Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY356110 Inspection date 24/03/2011 Inspector Karen Millerchip

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2007 and holds a Level 3 childcare qualification. She lives with her husband, her mother and three children aged nine, five and three years in the Chase Meadow area of Warwick. The whole of the ground floor and the playroom and bathroom on the second floor of the house are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll, three of whom are within the early years age range. The childminder is registered to work with assistants and the numbers of children cared for during this time, may be increased.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's welfare and safety is suitably promoted in most areas. Effective links with parents and carers ensures that children's individual needs are identified and provided for. Children enjoy a suitable range of play activities and make acceptable progress in their learning and development. However, some areas of learning are not sufficiently planned for. Observation and assessment systems are being developed but are not yet fully effective. Suitable written policies and procedures inform parents about the provision and risk assessments are sound. The childminder is committed and passionate about developing her practice and has completed a detailed self-evaluation form that outlines her vision for the future. Details on improving outcomes show a satisfactory capacity for improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop observations and assessments to identify each child's current and next steps in learning and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences  provide positive images that challenge children's thinking and help them to embrace differences in gender, ethnicity, language, religion, culture, special educational needs and disabilities.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder fully understands her responsibility to ensure that all adults living and working in the house are appropriately vetted. Thorough safeguarding policies This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and procedures are in place to ensure that children are fully protected. The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children and is clear about the procedures to put into practice when necessary and this means children are kept safe from harm. All required records and documents are in place and maintained effectively to promote the running of the setting. All records and polices are shared with parents and used at induction sessions with assistants to ensure everybody knows how the setting operates.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder organises space and play resources suitably to meet children's needs. She has a suitable understanding of children's individual abilities and this enables her to provide play experiences and activities to support each child's growing skills. However, the use of observations is currently being developed and therefore children's current or next stage in learning is not identified, which means children's development may be inhibited. Resources are checked regularly to ensure they are safe for children to play with. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development. Children play happily and receive care in a home that is safe and secure. The childminder has detailed risk assessments for the premises, when out and about in the community and when attending the church hall for group times, that provides them with opportunities to play in a large outdoor area and use large apparatus.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a sound relationship with parents and children benefit from a flow of verbal information on their child's day to ensure they are aware of activities and the learning their child has been involved in. A record of children's learning is being developed and shared with parents to keep them informed about their child's progress. The childminder has recently purchased an online system that, when fully operational, will allow parents to access information about all aspects of their child's care, learning and development. Parents currently use it to share information and to look at policies, daily routines and activities. They comment on the ease in which this can be done and at a time that is convenient for them. The childminder is aware of the benefits of sharing information with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage to promote continuity of learning. Children use a satisfactory range of resources that support most aspects of their learning.

p.5

the early years provision

However, resources that promote equality and diversity are limited, which means that children may not develop their knowledge and understanding in this area as quickly as they could. The childminder is keen to keep up-to-date with current good practice to support her continuous improvement. She has attended training that includes first aid, forest schools, working with families and has recently achieved a Level 3 childcare qualification.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a suitable understanding of children's individual abilities and interests. Children enjoy their activities with the childminder and they take part in a satisfactory range of play opportunities that help them to learn and develop. Children thoroughly enjoy first hand experiences as they play in the 'house corner' cooking dinner, feeding the dolls and making 'cups of tea' for the childminder. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder observes children in their play and takes photographs of them to illustrate the activities they enjoy. Children are provided with a selection of toys to play with on arrival at the setting and other toys can be made available from a storage cupboard within the room. A sufficient range of resources and posters are available but visual aids and toys and books that promote awareness of other people in society and the wider world are less apparent.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children have developed a close relationship with the childminder and her assistant and show that they feel safe and secure as they approach them for cuddles and re-assurance. They are supported in their development and are encouraged to explore their environment. Clear boundaries and good role modelling by the childminder promotes good behaviour. Children are encouraged to use new words and extend their vocabulary as the childminder talks to children as they play and learn.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities to ensure children learn how to keep each other safe, both in the home and on outings. For example, children learn about road safety when they are out on walks and are encouraged to keep the floor space tidy to prevent tripping over toys. They are familiar with the sound of the smoke alarms and are aware of the procedure for evacuating the house in case of an emergency. Children are developing an awareness of healthy lifestyles. They follow daily hygiene routines to develop self-help skills. They access paper towels and liquid soap, surfaces are cleaned before meal times and suitable nappy changing procedures are in place, thereby, minimising the risk of cross infection. Mealtimes are a sociable occasion where they sit together and are encouraged to develop self-help skills. Children are provided with a cooked meal at lunch time and fruit snacks are on offer if needed. They can freely access drinks, with

p.6

and outcomes for children

younger children having free access to personalised drinking beakers. These experiences develop children's independence and confidence. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8