacy skills and through playing independently and becoming active, curious and inquisitive learners. 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

Early Years Foundation Stage

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