Childminder in Walsall

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15/01/2014 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable 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

 Children make good progress because the childminder understands how they develop and learn. She provides children with a wide range of resources and experiences that interest and engage them.  Children develop a strong sense of belonging with the childminder through her sensitive interaction with them. They form trusting bonds and attachments with her and are happy in her company.  Children are effectively protected because the childminder affords health and safety a high priority. Risk assessments are thorough and the childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of appropriate safeguarding procedures.  The childminder is proactive in developing her service. She acts on advice and attends training to enhance her knowledge. Her plans for improvement are well targeted to strengthen her practice further.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Text which is clearly written and easy to see is not displayed so that children can see letters and simple words which ignite their rapidly developing interests to link sounds and letters.  There is scope to strengthen relationships with parents in relation to enhancing children's learning at home through a more effective information exchange.

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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

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged 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 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  scheduled 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 the childminder engage in a range of indoor learning activities, play and daily care routines with the children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed areas used for childminding and held conversations with the childminder and children throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records, including planning information and children's development folders.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability and qualifications of the childminder and discussed the childminder's self-evaluation and improvement plan.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2013 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and two years in a house in Walsall, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor of the premises and the rear garden are used for childminding. The family has two guinea pigs as pets.

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Information about the setting

The childminder attends a toddler group and activities at the local children's centre, she visits the shops and park on a regular basis. There are currently six children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except family holidays. The childminder is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

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

 enhance further the learning environment by displaying text that is clearly written and easy to see so that children can learn about letters and simple words

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

 involve parents further, in their children's learning by strengthening the exchange of information and encouraging them to share their views in order to enhance children's learning and development at home to help their children reach their full potential.

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who attend

The childminder has a good knowledge of the learning and development requirements of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and how children learn. She has only been minding for a short while and is using suitable guidance documents to observe and effectively plan for children's learning needs. Through initial discussions with parents, the childminder finds out about children's experiences, what individual children know, like and can do. She observes and assesses the children, makes notes and takes photographs to include in children's learning journals. The childminder communicates with parents giving them useful information about children's care needs and achievements through the use of a daily diary. However, there is scope to strengthen the exchange of information regarding children's learning and development to ensure more is shared and to enable parents to support their children's learning at home. Children are encouraged to

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who attend

learn to share toys and play together to promote their social skills in preparation for later transition to nursery and school. As a result, children make good progress in their personal and social development skills.

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who attend

Children's confidence and communication skills are promoted as they take an active part in singing action and number rhymes. They also enjoy listening to stories and are eager to turn pages and repeat words, helping to extend their vocabulary. The environment enables children to initiate their own play as they self-select resources from a variety of easily accessible boxes. The childminder joins children in their play, for example, during story time the childminder uses action rhymes, animal figures and material to make learning fun. She promotes their language development well through conversations, questioning and following simple instructions to check their understanding. The learning environment, generally, contains resources which are stimulating and accessible to children, which promotes their learning and independence. However, there is scope to enhance this further by clearly displaying more print so children can begin to learn new

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who attend

words, link sounds to letters and understand that text carries meaning.

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who attend

Children have very good opportunities to spend time outdoors in the fresh air to promote their physical skills. They visit the allotment and the childminder encourages them to explore and investigate nature, by picking the tomatoes they have grown, raking up leaves and picking fresh herbs. The children talk about the smell, texture and different colours. They practise climbing on the slide and also have opportunities to play on the larger equipment at the playgroup. The childminder has a sound knowledge of promoting equality of opportunity and ensures all children and their families are valued and respected. Positive images of people with differing abilities and multicultural resources are readily available and fully promote children's understanding of diversity.

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

Pre-arranged settling-in sessions help children to make the move from home to the childminder's care. She obtains useful information about the children. For example, initial details about care routines and likes and dislikes are shared through completion of child information records. This helps children to settle quickly and parents feel comfortable leaving their children. The childminder has a calm, caring and patient manner and she gives children her individual attention. This helps to ensure that each child feels valued and special. Children move freely around the childminder's home and enjoy playing with the resources available which promotes their confidence and independence. The childminder is a good role model, treating them with kindness and respect. They enjoy each other's company, seeking out friendships and forming relationships. Gentle reminders during play help children understand about being kind to each other and taking turns. As a

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

result, children behave well and good social skills develop in preparation for later transitions to nursery and school.

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

All required documentation is in place and the childminder understands the need to complete this correctly to promote children's safety and well-being. Healthy lifestyles are promoted as the childminder encourages children to eat a healthy diet and the childminder talks with them about fruits and vegetables being healthy. The childminder also talks to children about how sweets and chocolates are just for treats. Good hygiene routines help children to understand the importance of keeping themselves clean. Children are supported well to develop an awareness of their own toileting needs and the childminder reminds them to wash their hands at appropriate times during the day. Children are developing independent self-care skills. For example, children are encouraged to make their own sandwiches for lunch and pour their drinks supported by the childminder. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and she supervises them well at all times.

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

Children gain a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they follow sensible rules for playing safely outdoors, such as negotiating the step out into the playroom or practising regular fire drills to ensure they know what to do in an emergency.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns regarding a child in her care. A safeguarding policy, which is shared with parents, includes the action to be taken and phone numbers of who to contact to seek advice and support. The childminder has considered the appropriate use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting, in order to fully protect children and keep parents informed. This is also included in her safeguarding policy. The premises are safe and secure. Written risk assessments are in place which show how the childminder has identified and minimised potential hazards to ensure children's safety.

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provision

The childminder has a clear commitment to improving the service she provides and has completed a focused improvement plan, which clearly identifies areas of improvements made and those requiring further development. She regularly accesses training and support from other providers to update her knowledge and understanding. She has identified a number of training courses and workshops she is going to attend to secure her skills and knowledge. All of this clearly demonstrates how she is intending to maintain continuous improvement in order to ensure continued good learning opportunities for children. The childminder has a good level of awareness of how children learn. She monitors her provision for the learning and development requirements to ensure children are motivated and interested in their activities, by providing a broad range of activities, tailored to help children make good progress.

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provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of liaising with parents to build relationships. Communication is a prime focus for the childminder with regard to children's well-being and achievements. The childminder has a clear understanding and working knowledge of the importance of working in partnership with external agencies to ensure appropriate interventions for children who may need additional support. There are currently no children on roll who attend other early years settings. However, the childminder is aware of the importance of engaging in professional working relationships with other providers if and when the need arises, to ensure continuity for children between settings.

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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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. 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 EY465730 Local authority Walsall Inspection number 930511 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 6

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: 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, which are usually the childminder’s 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

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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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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