Childminder in Coventry

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY426734 Inspection date 21/02/2012 Inspector Karen Millerchip

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 has been registered since 2011. She works with two other childminders from the house of one of the co-childminders. The co-childminder's husband and adult child live at the property. The location is in Radford, Coventry close to the city centre, schools, shops and play areas. The whole of the premises are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time when working alone. When working with two other childminders at the above premises, may care for no more than 12 children under eight years; of these, not more than nine may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time. The childminder is registered on Early Years register, the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to take and collect children from the local school.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are well cared for in a homely and inclusive environment. Their individual needs are known by the childminder and her co-minders. Children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development as they access a suitable range of activities. The childminder is aware of all documentation and policies that are required and is developing her knowledge of the learning and development requirements. Partnerships with parents and relationships with other providers are developing. The childminder and her co-minders are beginning to implement self- evaluation systems in order to identify ways in which to develop the service.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the use of observation and assessment to plan for children's individual steps in learning  develop 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 takes appropriate steps to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. She has a suitable understanding of the signs of abuse and understands This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 how to implement safeguarding children's policies and procedures. A record of visitors is maintained. This ensures that children are well protected at all times. The childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate and a suitable knowledge of the systems to record and monitor any accidents and for the administration of medication. The childminder supervises the children well and has a satisfactory awareness of how to keep them safe. She carries out regular risk assessments of all aspects of the environment on a regular basis and safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending. For example, safety gates prevent children from accessing the stairs and the front door is secured with

p.4

the early years provision

a chain and lock. This enables children to move around independently and to safely explore the environment.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has attended the required training since her registration as a childminder. She is keen and willing to learn and develop her practice further. The childminder understands the importance of self-evaluation and she and her co- minders are beginning to implement systems. However, this is a new area to the childminders and is not yet fully effective. A co-minder takes responsibility for developing the business aspect of the childminding setting. However, the childminder is fully aware of all required records, policies and procedures that are required. They are suitably maintained and made accessible to parents, on occasions information is translated into the parents' home language to ensure a thorough understanding. This ensures the safe and effective management of the provision.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder makes observations and assessments of each child's achievements and interests and is beginning to develop systems to identify learning priorities. These systems are in the early stages and are not yet effective in identifying each child's next stage in learning. All children receive appropriate care in accordance with their needs and requirements. The home environment is welcoming to children and their families. A suitable range of resources, including some which reflect positive images of others are accessible in low-level boxes and effectively support children's learning and development. Partnership with parents and carers are developing and they comment positively about the care and learning provided. Children's continuity of care is promoted as a suitable range of information is gathered at the point of registration. For example, information is exchanged to ensure that specific dietary needs and preferences are catered for and any medical

p.5

the early years provision

needs are known and accurately met. Parents have access to useful information that is displayed in the entrance hall.

p.5

the early years provision

Verbal discussions are shared at drop-off and pick-up times and parents have opportunities to discuss their childs daily routine and learning experiences. The childminder is currently looking at ways to develop partnerships with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity of care for children. She does not currently care for children who attend another provider. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children learn at their own pace, have fun and participate in a range of adult-led and freely-chosen activities. Consequently children are making satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their capabilities and starting points in their learning. They feel secure and develop a sense of belonging whilst in the childminder's care. Children make friends, share experiences and become self sufficient in choosing activities and selecting resources for themselves. During outings and activities children have opportunities to learn about and practise the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe. For example, children learn how to cross the road safely, participate in evacuation drills and are taught how to use simple tools, such as the use of safe use of plastic knives when cutting the play dough. Children behave well because the childminder sets clear 'house rules'. For example, the childminder encourages children to share toys and put

p.6

and outcomes for children

their 'home toys' on the shelf so the child does not become distressed if other children want to play with them. They are learning to be kind to one another and respect the home environment. They learn to count as they sing songs that promote simple maths and recognise different shapes as they play.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children solve problems, such as fitting puzzle pieces together and post shapes into shape sorters. Their creativity and imagination is encouraged. For example, children dance, sing, enjoy creative art activities and learn how to care for plants as they sow seeds into pots. Children are beginning to appreciate diversity and the wider world as they access sufficient resources and experience art activities that introduce how different nationalities celebrate festivals. The childminder accesses the internet to check when different festivals are celebrated. For example, 'mothers day' is celebrated on a different date in Poland, so this is incorporated into the plans so children learn about different cultures.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a clean, warm and comfortable childcare environment and are learning to keep themselves healthy by adapting good personal hygiene routines. For example, pictorial signs remind children to wash their hands after using the bathroom. The childminder is able to recognise signs of younger children that indicate they are tired or hungry. They sleep in a travel cot or on an individual mattress. Each child has personalised bed linen to minimise the risk of cross infection. The childminder settles and comforts the children in her arms as they prepare to sleep. Children enjoy being physically active. They benefit from indoor exercise which actively promotes their growth and development. Children engage in activities that develop hand-to-eye co-ordination and strengthen small muscles. For example, children use tools, such as glue brushes and manipulate and mould coloured dough. Children's dietary needs and parental preferences are met and

p.6

and outcomes for children

menus are provided to parents. They eat together at child sized tables and snack times are a sociable event. 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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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