Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY427002 Inspection date 05/12/2011 Inspector Jennie Lenton

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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 2011 and lives with her husband in the Knypersley area of Stoke-on-Trent. The lounge, hall and kitchen on the ground floor and front bedroom on the first floor is to be used for childminding purposes. Toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of three children under the age of eight years may attend at any one time. Currently there is one child on roll. This child is within the early years age group. The childminder is able to take and collect from local schools.

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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

Children are relaxed and confident in the childminder's care. They make good progress in their learning and development as the childminder skilfully interacts with them extending their play and enhancing their fun with quality toys and resources. All required policies and procedures are in place to support their welfare. The childminder is aware of her strengths and weaknesses and is committed to future improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the risk assessments for outings by including an evaluation of the route taken or risks associated with using a vehicle  develop links with local schools and pre-schools to assist children in the transition between settings  develop the planning to show how next steps are fed into future activities and link children's achievements to the expectations of the early learning goals.

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the early years provision

The childminder displays a good understanding of her role and responsibility in relation to safeguarding. A clear written policy is in place which includes all relevant details to ensure prompt referral to relevant agencies if required and the childminder knows the signs and symptoms that may indicate abuse. Clear risk assessments are in place to protect children throughout the home and the high level of supervision ensures children are protected from accidential harm. For example, as children go to stand on the furniture they are quickly reminded not to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 as they might fall. Children also learn about how to keep themselves safe as they are regularly taken on local trips, where they learn about road safety and staying in sight of the childminder. However, the written risk assessments for outings lack some detail in relation to transportation and risks in the community.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very dedicated to her role and is committed to providing high quality childcare. She has kept up to date with current legislation and has all required qualifications, including first aid. She is keen to access future training to develop her existing skills as successful self-evaluation has enabled her to identify areas for future improvement. Working effectively with parents, the childminder is able to provide individualised care for each child. Developmental needs, such as potty training, are successfully addressed as the childminder discussed progress with the parent on a daily basis and agrees on a way forward. This ensures continuity of care which helps children to develop rapidly.

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the early years provision

Most policies and procedures are in place as required. These are all written to a high standard and are made available for parents to read and comment upon. Key information is collected from parents when children commence with the childminder. Consents to undertake visits and for photographs to be taken are requested. This ensures children's care is in accordance with parental wishes. A daily diary is provided, showing parents what their child has done during the day and provides an opportunity for the parent to comment on any achievements at home. Relevant information regarding any allergies or cultural requirements is collated and appropriately responded to. Any special need is fully discussed and outside support obtained as required. There are no links established with other settings at this time as no minded children currently attend other childcare provisions. This is an area for future development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are constantly engaged in fruitful activity as they are provided with a wide range of toys and resources that meet their learning and development needs. They have plenty of opportunities to engage in free play, selecting books, craft activities, and small world play such as toy cars and garages to engage with. They also benefit from adult-led activities such as hand painting, trips to local play groups and outings to collect leaves and other natural resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a full range of skills as the childminder is extremely attentive during every activity, interacting and promoting learning through play. She asks questions as they play with cars, encouraging children to show what they know. Children confidently identify different colours, shapes and numbers aswell as exploring concepts such as small and big as they try to fit cars under another object. They problem solve as they thread buttons onto laces, recognising that they need to knot the lace to prevent buttons from sliding off. Throughout all activities, the childminder successfully encourages communication, asking children 'what comes next?' and 'why do we need that?' as they help to make a drink. This encourages them to develop their understanding aswell as helping them to develop This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 skills in listening and talking.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder clearly knows each child's individual level of attainment and is skilled at providing a challenge to lead them to the next stage of development. She observes children as they play and identifies future activities to encourage them to develop further. The childminder records what children can do in their individual files. This provides parents with a good record of their child's progress. Achievements are not linked to the expectations of the early learning goals. However this does not hinder the childminder's ability to promptly identify any gaps in learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well in the childminder's home. They show respect for their surroundings and follow instruction well, such as coming inside when asked and helping to put away toys. Their health is well promoted as they follow clear hand washing routines, before meals and after visiting the toilet. Children are provided with healthy choices at snack and mealtimes. They often go to the shops with the childminder to help select food and enjoy eating the fresh fruit they choose at snack times. Active play is effectively encouraged as children have daily access to the large garden where they have fun playing football or pedalling on tricycles. They also enjoy looking at the vegetables growing in the polytunnel and greenhouse, which encourages them to find out about where food comes from. This stimulating environment, both inside and outside ensures that children fully enjoy their time in the childminder's care.

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and outcomes for children

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 3 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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