Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY424854 Inspection date 18/08/2011 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 co-minds from her parent's home in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. Her mother is also a registered childminder. The whole of the ground floor is registered for childminding and includes three indoor play areas and a covered outdoor area. Toilet facilities on the ground floor and a first floor bathroom are registered. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play, part of which is accessible via steps. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has two dogs, three rabbits, 12 guinea pigs and a tortoise.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. When minding alone, she may care for six children aged under eight years at any one time and, of these, three may be in the early years age group. When minding with another childminder or with an assistant, they may care for 12 aged under eight and, of these, six may be early years children. When minding with another childminder and an assistant they may care for 12 children under eight years and nine may be in the early years age group. There are currently 18 children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The majority attend on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is currently working towards a level 2 early years qualification.

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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 cared for in an extremely child-friendly environment where an abundance of resources are easily accessible. Their individual welfare and learning needs are all met well because the childminder works closely with parents and develops a strong relationship with each family. Good links with other early years settings helps to complement their learning. Systems for assessing children's progress are well established. The childminder has a positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement, however, systems to evaluate her practice are not yet fully effective. All required policies, procedures and documentation are in place to support children's care and well-being.

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further?

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

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further?

 encourage further parents' contribution to their children's assessment records improve self-evaluation and quality improvement processes as the basis of ongoing internal review. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded well as the childminder has a clear understanding of systems to protect children in her care. She is fully aware of the possible signs of abuse and understands the process to follow if she was to have concerns about a child in her care. She has attended specific training and is in the process of completing a qualification which has provided her with opportunity to extend her knowledge further. The childminder shares the child protection policy with parents. As a result, all adults are clear of their collective and individual roles and responsibilities in protecting children from harm. All adults in the household are deemed suitable to be in contact with the children because they have been through a vetting process. Children receive care in a safe and secure home because the childminder assesses and minimises risks effectively. For example, she checks that stair gates are in place and the gate to the pond is padlocked so that

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the early years provision

Children thrive because the childminder works closely with their parents. She gets to know families well and strives to meet their particular needs. Parents comment positively on the care their children receive. They include, 'we are safe in the knowledge our children are happy and well-cared for' and comments that there is a 'family feeling and genuine fondness for our children which is very important to us both'. Information about their starting points and current interests are very effectively used as a basis on which to build the children's learning and development. Parents know what their children have done with the childminder through conversations, the daily diary and regular opportunities to look at children's observation and assessment records. However the childminder has not yet fully considered ways of encouraging parents to contribute to these records so that they can further continue their learning at home. The childminder's co-minder

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the early years provision

has devised a range of written policies and procedures to support the children's care, learning and well-being. These are shared with parents on admission. All required written parental consents have been obtained. Consequently, children are cared for according to their parents' wishes.

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the early years provision

The childminder communicates well with staff at other settings the children attend to complement children's learning when they are in her care. Although she has no experience of caring for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, she fully understands the importance of partnership working and would initiate contact with other professionals when the need occurred. Space is used very creatively and the childminder is committed to ensuring that the needs of each child are consistently accommodated. The diversity of individuals is valued and respected and she actively promotes equal opportunities to ensure that her practice is fully inclusive. The whole of the ground floor is exceptionally well organised so that children can play in comfort and have easy, independent access to an array of toys, resources and activities. Displays of posters, photographs and children's artwork are evident throughout, which creates a superb child-friendly

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the early years provision

environment in which they can begin their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has recently begun to evaluate her practice. This is a new This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 process, but she can see how this can help her to identify her strengths and any areas that she can further develop in the future. She demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and improving her service. For example, she is in the process of gaining an early years qualification and has attended various short courses. The support of the local authority is welcomed and the childminder is eager to improve outcomes for children by sharing good practice and building on the advice given.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very much at ease in the childminder's care. They separate from their parents well because of good settling-in periods. An excellent range of toys and activities are attractively stored in various places of the home. This successfully encourages children's independence. They have free-flow play and thoroughly enjoy being outdoors in all weathers. The childminder has a very good understanding of the six areas of learning, so she observes and assesses each child's progress and identifies their next steps in learning. The childminder confidently explains the activities she is providing to extend all children's learning. The activities also support children's development of excellent skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder engages in conversations with the children, which supports their language development well. They listen intently to their favourite stories and correctly anticipate what will happen next. This also extends their love of books. They are developing an understanding of calculation because the childminder encourages children to sing number rhymes and count everyday objects. For example, they count how many wheeled cars and bicycles they have and discuss different forms of travel such as air, road and rail. Children are able to express their imagination well through fantasy and role play. They take their dolls for a walk and dress up in different costumes. Children use electronic and programmable toys, giving them an understanding of information technology and how this is a part of our everyday lives. They have access to battery-operated toys and older children competently use a laptop.

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and outcomes for children

Babies 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, during free play they use shape sorters to develop problem-solving skills as they try to work out which holes fit the different shapes. The childminder provides resources, activities and experiences that promote positive images of the wider world and help children gain an understanding of people in their community. The environment has lovely displays of posters and photographs which extends the childrens' appreciation of different cultures and traditions. All children are treated with equal concern. Any specific requirements are shared and met sensitively in discussion with parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and well-being is given priority. Highly effective hygiene practices are in place and the benefits of fresh air and exercise are promoted as a significant contribution to a healthy lifestyle. Children love being in the garden when it is raining, listening to the sound it makes on the roof, and are fascinated when they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 realise that it has washed their chalk pictures away. They experiment with water and sand and regularly visit the local park to extend their physical skills on the large play equipment. This encourages children to have a very positive attitude to being active. Meals are healthy, well balanced and freshly prepared, taking into account children's dietary needs. At snack time children eat the cookies they have made and a fully stocked bowl of fruit is readily available to ensure they have

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and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and relate confidently to her and to members of her family. They feel secure with her and gain a good awareness of their personal safety because she makes effective use of opportunities to teach children about road safety. Older children understand why they must hold her hand when walking along busy roads and how to use the pelican crossing to cross the road safely. Children have opportunities to practise the emergency evacuation. They behave in a manner that is supportive of their learning, developing confidence and self-esteem because the childminder gives regular praise, encouragement and support. Consequently, children learn to share, take turns and show consideration for each other. 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 2 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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