Apata, Gabriella Olajumoke

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY390128 Inspection date 25/10/2011 Inspector Carol Johnson

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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 2009. She lives in Walsall with her husband and child aged five years. The childminder's husband is registered as her assistant but is not left in sole charge of children. The whole of the childminder's home, with the exception of the main bedroom on the first floor, is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children in the early years age range. She also cares for an older child who attends before and after school.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Effective partnerships between the childminder, parents and other professionals ensure children's unique needs are met. Children make good progress in their learning and development and participate in lots of fun experiences. However, the childminder's systems for recording her observations and successfully involving parents in the planning, observation and assessment process are still being developed. On the whole, effective policies and procedures are followed and safety is maintained. The childminder is constantly reviewing and developing her service and demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop methods used for planning, observation and assessment and devise strategies that encourage parents to contribute to the ongoing observation and assessment process  carry out regular evacuation drills and record details in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to safeguarding. She is suitably trained to recognise the potential signs and symptoms of abuse and is confident of her ability to act promptly and appropriately in the event of any concerns. Risk assessments are completed to keep children safe in the home and on outings. A variety of safety precautions are in place and these include a safety gate at the foot of her stairs, smoke alarms on both floors of her home and a fireguard in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 lounge. However, children's safety in the event of a need to evacuate the premises is somewhat impeded because emergency evacuation procedures are not regularly practised. All adults in her home have been suitably vetted and clear systems are in place to ensure that children are only released into the care of known individuals. Documentation to ensure the safe and efficient management of her

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic about what she does and is keen to promote the best possible outcomes for the children. Since registration she has attended a wealth of training courses and is working towards a recognised early years qualification at level 3. Consequently, her self-confidence and her knowledge and understanding of relevant subjects have increased. The childminder uses a range of methods to evaluate her practice and demonstrates a good awareness of her strengths and areas for improvement. Reflective practice is ongoing and she actively seeks advice and support from the local authority.

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the early years provision

The childminder recognises the importance of building good relationships with others and regularly meets with other childcare professionals to share good practice and exchange ideas. Some children in her care also attend other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage and she talks to staff at these settings to gather information about children's welfare and experiences. Consequently, she is able to provide consistency of care and support their learning and development. The childminder has not had experience of caring for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities or those who speak English as an additional language, but demonstrates a very positive attitude towards doing so if asked.

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the early years provision

Children flourish in the childminder's care. The warm and welcoming environment that she provides creates an atmosphere that is conducive to both learning and having fun. Children have sufficient space to play and rest, and enjoy independent access to a variety of toys and equipment. The childminder loans additional toys and books and these are successfully used to enhance children's learning, play and range of experiences. Children's individual needs are known and met because the childminder has formed good relationships with them and their parents. She exchanges regular information with parents and asks about home routines and parenting practices. Written policies and procedures have been shared with parents and these help to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. The diversity of individuals is valued and respected and the childminder's fully inclusive policies reflect her everyday practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in relation to their starting points because the childminder knows them well and is intuitive with regard to their individual needs and personalities. She provides a wealth of fun experiences for children that interest them and help them to gain the skills they will need in future life. For example, they go on regular outings to local community groups, and through mixing with other people their social skills and confidence are enhanced. On walks in the local neighbourhood the children learn about road safety and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder draws their attention to letters and numbers that occur in the environment, for example, on street signs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder regularly observes children during play. Consequently, she is able to assess their progress and identify where she intends to move them on next in their learning and development. She records some of what she observes in folders, known as 'learning stories', and these contain her written observations and assessments, alongside examples of children's artwork. However, the childminder is still developing the systems she uses for planning and recording her observations and assessments. Also, clear strategies that encourage parental involvement in the ongoing observation and assessment process are not in place. Consequently, children's learning potential is somewhat reduced.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is effectively assured as they follow good hygiene procedures and enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and snacks that reflect their dietary needs and preferences. All areas of the childminder's home are clean and children's medical information is appropriately exchanged between the childminder and their parents. Children are learning about the benefits of an active lifestyle as they enjoy lots of physical exercise and fresh air. They go to local parks and are developing physical skills and confidence as they use the large play equipment.

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and outcomes for children

Children smile and laugh and show by their actions that they are at ease in the childminder's care. They happily go to her for comfort, reassurance and support and she is very warm and affectionate towards them. Children are learning to behave appropriately and sharing is actively encouraged. The childminder provides them with a positive role model and is very calm and caring. She demonstrates through her comments and actions that everyone is respected and valued. Children learn about themselves and the wider community through general discussion, everyday activities and access to a variety of resources that show positive images of diversity. 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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