Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 224525 Inspection date 31/10/2011 Inspector Susan Rogers

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 1997 and sometimes works with an assistant. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Stoke-on Trent, Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor with the exception of one bedroom is used for childminding and there is ground floor toilet. There is a fully enclosed rear garden. The childminder has one dog. There are two steps used to reach the front door.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years of age at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently eight children attending, of whom, two are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The setting is supported by the local authority.

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

Children make good progress as they are cared for by a knowledgeable childminder. There is an excellent range of carefully chosen resources that are very well-organised throughout the premises promoting children's positive outcomes. Partnerships with parents and additional agencies are well-developed supporting children's continuity of care. Policies and procedures are comprehensive and regularly reviewed. Children's individual needs are carefully considered throughout their care and learning. The system that measures the effectiveness of the setting is developing well demonstrating that there is good capacity for improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 make systematic observations and assessments of each child's achievements, interests and learning styles using these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  use the Ofsted self-evaluation form and quality improvement processes as the basis of ongoing internal review - assessing what the setting offers against robust and challenging quality criteria.

p.4

the early years provision

Very good safeguarding arrangements are in place as the childminder has a robust understanding of how to respond should she have concerns in respect of a child's care. The childminder updates her child protection knowledge through attending regular training and advises parents of her responsibilities. All adults who have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 contact with children are promptly vetted. The risk assessments are comprehensive and thorough this with both outings and indoor activities are considered maintaining children's safety. The equipment is checked regularly and as further resources are added. Daily check lists that monitor the premises and children's activities provide further protection for children ensuring their safety. They wear high visibility jackets during outings so the childminder can monitor their whereabouts, further promoting their safety. There are secure gates at the

p.4

the early years provision

font of the property and the doors are locked when children are indoors, promoting their feelings of safety. Their play is closely supervised, which provides good support for their confidence. Children enjoy using the extensive range of play equipment and are encouraged to be adventurous while they play, promoting their confidence and feelings of safety.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder develops her skills and extends her knowledge through attending training, successfully networking with additional agencies and other childminders. The policies and procedures are very effective in protecting children's welfare needs and are updated on a regular basis. There are successful arrangements in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities as a result of the positive partnerships with additional agencies. Activities are adapted to meet children's individual needs as the childminder assesses their capabilities as they enter the setting. Additional resources are obtained to meet their needs, ensuring that children make good progress. The successful partnership with parents promotes children's continuity of care. Discussions regarding their child's progress and photographic evidence of their activities are shared encouraging parents involvement. There are good strategies in place to extend the support

p.5

the early years provision

offered to parents as they are able to borrow from the extensive equipment and toys and share in their child's activities.

p.5

the early years provision

The very well-organised premises are used extensively to provide a wide range of play experiences for children. Child-sized furniture, an excellent range of toys and resources are very well-arranged throughout the premises. There is a covered outdoor area where children use wheeled toys and take activities outdoors when they wish, all promoting children's positive outcomes. The garden area is carefully planned and provides children with excellent opportunities to dig in mud and build structures using milk crates and drain pipes. The measurement of the settings' effectiveness is developing well as both parents, children and additional agencies are consulted. This drives forward improvements promoting children's positive outcomes throughout.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy the stimulating and varied range of activities provided at this very well-resourced setting. A good balance of activities in the childminder's home and stimulating outings, sustain children's interest throughout their learning. Consequently, children achieve good outcomes as they settle well and enjoy their learning. Children visit local allotments where they help nurture plants and vegetables. They grow their own herbs and vegetables in the childminder's garden, harvesting and eating these when they are ready. They learn about the world This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 around them as they explore local fields and the countryside. Children learn about different communities as they visit a Chinese restaurant during the New Year celebrations and sample different foods and tastes. An excellent range of resources are accessible to children, that give positive representation of the wider world and

p.5

and outcomes for children

Skills for the future are encouraged as children are actively involved in recycling food packaging. They care for their environment by helping to keep it tidy and consider each others needs as they play. Children's physical skills are extended as they use climbing equipment, a trampoline and crawling tunnel outdoors. They visit local play barns where they enjoy more challenging physical activities. They enjoy nutritional snacks and meals where their preferences are considered. All children eat their meals in positive social circumstances, sitting together at the table that is specifically child sized. Drinks are readily available to all children, making sure they are refreshed while they play. Their communication skills are very well encouraged as they read from a wide range of books. Their understanding of the story is enhanced as they use props from story sacks. There are good activities that promote children's problem solving skills. Children use

p.6

and outcomes for children

building materials and count for a purpose, during their daily activities. Their problem solving skills are further extended as they use a stimulating range of building materials that include, milk crates and guttering to create larger structures. Throughout children's learning there is good support from the childminder as she extends their learning. Children are included in conversation, which encourages their language development and problem solving skills.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Outings to toddler groups and parks, encourage children to become confident and promotes their independence. Children behave well and enjoy each others company and consider each others needs as they play. This further promotes their skills for the future. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their play environment by clearing away toys and activities at the end of the session. Their transitions are supported as they move into mainstream school. Regular visits to each child's proposed schools are arranged so they become familiar with their new surroundings. The system for documenting individual assessments and observations of children's progress is becoming established. These follow the different areas of learning and there is some planning for children's next steps. 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 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