Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY258532 Inspection date 09/01/2012 Inspector Debbie Newbury

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 10 in Yateley in Hampshire, close to shops, parks, schools and other community amenities. The whole of the house is used for childminding with bathroom and sleep facilities provided upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a cat, dog, tortoise and some other small animals.

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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. She is permitted to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of which not more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant, she is permitted to care for a maximum of eight children under eight, of which not more than five may in the early years age range. There are currently four children in the early years range and six older children on roll. Days and times of children's attendance vary. The childminder undertakes school and pre-school runs as necessary and regularly takes children to the childminding group at the local children's centre, toddler groups, parks, a soft play centre and other places of interest.

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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 very happy and confident in this inclusive environment. The childminder provides many worthwhile activities and experiences inside and outside the home to support children in making good overall progress in all areas of learning. Arrangements for working in partnership with parents are predominantly effective. The childminder is well placed to maintain continuous improvement as she has a clear idea of her strengths and most areas for further attention.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend opportunities for sensory play through the provision of unusual or interesting materials and resources that inspire exploration, for example, natural and everyday resources  develop further the partnership with parents by investigating ways of encouraging them to contribute to their children''s learning and development records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Arrangements to promote children''s safety are very effective. The childminder has a secure understanding of issues relating to safeguarding and the responsibilities placed upon her. Detailed risk assessments are completed for the home, garden and the different places children visit; these are reviewed regularly. The childminder supervises children carefully and makes use of relevant safety features. As a result, children are able to move freely around those areas of the home used for minding and they play in a safe and secure environment. A good selection of toys is arranged to aid children''s independent choice. The childminder cares for children of different ages at different times and she therefore rotates toys to make sure that she is always able to cater for the children present. All required documentation is maintained well. Comprehensive policies and procedures underpin all aspects of her childminding service and contribute to children''s

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the early years provision

The childminder values the individuality of each child in her care and treats everyone with equal concern. She is especially good at ensuring each child feels acknowledged and included. Children explore play materials reflecting positive images of diversity and are introduced to many different festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Thus, they learn about similarities and differences and the wider world in which we live. The childminder undertakes a lot of research on these, both to develop her own knowledge and to ensure she is able to offer some interesting facts and activities.

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the early years provision

Parents are very pleased with the care their children receive as demonstrated in their responses to recently issued parental questionnaires. One comments that the childminder provides a ''home-from-home that is just fun and happy'' whilst another notes their belief that ''every child is made to feel special.'' Overall, parents are well informed about the organisation of the childminding service and how their children spend their time. They have informal discussions, receive newsletters and can view the intended weekly plan. The childminder is in the process of developing her use of an online software system to help her manage her childminding service and share information with parents. Parents can access their child''s daily diary, view their learning record whenever they wish and see the photographs the childminder uploads each day. This enables them to feel part of their child''s day. However, currently parents do not contribute to their child''s

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the early years provision

learning and development record to promote a more cohesive approach to supporting their learning. The childminder makes links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage, such as schools, to encourage complimentary care.

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the early years provision

The childminder monitors the effectiveness of her service through ongoing reflection and informal self-evaluation. She seeks the views of parents and children, undertakes research and discusses practice issues with other childminders as part of this process. She takes advantage of training opportunities where possible. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children have fun in a lively, happy home where they are treated with lots of warmth and affection, resulting in secure, trusting relationships. They enjoy the company of both the childminder and her husband, who willingly joins in with their play. Children are self-assured and receive lots of praise, which fosters their self- esteem effectively. They see photographs of themselves and have their artwork displayed. This adds to their sense of belonging. Children benefit from many opportunities to socialise with others and explore their local community as they attend different children''s groups and visit places of interest.

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and outcomes for children

Children are supported in making good overall progress towards the early learning goals and gaining skills for future learning. They happily choose what they wish to do, often showing sustained levels of concentration in particular toys that arouse their interest. The childminder offers support at these times, for example encouraging one child to do puzzles or helping another put a nappy on a doll. Children relish exploring the musical instruments and investigate the different sounds they can make with these whilst the childminder sings to them. They giggle delightedly as she initiates a simple game of hide -and-seek by placing a cover over them as they lie on the floor. However, within the range of resources that children can access independently, there is little in the way of unusual or interesting materials or objects, such as natural or everyday items, to inspire exploration. Children greatly enjoy painting and remain engrossed as they create

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and outcomes for children

marks. The childminder chats to them about the different colours they have and introduces them to the idea of shapes as she creates circles, triangles and squares in paint and names these. Children watch intently and then demand ''again, again'' as she paints their hands so they can do hand-printing. The childminder effectively supports young children''s developing language skills through lots of positive interaction. She talks to them, asks questions, introduces words and acknowledges their efforts as they attempt to communicate. The childminder monitors children''s achievements and progress, and plans for the next steps in their learning through her use of observational assessment. She is aware that currently some records are not currently fully up-to-date and this is receiving attention.

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and outcomes for children

Young children are gaining understanding of good personal hygiene routines. They wash their hands before eating and notice when the childminder picks up the hand sanitizer after they have stroked the dog, holding out their hands in readiness. The childminder has a flexible approach to the provision of food. She is happy to cater if requested and understands the importance of offering a balanced, healthy diet. Children have outdoor play daily, which further promotes their good health. They play in the garden, go to the park, visit the local forest school and nearby common.

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and outcomes for children

Children are supported in learning how to keep themselves safe with the support of the childminder. She talks to them about safety issues and explains about potential hazards. Children regularly take part in practice fire drills and older children are encouraged to help the childminder decide if it is safe to cross the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 road. 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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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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