Childminder in Dudley

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY413767 Inspection date 31/01/2011 Inspector Jasvinder Kaur

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. She lives with her son aged 11 in Dudley, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor, the first floor bathroom and rear bedroom of the property are used for childminding. The garden is not used for children.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group who attend on a part-time basis. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder takes children to and collects them from the local school and nursery.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are eager to join in and show interest in what is available. The resources are appropriately organised to enable independence of choice for children and inclusion in all activities. Consequently, they make steady progress in their learning and development and enjoy their time at the setting. Generally effective implementation of policies and procedures and positive links with parents and other providers ensure children's welfare is promoted adequately and an inclusive practice is provided. The childminder endeavours to improve her working practice, although the systems for evaluating the quality of the provision are not sufficiently effective. Hence some areas for improvement have not been fully identified.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve the system of observation and assessment to identify children's next steps and to plan motivating learning experiences for each child  ensure that the risk assessment is rigorous and covers anything that a child may come into contact with, including sharp objects in the kitchen  enhance children's awareness of diversity through providing appropriate resources and organising play opportunities on a regular basis  implement a more effective system for evaluating all aspects of the provision by means of continuous review. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Appropriate vetting procedures ensure adults having regular contact with children are suitable. This means children are safeguarded. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of keeping children safe both indoors and outdoors. However, the records of risk assessment of the premises do not include all areas and access to sharp objects in the kitchen has not been considered. This compromises children's safety. Nevertheless, the toys are clean and safe, and the children are encouraged to adopt safe and responsible habits through regular input from the childminder during daily routines, play and on outings. The childminder takes positive steps to protect children from the spread of infection, because she has implemented a procedure to exclude any with infectious illnesses.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder generally evaluates her working practice, though the systems for assessing all aspects of the provision are not consistently implemented. Therefore, some areas for improvement have not been fully identified. The childminder, however, has shown some capacity to make improvements. For example, since registration she has devised written policies and procedures and shared these with parents. She has attended some short courses to update her professional skills and expanded resources in order to meet children's needs and interests. Parents receive information about the childminder's practice and the provision through verbal communication and access to her policies and procedures. The childminder encourages parents to share what they know about their child on admission and seeks their views in supporting children's learning and development.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder generally places sufficient emphasis on ensuring practice is inclusive. However, the play opportunities and selection of resources depicting equality are rather limited. This means children are not fully encouraged to be aware of diversity. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of how to liaise with other professionals, such as local pre-school staff, to discuss the continuity of children's learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children are occupied and contented in the childminder's house. She creates a friendly environment in which children settle easily. Hence newcomers are able to establish positive relationships with the childminder, chatting with her freely and letting her know about their needs. Although the planning is flexible and responds to the children's interests, the system of assessment is not fully developed in order to identify children's next steps in learning and to plan motivating experiences. Consequently, her arrangements do not provide the maximum challenge towards the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Sufficient opportunities are provided for children to develop their writing and mark- making skills. They enthusiastically engage adults and peers in conversation and talk freely about their experiences at home and at nursery. They are encouraged

p.5

and outcomes for children

to use phonic knowledge to read and to write. A suitable selection of books is readily accessible, and children enjoy listening to stories. They have opportunities to use their imaginations in music, role play and a suitable range of arts and crafts which includes drawing, colouring and painting. Textures and sensory experiences, for instance the use of play dough and glitter, support children's skills.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children develop an understanding of numbers through a range of different mathematical activities. For example, they calculate and count objects and recognise numerals and shapes in books, on flash cards and on toys. They expand their simple calculation skills and solve number problems while taking part in group games such as snakes and ladders. Children are supported in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding that will help them to make sense of the world and environment. They observe changes in different seasons and weathers such as snow, frost and rain. They acquire basic skills in operating simple equipment to develop their understanding of technology.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a suitable range of both indoor and outdoor physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They walk to school every day and to local facilities on a regular basis,as well as taking part in physical play at their local park. At lunch times, children enjoy their food in a relaxed atmosphere. Drink is accessible throughout the session. They routinely follow good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder adopts good practices in relation to storing and preparing packed lunches.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder employs a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour. She talks to the children with warmth and affection. They behave well, demonstrating an understanding of the set boundaries and expectations within the home, responding positively to guidance from the childminder. They appear to feel secure and are able to share with peers and to work independently. 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 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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