Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY413781 Inspection date 28/06/2011 Inspector Patricia Webb

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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 2010 and lives in Tamworth with her daughter and her mother who at times acts as the childminder's assistant. Staffordshire. There are shops and schools within walking distance. All of the ground floor areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Children are taken on outings to parks and other areas of interest, including local childcare and community groups. The childminder takes and collects children from a local school. The family has pets including a dog, a cat, rabbits, guinea pigs and a hamster.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range at any one time. When working with an assistant, all five children may be in the early years age group. There are currently five children on roll of whom four are in the early years age range. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder holds a relevant early years childcare qualification and is a member of 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

The childminder is highly skilled in offering a fully inclusive provision that enables each child in her care to make strong progress in their early learning and development. Learning opportunities for the children are well planned and every activity is used effectively to promote targeted development in all areas of their learning. The childminder demonstrates a very clear commitment to continuous improvement of her practice. However, she has not ensured that all conditions of registration are met with regard to numbers of children cared for at any one time.

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further?

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

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further?

 explore a range of strategies for involving children, parents and carers actively in the process of evaluating the impact of the provision on outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely committed to safeguarding children in her care demonstrating a clear understanding of her responsibilities. Detailed polices and procedures are in place to ensure that any child protection concerns would be This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 managed efficiently and swiftly in the best interests of the child. Safety for children both on and off the premises is a high priority and great care is taken by the childminder to conduct effective risk assessments and ensure that all of the required parental consents are in place. The childminder is also fully aware of her responsibilities in ensuring that children are never left alone with adults who have not been fully vetted and all of the adults in the household have undergone appropriate vetting procedures.

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the early years provision

The childminder is, at times, caring for more children than she is registered for, due to not being fully clear about the conditions of registration when working with an assistant. The provider has given a reasonable excuse for doing so and on this occasion Ofsted does not intend to take further action. The childminder has embraced the Early Years Foundation Stage very effectively. Detailed policies and procedures are in place to keep parents and carers fully informed of the ethos of her service. They are encouraged to contribute to their child's development and learning so that children's progress is built on what they can do at home and how that can be capitalised on. For example, a parent informs the childminder of their toddler gaining skills in self-feeding. Subsequent planning indicates that specific activities to promote this aspect of development are utilised purposefully by the childminder. This promotes the sense of the children's progress being a true

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the early years provision

partnership between the childminder and the family. Further liaison with other agencies, professionals and settings children may attend would be arranged effectively by the childminder as appropriate. Whilst the childminder evaluates her practice and assesses the impact it has on improving children's outcomes, she has not yet explored ways of involving parents in this process. She is however, wholly committed to continuous improvement, attending relevant training and embarking on a Foundation degree course to further extend her professional skills and knowledge.

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the early years provision

The layout of the setting and children's access to resources has been very carefully planned in order to promote independence and encourage self-selection. The equipment is checked thoroughly for safety and suitability as the childminder is mindful of caring for children across a broad range of ages and abilities. The garden is an exceptionally stimulating environment where all aspects of enjoyment, learning and development are promoted as positively as indoors. The effective use of labelling in both written and pictorial format ensures that the provision is wholly inclusive and encourages all children to be able to make informed choices.

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and outcomes for children

Children delight in seeking out the childminder to engage in their activities. She takes time to plan each child's progress, building on their ages, abilities and interests. One child takes a favourite story book and settles most readily with the childminder to 'read' along and repeat the familiar phrases. Giggles ensue as pages turn and the child squeals with excitement knowing that the yellow duck will This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appear on the next page. The childminder makes positive use of such activities to encourage communication and language by paraphrasing, repeating and pointing out the script. Observations and assessments are conducted by the childminder who is fully aware of the need for these to be meaningful and pertinent to each child's individual progress. Hence, the next steps for children are clear, focused and based upon what the child can do. Challenge and extension is planned to

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and outcomes for children

ensure each child works towards fulfilling their full potential.

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and outcomes for children

Exploring the wider world, children use resources that depict positive images of diversity and encourage them to become aware of differences in society. They regularly visit amenities and venues in the local area to gain an insight into their community. They become aware of caring for those other than themselves as they treat the small menagerie of pets with respect. Excellent use is made of natural resources to promote the children's use of all of their senses. They feel textures in the treasure baskets and become aware of different smells around them as they sniff the various mini muslin bags containing items such as lavender and cinnamon sticks. Babies and toddlers gain a sense of self as they delight in noticing their reflection in the safety mirrors. Photographs in the children's records show their awe and wonderment at this amazing self-discovery. They also develop a sense of working co-operatively as they recently painted and decorated a large sheet using

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and outcomes for children

paints and various tools to make marks including their hands and feet. This is proudly displayed in the playroom and photographs show how the children completed and enjoyed the activity.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and well-being is fostered through well-practised routines by the childminder and a clear commitment to ensuring that risks of the spread of infection are minimised. Children refer to the signage and photographs around the setting for prompting in following good personal hygiene. For example, pictures of children washing their hands are displayed along with signs for hot and cold water taps. All of the required documentation is in place for the safe management of minor accidents and the administration of medication to keep parents fully informed of their child's welfare. This is further ensured as the childminder and her assistant hold current first aid certificates.

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and outcomes for children

Whilst parents supply most of their children's meals, the childminder takes time to discuss specific dietary needs and offer advice and guidance on healthy eating. She provides varied and nutritious snacks and drinks, reminding children about having frequent drinks throughout the day. Children's behaviour is exemplary as they show care and consideration for themselves and each other. Good manners are encouraged and well-deserved praise is offered at every opportunity by the childminder, eager to promote children's self-esteem and develop their confidence as they gain valuable skills for the future. 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 1 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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