Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 224607 Inspection date 15/02/2011 Inspector Jennie Lenton

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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 1985. She lives with her husband in Trentham, Staffordshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years register and both the comulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register. A maximum of six children under the age of eight years may attend at one time. There are currently two children on roll, both of whom are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She regularly attends local childminding groups and takes and collects children from pre-schools in the vacinity.

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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

Children are well supported in the childminder's warm and welcoming home. They are confident and happy as the childminder embraces their individuality and works positively with parents to ensure any special requirements are met. Children's learning and development is successfully promoted as there is a wide range of engaging activities based on children's interests. All required policies and procedures are in place to safeguard children. The childminder is focussed on continual improvement and all future targets are aimed at improving outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the planning to show how activities cover the six areas of learning equally  develop links with other settings that minded children attend to promote continuity of care and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder understands how to keep children safe. She has a clear written policy in place regarding safeguarding issues and is knowledgeable about signs and symptoms that may indicate abuse. She ensures her home is safe and secure, completing risk assessments regularly and carrying out daily checks on all areas that children access. For example, she ensures that the blind cords in the conservatory are out of reach before children attend. Children also learn how to keep themselves safe as they take part in regular fire drills. They know to respond This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 promptly to the sound of the whistle and follow the childminder's instruction.

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the early years provision

The childminder has 25 years of experience as a childminder and displays a high level of commitment to her role. She takes a professional but friendly approach, making all her policies available to parents and discussing their child's progress on a daily basis. She has attended a number of courses to build on her existing skills and is well organised, keeping abreast of any changes in legislation. Consequently, all required policies and procedures are in place as required. The childminder has an inclusive approach, welcoming children of all backgrounds and abilities. She has updated her resources to ensure these reflect the wider community and encourages all children to recognise and respect each other as individuals. Any special need is addressed with parents and the childminder works to help each child reach their potential. For instance, she encourages speech by sounding out words clearly, to assist those with speech delay.

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the early years provision

There is a positive approach to developing the setting further. The strengths and weaknesses of the provision have been successfully identified and plans for future improvement are targeted towards enhancing children's experiences. All recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed. The childminder has increased access to a range of cultural resources and has fitted a smoke alarm on the first floor.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress as they are provided with a wide range of toys and resources that meet their learning and development needs. They have plenty of opportunities to engage in free play, selecting books, jigsaws and small world sets. The childminder is skilled at developing learning through play as she uses children's interests as a starting point. For instance, as children become interested in watching a bird eat a worm in the garden, the childminder encourages them to think about how they eat, what type of birds they can see and how they are different or the same. She supports this by obtaining books about birds and purchasing nuts to feed the birds that come to the garden. Children enjoy counting out the nuts, watching for birds and discussing the different colours and types. Consequently, children develop an interest in the natural world, develop their basic mathematic and communication skills and enjoy physical activity through a fun and

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and outcomes for children

interactive experience. Children's personal, emotional and social skills are also well promoted. The childminder encourages social interaction at toddler groups and the calm atmosphere in the home enables children to relax and develop confidence. They receive plenty of attention as the childminder plays alongside them. Babies show their attachment to her as they pull themselves up and toddler over to climb into her lap for a cuddle and story.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children as they play. She tracks their achievements by matching what they do to the expectations of the early learning goals. She responds flexibly to their changing needs and wishes, providing a range of activities to keep them stimulated and entertained. Trips to the park and craft This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 activities are regularly provided, as well as daily access to the outside area. A lack of formal planning makes it difficult to determine whether children receive an equal spread of activity across the six areas of learning. The childminder helps children to prepare for school as she practices phonics with them, in line with the schools approach to letters and sound. She encourages children to sound out initials, and to write their names on the etcha-sketch, which they enjoy using. Links with other provisions, such as pre-schools and nurseries that children attend have not been

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well. They show respect for each other and for the home as the childminder provides clear boundaries and expectations. Children help to tidy up and use their manners when asking for a snack. Their health is well promoted as the childminder excludes children with infectious illnesses in order to protect the well-being of others. Clear hand washing routines, before meals and after visiting the toilet, help children understand how to take care of their own health. Children have their own hand towels and babies have individual changing mats which helps to prevent cross-contamination. Children bring packed lunches which the childminder stores in her fridge. They have access to drinks of water or diluted juice throughout the day. 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 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 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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