Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY359358 Inspection date 13/10/2011 Inspector Lynne Milligan

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 three children aged eight, six and one years of age in Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a pet dog.

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

Provision within the childminder's home is mainly good, with some areas exceeding practice and therefore outstanding. Partnerships with parents and other settings within her community are exemplary and show the high level of commitment and consideration for these links. Children are generally well safeguarded, with their welfare needs consistently met. Her proactive and positive attitude supports her understanding of inclusive practice and contributes to her capacity to improve.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 obtain information about who has legal contact with the child; and who has parental responsibility for the child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 28/10/2011

p.4

further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 28/10/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 increase an understanding of how to specifically extend young children's learning in relation to their age and stage of development in order to maintain their interest. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of child protection and is confident about her responsibilities. She has due regard for confidentiality and is aware of the procedure to pass concerns on to the correct authorities. Potentially, this safeguards a child from future harm. Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau checks ensure suitability for those adults living within the home and checks on all visitors further secure children's care. The childminder has a good awareness of hazards within the home and has actively sought to minimise these through the use of appropriate equipment. For instance, using fireguards and stair gates to restrict access. Daily checks ensure immediate risks are minimised whereas potential risks are measured in her well-written risk assessments. These include references to her fire drills, smoke alarms and first aid kits, including all equipment and rooms used. Registration forms contain all written agreements which allow the childminder to

p.5

the early years provision

take children out on trips, swimming and to take photographs. However, as the childminder has not gained information about those parents with parental responsibility or legal contact she is unaware of whether these consents are valid. This is a breach of a legal requirement. Written procedures which include how she would care for a sick child or administer medication are concise but do not fully support her practice as she does not gain written prior consent for each and every medicine before it is given. This does not meet the legal requirement.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a high regard for her parents which is purposefully extended to other settings the children attend. Attention to detail includes photographs of her home which she shares with family members who are unable to make the initial visit, thus allowing them a taste of the environment their child will be attending. Being a member of the local committee demonstrates to the children the extent to which she values her community as she attempts to develop facilities at the local park. Regular outings to the playgroup strengthens her links with other childminders and those who also deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Through questionnaires, development files and regular meetings parents are encouraged to share their thoughts about her setting. Many comment on how pleased they are with the progress their children are making and that they feel comfortable leaving their child in her care.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder treats children with equal concern, whilst celebrating their differences and recognising their uniqueness. There is an extensive range of resources available. Evaluations of her setting are seen as a positive approach to reviewing her practice and aids improvement. Regular training further underpins her practice and demonstrates a commitment to increasing her current knowledge.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Through effective supervision the childminder ensures that children share resources and show careful consideration and respect to each other. This means that all children feel included and valued. The childminder provides a supportive This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 environment for them to learn right and wrong. She consistently uses encouragement and praise to help children develop excellent manners and play harmoniously. Her management of unwanted behaviour includes a range of safe, supportive techniques which are adapted to meet the age and maturity of the child. Children are protected well from cross infection as the childminder maintains her home to a good standard. The childminder reduces the risk of cross contamination through robust procedures. Children are also encouraged to develop sensible personal hygiene routines to further promote their health. Meals are

p.5

and outcomes for children

nutritious and balanced as children are encouraged to try new foods and drink fresh water instead of sugary drinks. Children feel relaxed and comfortable in the warm and welcoming premises. This is because the childminder provides a safe and secure environment where children have lots of space to play and rest. Equipment is organised so that it can be easily and safely accessed by children which promotes children's independence and sense of belonging. Children are regularly encouraged to take risks as they climb up the slide the wrong way for example, but are supported as they find other ways to manage hazards and potentially difficult situations.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled. They have warm relationships with each other and with the childminder. Children generally communicate confidently and show interest through mainly non-verbal communication. Some questions are used to either extend children's understanding or to tease out their existing knowledge but at times they are aimed to high for children to understand and as a result, some activities are cut short. Children learn to share and take turns as they happily play together. The extensive resources provide a good level of challenge to all ages. Children have opportunities to bake, play imaginatively with role play and small world toys as well as access books, jigsaws and construction toys. The childminder also plans a wide range of outings which encourage their ability to see beyond their local area. She includes regular visits to local parks and toddler groups as well as excursions to the zoo and other areas of interest, such as the nearby farm. This

p.6

and outcomes for children

variety also promotes children's creative, physical and intellectual development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children benefit from active play. They have daily access to the childminder's garden as well as frequent opportunities to walk as they are collected from local nurseries and schools. The childminder also exposes children to a range of challenging play equipment both at the play group and in her home. This effectively helps their physical development and promotes a positive attitude towards exercise. 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 1 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 1 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