Childminder in StaffordshireOfsted inspection, 24 Feb 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY415327 Inspection date 24/02/2011 Inspector ISP Inspection

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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 2010. She lives with her husband and their two children aged five and eight in Clayton, Newcastle-under-Lyme. The whole of the house is registered for childminding with fully enclosed outdoor areas to the front and the back of the property available for active play. The family have a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of five children under eight may attend at any one time. She currently has four children on roll.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the NCMA. She regularly takes children to and from school as well as visiting toddler groups.

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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 adequately safeguarded whilst in the care of the childminder, as most procedures and policies are in place. Their sense of belonging is fostered through warm and caring relationships which are extended to the parents to ensure satisfactory partnerships. Children are making adequate progress in their learning and development. The childminders ability to self-reflect on her strengths and weaknesses is generally sound, with sufficient plans for the future to ensure children's needs are promoted.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 08/03/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the system for recording medication to ensure parents sign the entry  continue to secure children's understanding of how to stay safe by recording any details of the fire drill in a fire log book and record any problems encountered and how they were resolved  improve the organisation of the provision to ensure the behaviour of older children does not have a negative impact on the younger children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  extend the planning to increase children's understanding of the skills for the future  revise the system used to track children's development to include a learning intention and use this in order to specifically focus an activity prior to its delivery.

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the early years provision

Safeguarding procedures are sufficient to ensure that children are safe and well. The childminder's ability to work in partnership with other agencies is sound. She is aware of procedures should she have any concerns about a child and understands the importance of working with others in such a sensitive situation. All contact details are in place along with up-to-date information on child protection. All members of the household have current Criminal Record Bureau Checks. The childminder further underpins her ability to confirm ongoing suitability as she is aware of the need to notify the regulator should there be any changes to her setting. Policies and procedures are mostly in place but she is yet to gain, from all parents, written consent for the seeking of emergency medical treatment. In addition, medication records do not indicate the parents' agreement to the administering of medication which they previously gave written consent for. A

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the early years provision

variety of written policies are sufficiently presented and shared with parents. Information is exchanged through gradual settling in procedures and as an on- going basis to ensure both the parents and children's needs are met. Testimonials from parents indicate their satisfaction with the childminder and comment on how happy they are with the information she offers on their child's development. Through this she has gained their respect and admiration.

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the early years provision

The childminder adequately promotes inclusion through the information she gathers and the ways in which she then uses this to plan for each child's individual needs. She is happy to adapt her practice in order to meet their requirements and works with parents and outside agencies in order to progress. Her written policies address sensitive issues such as discrimination and she is proactive about tackling any difficulties, should they arise. The childminder makes use of the feedback she gains from parents and applies it to her practice. In addition, she openly receives advice from her development officer and explores examples of good practice from other childminders she meets at play-group. As a part of this process, she has also completed a written self-evaluation form. This generally indicates her sound understanding of how she meets the requirements. However, at times this does not always mirror her practice, for example, in relation to the documentation she

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a sound understanding of the learning and development requirements and therefore has created an inviting and interesting environment for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children to play in. Resources are plentiful, with systems to rotate equipment in order to maintain children's interests. Equipment is easily accessible and this promotes children's ability to make spontaneous choices and further their learning. Children happily move from one room to another, with adequate space both indoors and out. The childminder plans her day depending on which children are attending and the many outings she takes part in. Social visits to the play-groups allow younger children to form relations with others, negotiating their play and strengthening their ability to understand how to behave. However, this is not as effective during times such as the school holidays when older children are present

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and outcomes for children

within the home. As a result, the behaviour of the older children sometimes has a negative effect on the younger children as they become irritable and frustrated at the lack of attention. Development records indicate that most areas of learning are promoted but some lack detail, such as helping children understand the skills they need for the future. The childminder's understanding of this area is weak and as a result is not promoted in her planning or daily activities. Children enjoy art and craft as they make models, paint or as they use basic origami to create a game. Children consistently engage in meaningful conversation, listening to what is being asked and using appropriate words to respond or make requests. Their ability to count, recognise colours and shapes are promoted through everyday activities such as walking to and from school and when they are at the local park. The childminder makes simple yet clear observations of the children's progress but

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and outcomes for children

these are often recorded as spontaneous observations and therefore lack focus. This means that the childminder is unable to indicate exactly where children are progressing and how she intends to specifically support them in key areas.

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and outcomes for children

Children eat a varied diet where their specific dietary needs are consistently met. Fruit is regularly offered along with drinks that include water and diluted squash. Children understand the importance of healthy lifestyles as the childminder implements sound systems such as regular hand washing, ensuring everywhere is clean and safe, as well as providing time to discuss topics such as their bodies and how exercise benefits their well-being. Safety issues are identified through written risk assessments for the home, garden and all outings. The childminder supports their understanding of how to take risks as she reminds children of their own physical boundaries whilst encouraging their self-esteem. Within the home the childminder implements a variety of safety measures and regularly practices the fire drills with the children. However, she is yet to record these to ensure best practice. Children generally behave well, sharing toys and saying please and thank

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and outcomes for children

you. The childminder is caring and sensitive to the needs of the children who have clearly formed loving and secure relationships with her. 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 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

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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 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

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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

 keep records of the following and retain them for a period of two years: the name, home address and date of birth of each child who is looked after on the premises and the name, home address and telephone number of a parent/guardian/carer of each child who is looked after on the premises (Records to be kept) 08/03/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure that where older and younger children are together, the behaviour of children over the age of eight years does not have a negative effect on the younger children (How the childcare provision is organised). 08/03/2011

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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 compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Records to be kept) 08/03/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register(How the childcare provision is organised). 08/03/2011

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