Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY342949 Inspection date 06/12/2010 Inspector Jacqueline Nation

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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 was registered in 2006. The childminder lives with her husband and three children aged 11, nine and three years in the Bromsgrove area of Worcestershire. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and includes access to bathroom facilities. One first floor bedroom is used for sleep purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The premises are easily accessible. The family have three pet dogs. The house is within walking distance of local amenities, such as, schools, parks and shops.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time when working alone and a maximum of six children under eight years when working with an assistant. Currently there are 12 children on roll, six of whom are within the early years age range. All children attend on various days.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has systems in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides children with a caring, homely environment where they have a strong sense of belonging and feel secure. Children learn through play and make good progress towards the early learning goals. Inclusive practice is assured as the childminder has a good knowledge of children's individual needs and effective partnerships with parents and carers. Most of the required documentation is in place to ensure children's overall well-being is supported. The childminder demonstrates a good capacity to maintain ongoing continuous improvement through the use of reflective practice, self-evaluation and training.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the risk assessment to include assessments of risk for all outings and trips. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Safeguarding is given good attention as the childminder is fully aware of her duty to protect children in her care. She has a good knowledge and understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has completed safeguarding training. The childminder has detailed procedures that cover reporting procedures and this information is shared with parents. Children play safely in this welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children well. All adults undergo Criminal Bureau Checks to confirm their suitability and a record of visitors is maintained. The premises are safe and secure and detailed risk assessments cover all aspects of the premises. However, risk assessments are not in place for all outings undertaken with the children to further support their safety whilst outdoors. Records relating to children's attendance, medication and accidents are maintained accurately and all documents are stored to ensure

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the early years provision

Children are happy and relaxed as the childminder offers warm and affectionate care that supports their welfare and learning. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion and welcomes the diversity and individuality of all children. Children are developing a sense of awareness of other cultures, the local community and the wider world through a range of outings, planned activities and the use of resources that represent a diverse society. The childminder recognises the importance of working with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage and other agencies to ensure children get the support they need and to support their continuity of care and learning. She is well-organised and makes good use of the space within the home. A good range of resources and equipment are accessible in the playroom enabling children to initiate and direct their own play.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is good. The childminder works closely with parents from the outset gathering key information about children's individual needs and parents' preferences. Good settling in procedures helps children to settle quickly and develop a sense of security. Parents are provided with a wide range of useful information, including a welcome pack, a range of policies and procedures and written feedback each day about their child's daily routine, progress and achievement. Parents views are sought on the quality of the provision and comments made by parents are very positive and supportive.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to ongoing improvement and has implemented the recommendations from the last inspection effectively to improve outcomes relating to children's well-being. She effectively reflects on her practice to identify strengths and areas for development. The childminder is taking positive steps to ensure resources and the environment is sustainable. She makes good use of local amenities and children learn about recycling. The childminder is fully committed to her own professional development. She has completed a recognised early years and childcare qualification and attends a range of training to develop her practice, skills and knowledge. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children achieve well and make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage across all areas of learning. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the learning and development requirements. She has taken time to link all her resources to each area of learning to effectively monitor the content of the educational programme. The childminder knows the children well and is fully aware of their individual interests, play preferences and achievements. The childminder has introduced a system to observe and assess children's progress. Children's starting points are discussed with parents and information is recorded on an 'All about me' form. Children's progress and achievement is reflected in individual folders which are regularly shared with parents. The childminder uses the information gained from observations to identify and plan children's next steps in their learning to ensure they move forward at a pace suitable to their individual

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and recognises the learning opportunities in everyday activities. Children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered well. Children are confident and develop a strong sense of belonging within the home. The childminder is a good role model and children benefit from her enthusiasm and commitment to providing a fun and entertaining experience for all children. Children's communication skills are developing well through good interactions, looking at picture books and listening to stories. Children enjoy visiting the library and books are easily accessible in the playroom. Children are provided with frequent opportunities and resources to develop their creative skills, for example, painting, cutting and sticking, junk modelling and play dough. They use their imagination as they play with the dolls house, play figures and train track. Children are supported in developing their

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and outcomes for children

understanding of problem solving, reasoning and numeracy in a broad range of contexts. Counting, shape names and colours are explored during outings, free play and planned activities. They also play a range of games that require them to develop an awareness of problem solving and taking turns. Children make pictures using shapes, take part in threading activities and complete puzzles. All children are encouraged to be active and improve their skills of co-ordination, control and movement. They have access to a good range of equipment in the garden, such as, a climbing frame, crawling tunnel, swing and bikes. Children also benefit from visits to a soft play activity centre to enhance their physical development and enjoyment. The childminder encourages children's interest in technology as they learn to operate electronic resources and use the computer. As a result of these experiences children make good progress in developing skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and well-being is promoted because the childminder holds an up to date first aid certificate and has good procedures in place if a child has an accident or becomes ill whilst at the setting. Positive steps are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection and children adopt good personal hygiene routines. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices and made a healthy eating poster to support their understanding in this area. Children's behaviour is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sensitively managed, taking into account their age and stage of development. A sticker chart is used as an incentive and children are keen to count the numbers of stars they have displayed. Good emphasis is placed on developing children's understanding of dangers and staying safe. The childminder talks to them about road safety, stranger danger and children know how to evacuate the premises in

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and outcomes for children

an emergency. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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

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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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