Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY359378 Inspection date 07/09/2011 Inspector Tracey Boland

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and children aged six, 11, 12 and 14 years in Droitwich, Worcestershire. The whole of the ground floor and first floor, except for the master bedroom, is used for childminding. There is direct access to the premises. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently seven children attending, one whom is within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education.

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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

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and demonstrates a clear understanding of the individual needs of the children she cares for. Children enjoy a wide variety of activities, both indoors and out. On completion of children's observations, the detailed planning ensures their future needs are continually met. Children feel valued and included and are encouraged to understand similarities and differences through discussion and resources. The childminder uses self-evaluation to develop and enhance her practice and systems for assessing risks are evolving.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the systems for self-evaluation.

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the early years provision

Children enter a welcoming, child-focused environment where their health and well-being is a priority. Children are consistently supervised and systems are in place to ensure they are not left unattended with unvetted adults. The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to protecting children in her care from abuse and neglect, and keeps her knowledge and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding up to date through regular training. Processes for completing risk assessments are being currently developed, although the childminder makes visual checks each day to ensure children's safety is maintained. Documentation is excellently maintained and all required policies and procedures are provided for parents which reflect the ethos of care provided.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of the use of self-evaluation and uses this to develop the service she provides, gathering the views of parents and children and using this to enhance the service she provides. She understands the importance of ongoing training and accesses various courses to enhance her skills through the local authority and has recently renewed her first aid certificate.

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the early years provision

Children's health needs are effectively met and records following minor accidents or administering medicines are maintained and countersigned by parents. The dietary needs and preferences of all the children are known and respected and drinks are provided throughout the day. Children's individual routines and personal care needs are incorporated into their day, encouraging their feeling of security and belonging.

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the early years provision

Concise information is received from parents about their child's needs, preferences and their child's development when they first start at the setting and on a continual basis. As a result, she continually meets their ever-changing needs. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and understands the importance of cohesive working with other professionals to meet their needs. She understands the importance of working with parents and extended family to ensure all children feel valued and included within the setting. The childminder has developed good relationships with other providers of the early years foundation stage and systems for communication are in place to maintain continuity of care.

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and outcomes for children

Children make very good progress in their learning as they enjoy a wide range of activities and play opportunities that are interesting and continually challenge their learning. Planning covers all areas and aspects of learning and therefore stimulates children's natural curiosity to learn. An excellent variety of resources and activities ensure their needs are met and children are happy and contented in their play. Interaction between the childminder and children is lovely.

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and outcomes for children

Children's independence is promoted effectively and the personal care needs, especially that of the younger children, is respected and incorporated into their day. Nappy-changing routines are sensitive to the needs of the children and the childminder tends to their needs to ensure their comfort is maintained. Lots of cuddles and reassurance are provided for the very young children which compounds their feeling of security. Children benefit from clear and consistent rules and boundaries that are in place within the home, which ensures their safety and well-being. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's understanding of diversity and the wider world is continually encouraged through the use of books, resources and the celebrations and discussion about different countries and their traditions throughout the year. Therefore their understanding of similarities and differences is promoted well. Children enjoy a

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and outcomes for children

wide variety of age-appropriate resources and during the inspection the very young child present enjoyed pushing the buttons on the activity centres, electronic toys and musical toys within the room. He sought the reassurance of the childminder when moving around the room, holding himself up against the furniture and, when tired, happily snuggling into her arms until falling asleep.

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and outcomes for children

Children's imagination is encouraged, for example, making treasure maps when learning about pirates. They enjoy cooking foods and decorating them and then taking them home for their parents and growing their own plants and seeds and watching as they change and grow. Children access the garden regularly and learn about the living world, going on mini beast hunts and comparing their findings into those which had wings and those which didn't, making their own insects and, with their own hand-made theatre, recreating how the insects move.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy developing their physical skills when using climbing equipment at the park and using a wide variety of outdoor play equipment in the garden. They play in a safe environment and they are learning how to keep themselves safe. They learn road safety when out, following clear routines when crossing the roads. Their understanding of 'stranger danger' is encouraged through discussion. Children are continually supervised to ensure their ongoing safety and the childminder is vigilant at all times. 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 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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