Childminder in WarwickshireOfsted inspection, 20 Jan 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY342087 Inspection date 20/01/2011 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two child aged eight and six years. They live in a residential area of Rugby in Warwickshire. Shops and schools are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property and an upstairs bedroom and bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for maximum of five 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 six children on roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Four of these children are within the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 promotes children's care and learning well. She meets their individual needs effectively and ensures that all children are valued and included. Important information is regularly exchanged between the childminder and parents. Partnerships with others involved in the children's care are developing to help ensure continuity. The childminder shows a strong commitment to continuous improvement although systems for self-evaluation are not yet fully effective.

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further?

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

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further?

 use self-evaluation and quality improvement processes as the basis of ongoing internal review  develop further communication methods between settings to ensure that there is continuity in children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her responsibility with regard to protecting children from abuse. She completed child protection training in 2010 and has a clear safeguarding procedure which is shared with parents. Her home is warm and welcoming and measures are in place to promote children's safety. Necessary checks for herself and her family have been completed and the childminder ensures that children are never left unsupervised with a person who has not been vetted. A written risk assessment identifies how potential hazards have been minimised both in the home and on outings. Records are kept up-to-date and in good order. The childminder makes sure that resources are chosen for their quality and durability and that they meet the different developmental needs of children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 well. Toys are maintained in a good state of repair.

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the early years provision

Children's individual needs are known and consistency of care assured because the childminder has good relationships with their parents. Detailed information is provided for and obtained from parents. Parents make positive comments about the childminder, her service and how happy their children are in her care. Policies and procedures are well written and parents receive their own copies. The childminder also provides comprehensive information on illness and how to deal with accidents. Parents are shown a portfolio containing information on her family, past Ofsted reports, training certificates and police clearance. The childminder completes a daily diary for each child and shows parents their child's observation and assessment records which they are encouraged to comment on.

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the early years provision

The childminder is developing partnerships with others involved in the children's care and education. For example, she talks to nursery staff about how children settle and behave and the children tell her about what they enjoy doing. Information about their education is not yet fully shared to help her extend and support children's learning further whilst they are in her care. The childminder is willing to work alongside other professionals such as physiotherapists and speech therapists to meet the needs of all children.

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the early years provision

The diversity of individuals is valued and respected and the childminder 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 ample space in which to play and rest and daily routines reflect their individual needs and parental wishes. The broad selection of resources is easily accessible in the designated playroom which helps children to settle and feel at ease.

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the early years provision

The childminder has started to formally consider what she does well and what she needs to improve, although these systems do not yet include the views of others. Her commitment to improvement is strong and she has recently begun studying for the Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce. The recommendations raised at the last inspection have been suitably addressed. All children have consent from their parents for the seeking of any necessary medical advice or treatment. The range of resources providing positive images of race, gender, culture and disability has been increased which promotes children's understanding of the wider world.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in their learning and development. The wide range of resources and activities meet their needs well and ensure that they are challenged effectively. Children's achievements are recorded and information from parents, as well as from observation and assessment, are used to inform planning for their next steps of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled. Their independence is promoted effectively as they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 freely choose and select resources in a well-organised playroom. Toys and activities are appropriate for different ages and stages of development. Children of all ages make marks and draw with pencils, crayons, pens and paint. For example, young children finger paint to make patterns and more able children use brushes to create pictures. Children enjoy looking at books and choose favourite stories for the childminder to read. They count randomly as they play and use card games to encourage number recognition.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder helps children to gain an understanding of similarities and differences by providing resources that reflect different cultures and disability. This encourages children to ask questions about what they see. Children gain an awareness of different festivals and special days, for example, they make poppies for Remembrance Sunday, cards for Christmas and discuss the Chinese New Year. Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children with English as an additional language are supported well. The childminder obtains as much information as possible for parents about each child's individual needs. This means that they can work together effectively to help children reach their full potential.

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and outcomes for children

Children play in a safe environment and they are learning how to keep themselves safe. For example, they know that they must hold on to the pushchair when out walking, and look and listen before crossing the road. They practice the evacuation procedure so that they are familiar with what to do in an emergency. House rules are displayed in words and pictures to remind children of expected behaviour. Hence they play cooperatively and they are learning to share and take turns

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and outcomes for children

Children are gaining a secure understanding of healthy lifestyles. They understand and adopt good hygiene practices and older children manage their own personal needs. Children are encouraged to be active and have a positive attitude towards physical play. For example, they bounce on the trampoline, catch and throw balls and climb, balance on and ride equipment. The childminder provides healthy snacks and parents currently choose to provide meals. She has recently acquired an allotment which she will use to help children understand about tending to plants and preparing vegetables to eat. The children develop social skills in group situations and their creativity is promoted as play with a range of role play resources which supports their fantasy play. 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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