Childminder in Shropshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY419778 Inspection date 12/07/2011 Inspector Kath Harding

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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 husband and three children in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is an 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 hamster and goldfish as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. She currently has three children in the early years age range on roll. She also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides appropriately for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She demonstrates an appropriate understanding of children's individuality and promotes an inclusive environment where children develop an awareness of diversity. There are good relationships with parents and the childminder understands the benefits of partnership working in the wider context. The childminder has started to evaluate her practice to plan for future improvement, but there are some minor weaknesses in systems that support her practice.

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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, with particular reference to the sockets and blind cords  provide time to support children's understanding of how hygiene promotes good health, with particular relation to hand-washing  use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an appropriate level of understanding and knowledge of signs to be concerned about in relation to child protection issues. She has attended recent safeguarding training and knows of her responsibility to ensure all people living in the house are vetted. She conducts an annual written risk assessment of the areas of the home used by the children, the garden, some activities and outings. She visually checks the rooms before the children arrive, but some sockets This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are exposed and the blind cords accessible, so children's safety is not fully ensured.

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the early years provision

The childminder creates a welcoming, homely environment where resources and toys are accessible for the children, helping to promote their independence. Children are able to freely access an outdoor area which leads off the designated playroom. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and implements this to promote outcomes for children. The childminder has just started to childmind and records observations in the children's folders, with the next steps in children's development identified. However, these next steps are not linked into her plans for activities and experiences in order to ensure children's continued progression in their learning and development. A record of achievement book for each child is kept which contains photographs, anecdotes and children's artwork to compliment the daily diaries shared with parents.

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the early years provision

The children enjoy continuity of care because the childminder works closely with parents. She encourages a two-way flow of information between her and the parents and ensures they know all about their child's day. She provides regular telephone calls and a detailed daily diary. Links with other providers ensure a consistent approach is achieved to promote children's ongoing learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is able to reflect on how to improve her service and wants to attend more training. She obtains advice from development workers and other childminders in order to help improve her practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled, happy and confident in the childminder's suitably organised home. They develop a sound understanding of the importance of healthy eating as they are offered fruit at snack time, and posters, encouraging children to eat a range of fruit and vegetables, are displayed. Children are sometimes supported to wash their hands before eating in order to promote appropriate hygiene practices, but this is not consistent. They are taught how to keep themselves safe as they talk about road safety when out walking, and look at topics such as 'Stranger Danger'. They also practise fire drills so they know how to get out of the premises in an emergency.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder interacts well with the children during their play and constantly chatters to them, modelling language effectively to encourage the development of communication skills. They are able to access a wide range of toys and equipment outdoors such as swings, a trampoline, a slide, climbing frame and wheeled toys, so promoting the development of their physical skills. They have fun as they empty the bricks out of one container and put them into another. They freely approach the childminder when they want help or cuddles. They spontaneously dance as the music comes on as they learn to put the shapes into the shape sorter. They learn to problem solve as they complete the inset puzzles. As they find a book and turn This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the pages they attempt to make the sounds of a frog, a snake and fish. They plant sunflowers, watch them grow and tend these, so learning to care for living things.

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and outcomes for children

They take part in recycling activities as they visit the recycling centre and put the correct items in the correct containers, so learning about sustainability. They have access to a computer with educational programs to consolidate and extend their learning. They play imaginatively in the boat and play house outdoors and negotiate a clear pathway through as they push the doll's buggy around the indoor and outdoor area.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well and they are encouraged to take turns on the swing. They learn about their local community as they feed the ducks and visit the local parks. They learn to value and respect others as they use some resources which help them to begin to understand about the wider world and take part in sponsored events so they learn about helping others. 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 2 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

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Stage

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

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 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

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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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