Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY363341 Inspection date 05/09/2011 Inspector Jacqueline Nation

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 2008. She lives with her husband and son aged five years in the Wellington area of Telford, close to local parks, a school, a library and shops. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. This includes access to bathroom facilities and a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. One bedroom on the first floor is used for sleep purposes. The family have a cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of five children under eight years may attend at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll, five of whom are in the early years age group. All children attend on various days.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in children's care, learning and development. She is also an accredited member of the Telford and Wrekin Childminding Network.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a homely, caring and stimulating environment in which children's uniqueness is valued. Planning and assessment systems have been carefully considered to ensure children's interests and achievements are recorded and catered for. The quality of learning and well-planned routines help children make good progress towards the early learning goals. Effective links with parents ensure children's needs are respected and addressed. The childminder shows a strong capacity for ongoing continuous improvement, and self-evaluation provides a very good analysis on the setting's strengths and areas for improvement. All the required documentation is in place to ensure children's safety and well-being.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the two-way flow of information with parents to enable them to be involved in practical ways to support their child's learning and development.

p.4

the early years provision

Arrangements to safeguard children are effective because systems are in place to make sure adults looking after children are suitable to do so. The childminder has This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a good understanding of child protection procedures, including her duty to record and report any concerns. She has attended safeguarding training and shares her written policy with parents. The premises are safe and secure, and detailed risk assessments cover all aspects of the home and outings undertaken with the children. This ensures any potential risks to children are minimised. The childminder carries out regular emergency evacuation drills so that children are aware of what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder's recording procedures and policy documents are well organised and support children's safety and welfare. She ensures that detailed information is recorded at the beginning of the

p.4

the early years provision

placement relating to children's individual needs and parents' preferences.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to improving her practice through further training by attending relevant courses and completing a level 3 qualification. She uses her knowledge well to improve outcomes for children and plan activities, ensuring children have choices and direct their own play.

p.5

the early years provision

Children are cared for in a welcoming family home and the childminder plans her day around the needs of the children. Outcomes for children are clearly attributed to the excellent use of resources and the very well-organised environment, which is conducive to learning and safety. Children are provided with an area where they can relax and an inviting and stimulating playroom where they select resources and direct their own play. There is very good access to the outdoor environment, which children thoroughly enjoy. The childminder is a reflective practitioner and has introduced a very good self-evaluation system to monitor the quality of her setting. She has effectively implemented the recommendation from the last inspection and attendance records accurately reflect children's arrival and departure times. The childminder is committed to promoting an inclusive and enjoyable learning atmosphere for all children.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are well established. They receive a comprehensive information pack which lets them know how the provision operates and she provides information about play, activities and menus. The childminder has flexible settling-in procedures depending on the individual needs of children and their parents. She provides parents with feedback each day about their child's care, well-being and activities, and a newsletter which keeps them up to date with current events. The childminder recognises the importance of working closely with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage and other agencies to ensure children get the support they need, and information is exchanged to support children's continuity of care and learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder is enthusiastic and committed to providing good quality care and education for all. She demonstrates a good understanding of child development and provides a wide range of interesting and challenging activities both indoors, outdoors and through a range of outings. Planning and assessment are flexible depending on each child's needs and interests. Observations are carried out and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 used to plan the next steps in children's learning. Helpful information is recorded about children's starting points in their learning at the admission stage using an 'all about me' format. Each child's progress is documented in a 'my story' folder and gives a good overview of children's enjoyment and achievement. The folders include a delightful range of photographs and children's artwork. There is some

p.5

and outcomes for children

scope for improving the two-way flow of information with parents to enable them to be involved in practical ways of supporting their child's learning and development in the home environment.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are enthusiastic, motivated learners who display curiosity as they play. They enjoy using their imagination while playing with the kitchen equipment and play food in the playhouse. Children's creativity is supported well and they get pleasure from painting, cutting and sticking activities, drawing and manipulating play dough. Children have fun while playing in the garden; they bounce on the trampoline with great enthusiasm, climb steps up to the slide and enjoy riding cars. By visiting local parks, playgroups, the library and soft play centres children experience good opportunities to socialise with their peers and use more challenging equipment. Resources are easily accessible to help promote children's problem solving skills, for example, building blocks, threading activities, shape sorters and puzzles. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of diversity as they have access to positive images resources, such as books and

p.6

and outcomes for children

puzzles. They learn about different festivals and celebrations through planned activities to help their understanding of different cultures. The childminder's interaction with the children is good; she listens carefully to what they say and gives them opportunities to explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Children are able to access a lovely range of books and enjoy listening to stories. They are developing an understanding of technology by using a range of electronic resources, including a computer, and this helps them to develop good skills for the future.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes good behaviour. She is supportive, kind and fair and gives children plenty of praise and encouragement. The childminder talks to children about road safety and uses effective strategies to maintain children's safety while on outings. Children show that they feel safe and secure in the setting by approaching the childminder for cuddles when they need reassurance or are feeling tired. Children's good health and well-being are promoted and effective steps are taken to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained environment. They wash their hands at appropriate times during the day, such as before snacks and meals and after using the bathroom. Children's dietary needs are well met. The childminder talks to parents about children's individual requirements and she provides well-balanced meals and healthy snacks, such as, strawberries, bananas and crackers.

p.6

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

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