Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY249058 Inspection date 24/11/2010 Inspector Hazel White

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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 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.

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and two years in a residential area of Rugby in Warwickshire. There are three steps leading to the front of the property and steep steps leading from the back door to the garden. Shops and schools are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding together with the upstairs bathroom and front bedroom. Children visit recreational areas and are taken on local outings to experience outdoor play. The family has a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for maximum of four children under eight and is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently two children on roll who are within the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a recognised early years qualification to level 3 and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care engaging in a broad range of play activities. She has a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements and as a result children make sound progress. The childminder provides an inclusive service where each child is valued and their individual needs known and met. Effective partnerships are in place with parents and the childminder is aware of the importance of working with others involved in the children's care. Safety is addressed generally well, although risk assessments do not cover all aspects of the home. Systems for self-evaluation are very much in their infancy but the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards continuous development.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the risk assessment identifies all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis. This is with regard to the steps in the garden ((Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 10/12/2010

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop further a culture of reflective practice, self evaluation and informed discussion to identify strengths and priorities for improvement that will improve the quality of the provision for all children  further encourage parents to contribute to the observation and assessment process to support their children's learning and development

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the early years provision

Children are appropriately safeguarded. All adults in the household have been suitably vetted and the childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of child protection procedures. A clear safeguarding policy supports her practice and this is shared with parents. A range of safety precautions are in place within her home and a combination of daily checks and written risk assessments ensure that most potential risks to children are effectively identified and minimised. However, when the childminder conducted a risk assessment of the garden she did not include the steep steps which lead to the play area which pose a hazard to the children.

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the early years provision

Children's individual needs are known and consistency of care assured because the childminder has formed good relationships with their parents. She is suitably aware of the need to liaise with others involved in their care and education. For example, she would exchange appropriate information about individual children's welfare and development and talk to children about what they enjoy and are doing at other settings. This enables her to extend and support their learning whilst in her care. The childminder and parents exchange information on a daily basis and through discussion and sharing documentation. The childminder ensures that parents are fully aware of her policies and procedures. Children's learning and development records are readily available for parents to view although they are not yet fully encouraged to contribute towards the assessment process.

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the early years provision

The diversity of individuals is valued and respected and the childminder satisfactorily promotes equal opportunities, ensuring that all children and families feel included and safe. The well-organised and homely environment she provides creates an atmosphere that is conducive to both learning and having fun. Children have suitable space in which to play and rest and daily routines reflect their individual needs and parental wishes. Their independence and freedom of choice is increased because a good selection of resources are easily accessible. Consequently, children are at ease and settled. The childminder loans additional toys and visits local community groups to enhance and add variety to the children's play.

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the early years provision

The childminder has recently achieved a recognised early years qualification and welcomes training to enhance her knowledge and understanding of childcare related issues. She has addressed the recommendations raised at her last inspection in relation to improving hygiene practices. The childminder has made a good effort to devise a system for evaluating her service and gathering the views of others. However, this is in the early stages of development and does not yet successfully identify her strengths and priorities for improvement in order to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 positively impact on all children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and how children learn through play. Children's starting points in their learning are established on admission and information gained through observations is effectively used to plan for the child's next steps in their development. As a result, children make sound progress towards the early learning goals. Their language development is particularly well-supported. The childminder uses the knowledge she has gained from attending an 'Every child's a talker' course to extend their vocabulary. She engages in many conversations with the children during their play, asking questions to help them think through situations. For example, in the role play area: 'Where shall we wash up?'; 'What colour is the bowl?'; 'Can you find another circle shape?'. They share books and stories and have many opportunities to make marks on paper as they draw, make

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning to use programmable toys with confidence. They have great fun using voice recorders and capturing their favourite moments on camera. Babies have access to lots of sound toys and learn that they get a response if they lift a flap or press a button. Physical skills are enhanced well as they access a range of play equipment in the garden. For example, they enjoy kicking balls and riding wheeled toys. Children's learning is further enhanced as they benefit from planned visits and outings to the local park and museums. They have the opportunity to socialise with other children as they visit Sure Start groups as well as the library.

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and outcomes for children

Children are helped to consider and value diversity and cultural differences through some toys, resources and activities inspired by religious and cultural festivals. The childminder seeks advice from parents and other professionals, as and when necessary, and works together with them to suitably support each child to reach their full potential. Children behave well and are learning to treat others and property with care and respect. They take turns in conversation and help others when appropriate. The childminder encourages an atmosphere of co-operation and calm. She recognises and rewards good behaviour and effort by praising children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are starting to learn about healthy eating through taking part in cooking activities and the provision of healthy snacks. They enjoy baking cakes and biscuits and have access to fruit and drinking water throughout the day. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe because the childminder reminds them of safety rules. For example, not running indoors because they could bump into one another and road safety as they go for walks. 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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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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of the premises and equipment) 10/12/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of the premises and equipment) 10/12/2010

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