Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY429236 Inspection date 13/12/2011 Inspector Shirley Wilkes

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 2011. She lives with her two children aged two and five years in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed play area available for outdoor play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years at any one time. There are currently three children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 are happy and secure in the childminder's care. Good partnerships are developing between the childminder, parents and other agencies to ensure that the needs of all children are met. She has a good understanding of children's preferences and interests and uses these to provide them with activities and experiences that support their learning and development. All the required records for the efficient management of her setting are in place and most of the documentation is successful in meeting children's needs. The childminder shows a dedicated commitment and capacity to improve the quality of her care and has identified her strengths and areas for improvement, but has yet to use view of parents to inform the process.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 offer opportunities for children to encounter creatures, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real-life situations  develop further evaluation systems to ensure that the quality of children's learning, development and care continues to improve.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children's welfare. She has attended recent training in this area to ensure that her knowledge and understanding remains up to date and in line with local guidance. She has all the relevant information to be able to take the appropriate action if necessary. Risk assessments are completed for the home and for outings to ensure children's safety and well-being. Children are learning to keep This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 themselves safe through practical daily routines and the childminder's guidance on the dangers of traffic and strangers. They practise evacuation procedures to further their understanding of fire safety.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming environment for the children with a good selection of toys and resources that are well maintained and organised. Space within the home is used effectively, allowing children to play and relax in line with their individual needs and preferences. There is a good procedure to protect children from the spread of infection as arrangements are in place to exclude children who have any infectious illnesses.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder interacts effectively in a natural and sensitive way, ensuring children are supported and able to explore the resources and activities available to them. They make good progress as a result of this. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion and offers a warm welcome to all children. She promotes children's understanding about their local community by visiting child- orientated venues. They are beginning to learn about their local wider society and diversity during walks to local shops and parks.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder evaluates her provision to improve outcomes for children. She shows a willingness and commitment to make continuous improvements. However the views of parents and children have yet to be sought to ensure the provision is evaluated from a different perspective. The childminder has developed a good working relationship with parents. Regular exchanges of information ensure the needs of the children are met. She creates a welcoming home where children feel safe, happy and valued. Regular communication with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage has been established to ensure progression and the continuity of children's care and learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy, settled and very confident. They show involvement in their play with age-appropriate toys and resources. They join in purposeful play and exploration, both in and out of doors, with a balance of adult-led and child-led activities that foster active learning. These include arts and crafts, role play and various games. The childminder provides a good range of resources to stimulate children's interest and support their learning and development. She has a good understanding of the learning and development requirements. Children enjoy a good range of activities that have clear links to the areas of learning. The childminder is flexible in her planning of activities, taking account of children's individual needs and interests. For example, creating a castle following on from a school project they enjoyed. She undertakes observations of each child in a variety of activities in order to monitor their progress towards the early learning goals.

p.5

and outcomes for children

These observations are used to inform planning for the next steps in their learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children develop an understanding of mathematical concepts through daily routines and play. Children's language development is well supported by the childminder, who encourages young children as she listens and reaffirms words This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they are trying to say. Their interest in books and stories is further developed as the children and the childminder write a story together. Children's awareness of people's differences is promoted as they are able to access resources that reflect cultural diversity and disability, such as small world figures and books. Various festivals are celebrated throughout the year to further their understanding on the wider community.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are able to access the well-resourced outdoor play area. Walks to their local amenities and use of the equipment at their local parks offer challenges to advance their physical skills. However, children have yet to explore living things in their natural environment to further their understanding of the world around them.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder as she values their individuality and praises their good behaviour. Her approach to the children is calm and constructive. They have a good awareness of right and wrong, responding positively to directions from the childminder. They are encouraged to use good manners, remembering to say 'please' and 'thank you' at relevant times.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are supported to develop their self-care skills and develop their understanding of good hygiene, for example, washing their hands before snacks and after using the bathroom. Children are learning to keep themselves safe through practical daily routines and the childminder's guidance on the dangers of traffic and strangers. Children practise evacuation procedures to further their understanding. 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