Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 504798 Inspection date 10/02/2011 Inspector Tracey Boland

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and three adult children in a residential area in Coventry. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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. There are currently four children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, who attend on a full and part time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and who speak English as an additional language. She is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. She holds an early years qualification.

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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 inclusive practice recognising and valuing the uniqueness of each child. Through consistent communication with parents she is able to meet each child's individual needs effectively. Children are very happy and settled and they access a wide variety of play opportunities and experiences to help them progress in their learning and development. Planning takes account of the interests of the children and is linked to the information gained from the observations the childminder completes. Resources are deployed well to enable children to make independent choices and become active learners. Systems are developing which enable the childminder to evaluate the service she provides, taking account of the views of the parents and children.

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further?

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

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further?

 lead and encourage a culture of reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a very child centred environment and has formed excellent relationships with the children she cares for. Detailed documentation and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effective record keeping promotes the safety and welfare of the children and supports the care she provides. Robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place to ensure that children are fully protected from abuse and neglect and parents are aware of the childminder's role and responsibility in relation to that. Written risk assessments are in place, both indoors, outdoors and when on outings and children are supervised directly. Children play within a secure home and are unable to leave unattended.

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the early years provision

The childminder is sensitive to children's individual personalities and a gradual introduction to her home encourages a feeling of security and a sense of belonging. A good relationship with parents ensures good communication and enables the childminder to gather concise information from them and therefore effectively meet their child's needs. Parents receive feedback on a daily basis so that they know about their child's day and excellent written policies and procedures are shared with them that reflect the ethos of care provided. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and demonstrates a commitment to working with other professionals to meet their needs. She understands the importance of working with parents and extended family of children where English is an additional language to ensure they feel valued and included within her home.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises space and play resources effectively and children move safely and confidently within the space available to them. They benefit from plenty of fresh air through the wide variety of outdoor activities they are involved in. She has a good understanding of children's individual abilities and this enables her to provide play experiences and activities to support each child's developing skills. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development and continually enhances her knowledge and skills through the training courses she attends. She is able to identify her own strengths and areas for development although the views of parents and children are not used as part of the self- evaluation process. The childminder has developed clear partnerships with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage which ensures continuity of care and learning for children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual abilities and interests and children enjoy a range of play opportunities that help them to learn and develop. Planning is in place and is flexible so that it can be adapted to focus on children's interests and takes account of their own ideas and suggestions. The childminder observes children in their play and photographs reflect the enjoyment they have whilst completing the activities. This demonstrates that they are making good progress across the areas of learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children's independence and confidence is promoted as the childminder organises toys and resources to allow them to make informed choices and decisions with regard to their play. Children enjoy the relaxed environment and chatter constantly. Excellent relationships have been formed with the childminder and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 each other. Their well-being is enhanced through the strong relationship they have formed with the childminder. Children have lots of opportunities to be creative using a wide variety of materials and their work is displayed. Photographs reflect the activities and are included within the own personal files and the children have their own copy which they keep on the computer and can access as they wish to.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing their early literacy and communication skills because the childminder makes sure they have lots of opportunities to promote these skills. They choose from a wide variety of books and their literacy skills are encouraged on the computer also as they have their own passwords which has developed their knowledge of the alphabet and encourages their understanding that print carries meaning. They learn mathematical concepts through cooking activities where they are able to weigh and measure out ingredients and then discuss the changes to the mixture through the cooking process. Children's understanding of diversity and the wider world is continually enhanced through the positive images around them in the resources, such as small world figures, role play, and books and through the celebration of cultural events throughout the year. The childminder provides a safe, comfortable environment for children to help

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and outcomes for children

meet their needs. They enjoy many opportunities to enjoy the outdoor environment whilst on visits in the local community, to the local park, library and to places of interest such as the Butterfly Farm. The childminder gathers clear information from parents about children's dietary requirements which are respected and accommodated. Children learn the importance of keeping themselves safe and practise good routines when crossing the roads and talk about being safe near people they don't know. 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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