Jones Susan

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 209931 Inspection date 30/11/2011 Inspector Hilary Boyd

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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 1999 and she lives with her adult daughter in a semi-detached property in Clayton, Staffordshire. The majority of the rooms of the house are used for childminding and they include an upstairs playroom, upstairs toilet and shower, a downstairs living room, kitchen, hall and access to the garden through the conservatory. There is a fully enclosed garden to support outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children, two of whom are full time and two are part time. The childminder is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a level 3 qualification in Childminding Practice. Her home is situated in close proximity to local shops, a primary school and the library and she regularly takes children to the three parks that are within walking distance. The childminder supports a local toddler group in the area.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for all children and their families and children are happy and secure in the childminders care. A varied range of resources are available to the children in a designed upstairs playroom. Systems for observing children and planning their next steps have recently been introduced and are stored within individual files. The childminder has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation and is aware of the importance of reflection. Although the majority of documentation and records promote children's safety and welfare successfully, the written risk assessment of all outings carried out has not been recorded. The childminder informally links with parents daily about the care of their children and informal partnership with others are in place.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop effective systems for observations to the expectations of the early learning goals  develop effective systems to ensure that every child receives tailored experiences that meet their individual needs  increase involvement with parents and others in supporting children's progress so that learning is linked and gather starting points to inform planning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings to ensure children's safety.

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the early years provision

The childminder's safeguarding policy is clear and provides parents with the information they need so as they are clear of the childminder's responsibility in safeguarding their children. The childminder has the relevant knowledge and understanding of how to implement the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child. She completes risk assessments of all areas within the home and has improved her practice since the last inspection as the risk assessments now include and detail potential hazards in the outdoor garden. Weekly checks are also carried out that include smoke alarm checks. However, the risk assessments for outings are not always included in the written records and as a result do not formally identify the associated risks for all outings or allow them to be shared and regularly reviewed. The childminder discusses aspects of safety with the children to help raise their awareness of keeping themselves safe. Children

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the early years provision

demonstrated this through walking carefully and slowly from the upstairs playroom to the living room counting the steps with the childminder as they held onto the rail.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed her self-evaluation and she evaluates her practice through observation. A recent change to the environment following reflection included a change to a display that was inaccessible. The amended display is visible and interactive for the children. The childminder is aware of strengths and weaknesses of her practice through self-reflection on training needs. In particular towards planning tailored next steps appropriate for individual children. The childminder has previously attended courses including food safety, the introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage, music and healthy eating and is aware of the importance of attending current training. Advice and support is also sought from local childminders and the local authority. Children enjoy good adult attention as the childminder is attentive; she sits and plays with the children providing positive responses and interactions as they play with their chosen toys within a playroom

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the early years provision

that is used for the purposes of the childminding provision. Children select resources independently within the permanent play room based on their interests and own preferences. Resources are adequate to support children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has positive partnerships with parents and carers. Policies are shared with parents as children start at the provision and some policies are signed. They are kept up to date about their child's care through verbal feedback and daily diaries that are given to parents. However, the systems to find out about children's starting points in relation to their learning and development are not in place. Children's files are shared with parents and these include observations, but parents are not asked to contribute to their child's learning and development nor extend it at home. The childminder is aware of the importance of building links with others, she has approached the local nursery in the past to seek information, however these arrangements have not been formalised in preparation for children attending This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 more than one early years setting. Informal information is gathered prior to

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the early years provision

children starting at the provision and the childminder has gained awareness and understanding of cultures through partnership with parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder carries out satisfactory practice towards promoting children's health and well-being and has procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection and to care for children as they become ill. She holds a current paediatric first-aid certificate and has two first-aid kits available that are replenished as necessary. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children make satisfactory progress in their learning. Children's files containing observations have begun. The childminder observes children using incidental formats to catch moments of achievement and there are some planned next steps for children's learning. The childminder has limited knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and this impacts upon the ability to extend and challenge development of individual children. Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and security within the care of the childminder. Positive relationships are demonstrated as the childminder is warm and caring towards the children. They respond to her and this is evident in how they seek cuddles from her when tired. Children are happy in their play as they take the initiative to make choices about the activities they engage in within the playroom. Children take initiative as they select a range of large floor jigsaws

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and outcomes for children

and during the play the childminder interacts and responds to the children's needs. For example, when children fit the pieces of Bob the builder together she explains about the positioning of the body parts to help them understand that the piece could be turned so that his legs were underneath. Children participate in a range of mark making activities as they explore different shades and colours in their artwork. The childminder has organised additional resources to support and extend their experiences in developing their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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and outcomes for children

Children walk to the local parks on a regular basis and engage in a range of physical opportunities both indoors and out. They demonstrate their understanding of keeping safe as they confidently walk down the stairs. Their behaviour is good and children are beginning to show awareness of responsibility within the environment. Children are developing awareness of their own needs and are sensitive to the needs, views and feelings of others as they play sensitively together when caring for the dolls and each other in their play.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to eat healthily. The childminder provides a range of healthy options for snack and they choose milk or water to accompany their meals. Meal times provide an opportunity when children's learning and competence in communicating, speaking and listening is evident. Children refer to their drink of milk as delicious and they confidently ask for more milk and water during the course of the day. Children are polite and they confidently thank the childminder as she hands them their chosen tumbler. Hygienic practices are promoted as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children enthusiastically wash their hands before they eat, talking about washing the germs off their hands, including the backs of their hands. Parents provide lunch and the childminder carries out the necessary procedures to prepare the meal. Healthy options are provided by parents and the childminder discusses

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and outcomes for children

healthy choices prior to children starting in her care. The childminder holds a valid first-aid certificate and is able to respond to the needs of the children if they become unwell or in the event of an accident whilst in her care. The children interact together as they play with the selected activities, helping one another to carry the resources, take turns and communicate together. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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 3

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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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