Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY367051 Inspection date 07/09/2011 Inspector Christine Williams

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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five in a residential area of Worcester. The whole of the downstairs area of the childminder's home is used for childminding, along with a first floor bathroom. The house is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links, and there is a fully enclosed play area available for outdoor play. The family has a pet cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

When working alone, the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant, the childminder is able to care for six children within the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding six children in this age group who all attend part-time. She also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder currently supports children with special educational needs and children who speak English as an additional language.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is qualified to degree level, is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the local childminding support group. The childminder collects children from local schools and pre-schools and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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

All areas of the childminder's practice are strong. Children make good progress as they enjoy stimulating learning experiences, are well integrated and are given the support they need to develop as individuals. Flexible attitudes, policies and everyday practices are used well to promote children's welfare, and safeguarding procedures are effective. The childminder works closely with children's parents and other settings so that there is continuity of care and a shared understanding about children's needs. She shows a commitment to improving the quality of her practice, although there is scope to entend the use of monitoring and evaluation.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 extend how information about children's developmental starting points and achievements at home is used to plan children's next steps  extend knowledge and understanding of how self-evaluation can be used more effectively to drive continuous quality improvements. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Safeguarding procedures are effective in ensuring that children are protected and enjoy a safe and supportive environment. The childminder has thorough child protection procedures in place, has attended safeguarding training and keeps a list of important contact numbers close to hand so that she can gain advice or report any concerns without delay. She works closely with parents so that she knows important information, such as, children's home living arrangements and who can collect them. Effective safety strategies, risk assessments and daily checks are used well to ensure children are safe at all times and high quality written policies and record-keeping help parents to understand the childminder's role and responsibilities.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is well qualified and has high expectations for what children can achieve. She is very caring and works hard to provide a safe and child-friendly environment where children are happy, well cared for and nurtured. There is a clear focus on quality and the childminder thinks carefully about what she does and willingly tries new ways of working. For example, she has obtained a list of words that children find difficult to say and focuses on these as a way of helping children to extend their language skills. The childminder has made a good start in using self-evaluation to help her consider how to reflect and meet children's individual changing needs; although there is room to extend her knowledge in this area. The childminder is sensitive to children's needs and understands how important children's well-being is to their learning. She recognises their feelings and emotions and is proactive in seeking professional help when necessary. There

p.5

the early years provision

are close links with the local school and this helps to ease children's move on to full-time education.

p.5

the early years provision

From the outset, strong and positive relationships are developed with parents. The childminder works hard to involve parents as partners in their child's learning and development and keeps them well informed. Lots of useful information is provided, such as, daily diaries, learning records, written policies and photographs, and these help parents share in their children's care and early education. The childminder is proactive in helping parents if they have any concerns or worries about their children and they recognise and appreciate the good work she does.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children thrive in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the childminder's home. They are cared for according to their individual needs and so develop good self- esteem and the confidence they need for their future learning. Children are happy and eager to try new things. They get the most out of their learning because the childminder joins in with their play and takes every opportunity to extend their vocabulary or help them practise numbers, counting and mark-making. Lots of learning happens throughout each day and children extend their experiences through lots of visits to the library, park and toddler groups. Children are regularly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 observed so that the childminder knows what they can do and the progress they are making. However, there is room to improve how information about children's starting points and achievements at home are used.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children's natural curiosity is supported well as they are encouraged to learn through first-hand experiences. Pretend play is carefully planned to extend their learning across all areas and to support their developing language and communication skills. For example, children made their own purses and money from paper, designed the shop opening sign and took turns to act out being the shopkeeper and customer. They play with interesting textures, such as, glue, paint and sand, and learn about nature during walks to the Countryside Centre. Constant interaction ensures children are able to repeat and learn new words and they thoroughly enjoy singing their favourite rhymes and weekly trips to the library. Everyday routines, such as, nappy-changing times, are turned into simple counting games and the childminder supports children in learning to divide and share out dough. There is lots of messy play and making things to enjoy and children use

p.6

and outcomes for children

simple electronic equipment confidently, learning what happens when various buttons are pressed.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children feel safe, cared for and relaxed because the childminder knows them well and quickly responds to their needs and interests. They turn to her for reassurance when visitors arrive, are confident to share how they are feeling and show they understand the rules that help to keep them and their friends safe. They learn about a healthy lifestyle as they eat well, drink regularly and learn to wash their hands. Children get plenty of fresh air and enjoy being active. For example, they learn to climb ladders, use tunnels, slides and push-along toys in the garden and enjoy regular trips to local parks. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

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 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

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