Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY420433 Inspection date 19/07/2011 Inspector Hazel White

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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 2011. She lives with her parents in a residential area on the outskirts of Royal Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. There are shops and schools within walking distance. The designated play room on the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre- schools. The family has a rabbit and a dog.

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Description of the childminding

When working alone the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight, three of whom may be within the early years age range. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. When co-working with her mother they may care for a total 10 children under eight years and no more than six may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently caring for four children, all of whom are within the early year's age range. Two attend on a full-time basis. The childminder has a recognised early years 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

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They engage in a good range of activities and share warm, friendly relationships with the childminder and her family. Children's individuality is recognised and valued because relationships with parents and other early years settings are well developed. The childminder's co-minder has appropriate self-evaluation systems in place for identifying areas which will improve outcomes for all children and the childminder is beginning to add her views. Documentation is generally well organised although daily attendance are not effectively kept.

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further?

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

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further?

 keep a daily record of the children's hours of attendance (Documentation)(also applies to the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register). 22/07/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 duplicate materials and resources to reduce conflict and encourage children to respect and take care of toys and equipment. 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 effectively safeguarded because the childminder has good understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting children in her care. The child protection policy is shared with parents and she is clear of her duty to record and report any concerns. All adults in the household have been vetted and deemed suitable to be in contact with the children. The childminder has conducted a risk assessment of her home to identify any hazards to children. In addition she carries out daily visual checks to ensure the areas used are safe. Most legally required documentation is in place to support children's welfare. However, the childminder does not complete accurate records of children's hours of attendance on a daily basis. This oversight in her paperwork means she has failed to meet a requirement and this reduces the effectiveness of her procedures.

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the early years provision

Children have sufficient space in which to play and rest because the designated play room is appropriately organised. They follow their home routines and flexible planning allows them to follow their own interests. A general selection of toys and books are easily accessible to the children. The childminder has recognised that she needs to provide more than one of popular toys such as balls and pushchairs to prevent conflict between the children. They are learning to respect toys, furniture and equipment, however behaviour strategies are not successful for some children. This has resulted in toys not being handled with care.

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the early years provision

The childminder has friendly relationships with parents and cares for their children in accordance with their wishes. Information about their care needs and interests are known and are used as a basis on which to build the children's learning and development. Daily diaries are used to record the children's progress and parents are encouraged to contribute to them. The childminder has received lots of compliments from parents. They make positive comments about her friendliness, how well their children settle and the play experiences that are offered. The childminder has established effective methods of communication with staff at other settings the children attend. This helps to ensure that important information is shared and their learning is complemented when they are in her care. The childminder is aware of the advice, support and guidance that can be accessed to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and English as

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the early years provision

an additional language. All agencies work together to help children reach their full potential.

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the early years provision

The childminder's co-minder has systems in place to monitor and evaluate the quality of their setting. Although the childminder is in the early stages of adding her views to this process, she has made some changes that will improve outcomes for all children. For example, she has reviewed planning and the way in which observations are recorded. As a result children's interests are further considered and their next steps are more clearly identified. The childminder has a level 3 early years qualification and shows a strong commitment to additional training in order to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and enjoy spending time with her family and their friends. The childminder has a good understanding of the six areas of learning so she observes and assesses each child's progress and identifies their next steps in learning. Planning is informal but the childminder confidently explains the activities she is providing to extend all children's learning. The activities also support children's development of good skills for the future. She recognises their uniqueness as learners and ensures that activities are age- and stage-appropriate and meet their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

All children thrive with the childminder because she enables them to join in activities at their own level and provides them with play opportunities to support their particular learning needs. For example whilst older children use pencil crayons to write for their own purpose, younger children make marks with chalks because they are easier to hold. They extend their conversation skills through constant chatter with the childminder as they play. She joins in with their pretend play, explaining what they would use the microwave for and shows great interest in what children are saying when they use the play phone. During free play young children use shape sorters to develop problem-solving skills as they try to work out which holes fit the different shapes and more able children complete complex jigsaw puzzles. As a result all children are learning about reasoning and problem solving.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder frequently sings number rhymes with the children and they count every day objects. Therefore they are developing an understanding of calculation. Children are learning to use programmable toys with confidence. Babies have access to lots of sound toys and learn that they get a response if they lift a flap or press a button. Other children use the lap top for finding information and electronic toys giving them an understanding of information technology and how this is a part of our everyday lives. Outdoor play promotes children's physical development well. Children benefit from daily access to fresh air and make good use of the childminder's garden for their play and games. They regularly visit the local park to play on age-appropriate apparatus which develops and extends their physical control well.

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and outcomes for children

Children recognise the importance of hygiene and take responsibility for their own personal care by washing their hands before eating and watching the childminder clean surfaces and wash her hands. Similarly, the childminder positively reinforces safe practices so that children become aware of potential dangers such as keeping all four legs of a chair on the floor when they sit on it and not opening and shutting doors because they could trap their fingers.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave generally well and enjoy praise and encouragement which positively fosters their self-esteem. Toddler tantrums are handled promptly in a firm, calm manner and children are offered lots of reassurance after they have calmed down. Older children are beginning to be aware of the importance of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 respecting toys and equipment although some toys have had to be discarded because of rough handling. Children develop an understanding of the wider world through access to a good range of resources that promote positive images of diversity. Activities are planned to develop their appreciation of other cultures throughout the course of the year. Children's care, learning and play are effectively promoted because of the childminder's desire to provide them with a safe, fun and happy environment while they are in her care.

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and outcomes for children

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 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: 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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 22/07/2011

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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 early years section of the report (Records to be kept) 22/07/2011

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