Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 30/01/2013 23/01/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 The provider and her assistant have a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how to support children's learning and development. This means they can provide targeted learning opportunities and challenging activities for children.  The indoor environment is purpose built and has been well thought through and excellently resourced. Similarly, the outdoor environment has been well planned to provide a wide range of activities. Consequently, children play and learn in a wonderfully stimulating environment.  The children have very warm relationships with both the childminder and her main assistant. This means they are well supported with lots of adult attention and are happy, confident, inquisitive and willing to 'have a go' at new or challenging activities.  The childminder and her assistant work as a close and supportive team. They are fully committed to providing a quality service and undertaking additional professional

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This provision is good

development. This refreshes and extends their skills and knowledge.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 There is scope to extend children's opportunities to give meaning to marks they make and start to experiment with writing for a purpose.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the purpose built playroom.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder and her assistant at appropriate times throughout the inspection and referred to the childminder's self-evaluation form and improvement plan.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records and planning documentation, and a selection of policies and children's records.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to on the day and a range of written submissions collected as part of the settings own parent survey.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 1993 and works with two assistants. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and two children, one aged 15 years old and the other an adult in Stafford, Staffordshire. She operates from a large, purpose built building which is next door to her home. Access is via the main driveway. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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Information about the setting

The childminder is a member of the Stafford Childminder's Network. She takes children to the local library, Post Office and the local park. She drops off and collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. The childminder and her main assistant hold appropriate early years qualifications at level 3.

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Information about the setting

There are currently 11 children on roll. Six are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. She supports children with English as an additional language. She operates all year round from 6.45am to 6pm Monday to Friday except for family holidays.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 extend children's opportunities to give meaning to marks they make. For example, by providing writing materials more regularly during role play and when outside, or through using sensory materials, such as, shaving foam and sand, as mediums to make marks in for more reluctant children.

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who attend

The childminder and her assistant have developed a good knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage through undertaking an early years qualification and have updated their knowledge following its revision in 2012. This supports their ability to provide a wide range of interesting activities that help to develop children's abilities and skills in readiness for the next stage in their learning, such as school. It has also ensured that when they designed and organised their new building and outside play environment, they met the children's learning needs and created an exciting space which supports children to enjoy learning and 'have a go' at a wide range of activities. The childminder ensures she gathers information about the children's care routines and abilities from parents before they start attending. This means she can meet their physical and learning needs and help them with the transition from home to the

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who attend

childminding setting. On an on-going basis she discusses children's progress with parents and supports them in extending children's learning at home by, for example lending parents books which link in with the school's reading scheme. In conjunction with her assistant, the childminder makes regular assessments of children's abilities based on their observations. This allows them to monitor children's progress and to set next steps in their learning which guides the activities they provide.

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who attend

The childminder organises activities each week to cover all areas of learning. She understands how to use one activity to cover a number of learning points for children with a range of abilities. Where children have English as an additional language the childminder understands the importance of linking English with the children's first language to support comprehension and encourage children's thinking before they can speak. Clear routines also supports children's understanding of what is being said, for example, they demonstrate their understanding of discussions about lunch or snack time by going to the snack table to show they are ready for some food.

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who attend

Children use their imagination to recreate everyday situations with the wide range of accessible home play equipment, for example, they enjoy making pretend meals or playing with dolls. Some children also enjoy experimenting with making marks using a range of pencils and crayons. There is scope to expand children's understanding and use of mark making, for example regularly providing writing equipment in the role play area and using tactile materials, such as, shaving foam and sand. Children's understanding of volume, shape and size is developed through activities, with ready access to shape sorters, construction blocks and cookery activities. The garden is a wonderful resource which provides equipment to support children's climbing and balancing skills. Children develop a deep understanding of nature and the passing of time as they are heavily involved in growing and harvesting a wide range of vegetables or experiment with snow

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The warm relationships children have with the childminder and her assistant means they are confident and happy. Having two people present means children's needs can be met even when a wide range of activities are required. For example, children can access both the indoor and outdoor play environments and be supported in each area by the childminder or her assistant simultaneously. This allows them to try a wide range of experiences and develop their abilities. They also have ample opportunity to enjoy exercise outside in the extensive garden. The play-space is specifically designed to promote children's independence and allow them to make choices about their play.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

In addition, children's health and well-being is well supported. They have easy access to excellent toilet and hand washing facilities which supports all children to gain independence and manage their own hygiene needs form an early age. The meals provided are freshly prepared and include a wide range of fruits and vegetables, some of which the children have helped to grow. The children also have easy access to water throughout the day. Where parents provide meals, the childminder gives information about healthy choices and ensures the lunches are stored at an appropriate temperature. Children are, therefore, well supported to develop an understanding of the importance of a balanced wide ranging diet and good personal hygiene.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder manages the children's behaviour in a very positive way, praising the children, using distraction and helping them learn to negotiate with one another. This allows young children to develop an understanding of other people's feelings and what is acceptable behaviour. Close links with the local school provides opportunities for children to attend events on school premises and develop their social skills. This supports children of all ages to gain the skills and confidence to manage the transition to a school environment when the time comes.

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provision

The childminder and her assistant are continually reflecting on their provision to see how they can make activities and the general organisation better for the children they care for. On a more long term basis, the childminder is implementing her plans to refurbishing part of the garden to provide a rubber based soft surface to enhance the safety of the climbing equipment area. She is also developing plans for how she will record children's progress for the progress check at age two. Both the childminder and her assistant demonstrate a strong commitment to developing their skills and have attended a range of training courses and undertaken formal qualifications in childcare. This ensures they have a good understanding of the learning and development requirements for children, as well as issues, such as food hygiene and safeguarding. The childminder welcomes the input of the local authority development worker or network coordinator as a source of good practice

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provision

guidance to ensure a continuing improvement of her provision. She has accessed information about the revised Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure all requirements are fully met.

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provision

Children are safeguarded appropriately. The childminder and her assistant have a sound understanding of the signs that may cause them concern. They fully understand the importance of quickly accessing help and advice should they become concerned about a child's welfare. The childminder undertakes risk assessments for the setting and outings and is aware of the supervision requirements of younger children both when inside and on a range of trips off-site. For example, the childminder supervises children on school runs until they are handed over to school staff. The building and garden are safe and secure. This helps to ensure children are protected from harm or neglect.

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provision

The childminder builds good partnerships with parents. Effective communication is developed through talking with parents each day and providing a daily diary for younger children which sets out children's care needs, such as, nappy changes, as well as the activities they have enjoyed. Parents are encouraged to provide information about their child which helps the childminder ensure continuity in the children's care between the home and the setting. Written policies are shared with all parents which gives them a further insight into how their child's care is organised. The childminder is aware of the need to develop links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has a good working relationship with the local school. This ensures she is updated on any aspects of children development that she can usefully support children with when they are with her. She is also confident about discussing any identified difficulties children may

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provision

have with parents and supporting them in seeking advice. She has experience of forming links with other professionals to ensure a coordinated service for children with additional needs. This ensures that no child is disadvantaged and all children have their needs met appropriately.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 209565 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 899247 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 11

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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