Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY349902 Inspection date 14/03/2011 Inspector Christine Armstrong

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged sixteen, eight and five years in Tamworth. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder collects children from local nurseries and schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five 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 three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a 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 is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds a Level three child care qualification. The family has three cats.

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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 make good progress in their learning because the childminder recognises and nurtures their interests and individuality. She works effectively with parents to secure knowledge of children's family and home circumstances, individual needs and abilities. Partnerships with other settings that children attend are less well developed. Policies and procedures are implemented very well to safeguard and promote children's welfare. The childminder's capacity to continue to improve outcomes for children is good.

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further?

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

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further?

 link the indoor and outdoor environment so children can move freely between them.  develop further systems to ensure that what is provided for children complements the education and care they receive in other settings and ensures consistency.

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the early years provision

The childminder places good emphasis on ensuring the safety of children. She attends training events which has helped her to develop a very clear understanding of her roles and responsibilities with regard to child protection issues. This ensures appropriate action is taken to safeguard children. She has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 established rigorous risk assessments both in and outdoors which identify and minimise all risks to children. As a result children play in safe and secure environments. All adults living or working on the premises are suitably vetted. This helps to safeguard children. Effective arrangements are in place that support children's good health and minimise cross-infection.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive service. She has a strong understanding of how to support children's learning. This helps her to meet children's individual needs and to ensure all children are fully included and able to make good progress in their learning and development. She organises the environment well to support children to make choices and take an active part in daily routines. There are colourful and attractive displays around the setting. They are effective in supporting children's learning, developing their sense of belonging, valuing their achievements and sharing information about children's learning with parents. Good emphasis is given to providing resources and activities to promote children's awareness of similarities and differences in themselves and others. The childminder does not currently care for children who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, she understands the importance of working

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the early years provision

closely with other early years professionals to support such children.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops very professional, open and friendly relationships with parents. This enables her to gain a good understanding of children's interests and family experiences. Parents are provided with good quality information about the service she provides. Daily discussions, note books and text messages are used well by the childminder to share information and involve parents in their children's learning. Partnerships are being developed with other settings that children attend, although they are not fully focused on promoting cohesion and continuity in children's leaning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to improving her service and outcomes for children. Since the last inspection she has obtained a Level three child care qualification. She has also attended a number of training events that have contributed to establishing her knowledge of good child care practice. She uses self-evaluation well to reflect upon her practice. She has a strong understanding of her strengths and areas for development. As a result, she has a clear vision for future improvements which includes developing the outdoor area in order to enhance children's learning outdoors.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder makes good use of her observations and information provided by parents. This enables her to plan challenging learning and development experiences that are tailored to meet their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder places wonderful emphasis on supporting children to make choices and to do as much as they can for themselves. The good quality of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder's interactions effectively supports children's learning across all areas of learning, including developing skills for the future. For example, children develop high levels of self-esteem and confidence. They welcome visitors into the setting. They are eager to show them how they take an active part in daily routines including choosing and helping to prepare their snack. They show high levels of involvement and initiate their own imaginative and creative play using the stimulating range of resources that are organised to capture their interest. Children make good progress in their thinking, listening and language development. Effective use of open questioning encourages children to talk and express their

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and outcomes for children

thoughts and feelings. In play children are encouraged to recall their experiences at home and to describe what they are doing. They are encouraged to express their preference and their need for support. The childminder listens carefully and is skilled in encouraging children to expand on what they are saying and to take turns listening to what is being said to them. She makes learning fun through song and gestures which encourage the children solve simple problems and take an interest in numbers, shape and size. Children's skills in using information technology is fostered very effectively. Children learn how to click and drag using a wireless mouse to colour pictures on computer software programmes.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about staying safe. They enjoy a harmonious environment where they learn to share, take turn and consider others. A recent visit to the new local fire station helped children to learn about fire safety and to meet a community police officer. Children learn about safety around the home by taking part in regular fire evacuations. Children develop an interest and awareness in developing healthy lifestyles through discussions and activities. They take an active part in preparing healthy food. They learn about personal hygiene through daily routines and they have daily opportunities to become active outdoors and develop their physical skills. Regular visits to local childcare amenities and places of interest including the airport and garden centre support children's understanding of their wider world. 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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