Childminder in WorcestershireOfsted inspection, 27 Apr 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 204975 Inspection date 27/04/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Nation

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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 1994. She lives with her husband close to Worcester city centre. There are shops, parks, fields, pre-schools and schools nearby. The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding. First floor rooms are used; this includes access to bathroom facilities, a toy room and a rear bedroom for sleep purposes. Children have access to a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently there are 16 children on roll, five of whom are within the early years age range. All children attend on various days.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the local childminding group and the National Childminding Association.

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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 very settled and well cared for by this dedicated and experienced childminder. The childminder ensures all children make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage. She organises her resources extremely successfully so that children make choices about what they would like to play with and become active learners. The childminder develops a good knowledge of each child's needs and works closely with parents to support inclusive practice. The childminder shows a strong commitment to ongoing continuous improvement by reflecting on her practice and completing the self-evaluation form. Most of the required documentation is in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the risk assessment to include assessments of risk for all outings and trips  develop further systems to ensure observations are used effectively to plan children's next steps in their learning and include parents in practical ways to be involved in contributing to their child's observation folders. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has completed safeguarding training and has written procedures in place to support her practice. Children play safely within this welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children well. Good attention is given to all aspects of safety within the home. Risk assessments are in place, regularly updated and positive steps are taken to minimise risks to children. The childminder uses a range of safety equipment to minimise hazards to children, for example, locks are fitted to kitchen cupboards and safety gates are placed appropriately to prevent unsupervised access to the stairs and steps in the garden. Whilst the childminder makes sure children are kept safe on outings, she has yet to update her risk assessment record to include all outings undertaken with the children. The

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the early years provision

childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan and all the required fire control, and smoke detection equipment is in place. Children's records for the safe and efficient management of the provision are in place and well managed. The childminder has a wide range of policies and procedures which underpin her practice and are shared with parents.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from being cared for by a friendly and experienced childminder who is very committed to all the children in her care. It is evident that she thoroughly enjoys her role and the time she spends with the children. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and understands how children learn through play. Children clearly benefit and thrive as a result of the childminder excellent use of space and resources. Children's independence is promoted well and children enjoy choosing toys and resources they want to use. The childminder ensures the environment is fully inclusive, the uniqueness of each child is recognised and their individual needs are effectively met. She plans her day taking into account how children are feeling and gives thoughtful consideration to their play preferences and ideas throughout the day. This helps children to develop a strong sense of belonging and helps them to feel very secure. The childminder

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the early years provision

helps children to understand about the society in which they live through a range of outings, activities and the use of resources reflecting positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is very successful and valued by the childminder. She has developed strong and effective relationships with parents and there is a good two- way flow of information. Children's records contain detailed information to ensure they are well supported and a written daily diary ensures parents are kept up-to- date about their child's care routine, enjoyment and achievement. Parents speak highly about the childminder's care and support, how their children thrive in her care and that children love spending time with her. Good attention is given to promoting partnership working with other agencies and providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure children's continuity of care and learning.

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the early years provision

Commitment to improving the childminding service is evident through the childminder's attention to addressing the recommendations set at the previous This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 inspection. This improves outcomes for children's well-being and their understanding of a wider society. The childminder uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form to focus her priorities for further development and improve outcomes for children. The childminder continues to update her knowledge of childcare practice by attending training courses.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very content and thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in the childminder's care. Children make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage because the childminder has a good understanding of the framework and is fully committed to implementing it successfully. A very good quality learning environment is provided which helps to enhance children's progress across all areas of learning and sustain their interest. Children are able to play at their own pace and freely access an extensive range of toys and equipment. The childminder has given good consideration to planning and delivering an entertaining activity programme both indoors and through outings. Planning is flexible and develops through observations of each child's interests and preferences. However, it is not always clear how information gained from observations is used to plan the next steps in children's learning, and there is further scope to include parents in

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and outcomes for children

practical ways in contributing to their child's observation folders.

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and outcomes for children

Children's personal, social and emotional development is fostered very effectively. The childminder is a positive role model and her interaction with the children is very good. They approach her with ease for a cuddle, she chats gently to them and is genuinely interested in what they say and do. Children's literacy and communication skills are developing well. The childminder has created a cosy seating area where children access a variety of picture and story books. Children are provided with regular opportunities to make marks, for example, by using sticks in soil, playing in sand, drawing or painting. Children's understanding of numbers and problem solving is fostered well. They complete puzzles, put tracks together and count and talk about colours as they play. Children explore their creativity as they play in the delightfully set out role play area, where they pretend to make food and feed and care for babies by gently patting their backs. Good

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and outcomes for children

provision is made for children's physical development. They visit a countryside centre, parks and get pleasure from having good access to the garden. The outdoor environment is well organised and offers a wide variety of activities that continues to support their learning whilst benefiting from the fresh air. For example, a climbing frame and slide, bikes, a spinning top, balls, play mats, animals, vehicles, and construction. Children learn about natural environment with regular walks through the woods, they look at the bluebells, identify wildlife and talk about the 'big muddy puddle'. Children are beginning to operate simple electronic equipment to help develop their understanding of technology, such as, electronic books, laptops and telephones. Overall, children are developing good skills to support their future learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children in learning good behaviours and develop their understanding of right and wrong. She has a calm, consistent approach and encourages children to share, take turns and develop positive friendships. Good procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection, including effective procedures for hand washing at appropriate times and the exclusion of sick children. Appropriate action is taken if a child becomes unwell and parents are kept informed of their child's condition. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a first aid box is easily accessible. Good priority is given to successfully developing children's awareness of keeping themselves safe. For instance, they are gently reminded about using equipment safely, they talk about road safety and finding a safe place to cross whilst on outings and benefit from practising the fire evacuation procedure. Children's health and well-being is

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and outcomes for children

effectively supported, and they have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Children eat well and healthily. The childminder gathers information about children's individual dietary needs and she provides a range of home cooked nutritious meals and snacks which children enjoy. 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 1 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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