Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY413811 Inspection date 14/07/2011 Inspector Shirley Wilkes

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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. She lives with her partner and their two children aged five and 17 years in Telford, Shropshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and she takes children to the local park. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, three of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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 learning and development because the childminder provides a happy and extremely welcoming environment, in which children enjoy their play and learning. Children make good progress towards the early learning goals given their individual starting points. All policies and procedures are inclusive and most are implemented effectively to promote children's welfare. Excellent partnerships are developing between the childminder, parents and other agencies to ensure that the needs of all children are very successfully met. The childminder shows a dedicated commitment and capacity to improve the quality of her care and has identified some of her strengths and areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the risk assessment to ensure that it covers anything with which a child may come into contact to ensure children's safety and well-being  support further children's understanding of communities, that people have different needs, views, cultures and beliefs.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in child protection. She is very aware of the possible signs of abuse and knows what to do if she has any concerns about a child in her care. Risk assessments are completed to ensure children's safety, however, the risk posed by the ornamental water feature and the patio doors have not been fully addressed to ensure children's safety. For example, whilst pebbles have been placed to lower the level of water, it still allows for the pooling of water which presents a hazard to the children. The childminder provides an extremely welcoming environment by displaying children's photographs and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 examples of their work. She provides the children with rich, varied and imaginative resources and equipment that are very well maintained and organised. Space within the setting is used extremely effectively allowing for children to

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the early years provision

continue their learning in the exceptionally well-equipped outdoor play area. This area allows children to fully extend their learning and develop their understanding of how things grow and to use all their senses.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a strong and effective relationship with the parents and there is a highly comprehensive two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise. She ensures that the needs of all children are met and parents are well informed. Children's achievements are confirmed through the use of daily diaries and verbal discussions at the beginning and end of the day. Parents contribute their comments on their child's development in their learning journeys to ensure continued progress. The childminder has no children on roll who attend any other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage but is very well aware of the need to put this in place if and when needed to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care.

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the early years provision

The childminder reflects on her practice and makes changes as required to benefit the outcomes for children. For example, she has made full use of evaluation documents to reflect on current practice and identify areas for improvement which are then used to inform her action plan. She focuses on the outcomes for children and how the changes will benefit them when identifying areas for improvement. She demonstrates an inspiring commitment and enthusiasm to continually update her knowledge, skills and practice to benefit the children who attend.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a very good understanding of the learning and development requirements. This means that children are making good progress in their learning and development. Children enjoy an interesting range of activities that have clear links to the areas of learning. The systems to observe children's progress and to plan for children's individual learning needs are comprehensive, allowing for the future planning of their learning and development. The planning in place ensures that children experience a wide variety of activities that meets their individual needs and interests. Individual children's learning journals are shared with parents and reflect how the childminder promotes children's progress towards the early learning goals. Parents are encouraged to add to these to ensure continued learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very at home and contented in familiar surroundings where the childminder is sensitive to their needs and interests. She gathers additional information to support children's settling in and the planning of activities, for example, information about their family and their likes and dislikes. They demonstrate their independence as they move around the home selecting different toys and resources to play with. They are confident to seek extra resources during an activity which helps support their decision-making skills. The extremely well organised use of equipment and toys enables children to use the resources This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 imaginatively and follow their natural curiosity as learners.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop an understanding of mathematical concepts through daily routines and play, such as, when preparing snack discuss what shape shall we have today. Children also enjoy cooking activities, measuring and weighing ingredients when making their cakes and croissants. Children's language development is well supported by the childminder through positive interaction. For example, when talking about the newly arrived kittens. Children are becoming aware of people's differences and this is promoted as they are able to access a variety of resources. Children have celebrated Chinese New Year and the childminder is aware of the need to encourage children's understanding of the wider world including understanding of communities, that people have different needs, views, cultures and beliefs.

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and outcomes for children

Children are able to join in the planting of the herbs and helping to care for them. They take an active part in recycling, all of which helps them to understand how to care for their environment. A good range of programmable toys gives them opportunities to acquire basic skills in operating simple equipment and a variety of musical instruments, listening to music and dancing supports children's talents.

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and outcomes for children

Children routinely follow good hygiene practices, such as, washing hands. There is a relaxed atmosphere at meal times enabling children to enjoy this social occasion. All children enjoy the benefits of nutritious and well balanced foods and drinks which the childminder and parents provide. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through practical daily routines and the childminder's guidance on the dangers of traffic and strangers. Children practise evacuation procedures to further their understanding. Children's behaviour is good and lots of praise is given for positive behaviour. As a result, they are developing good self-esteem and understand when they have done well. 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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