Childminder in Walsall

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 08/01/2014 01/11/2012

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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

 Teaching is securely based on the childminder's thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She makes good use of opportunities to promote children's learning through play and structured activities.  Children are effectively protected because the childminder considers health and safety as a high priority. Risk assessment is thorough and the childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of appropriate safeguarding procedures.  The childminder offers children a warm and welcoming home. She provides flexible settling-in arrangements for new children, which enables them to settle quickly as they become familiar with her home and routines.  The childminder is pro-active 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

 There is scope to improve 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 play and learning activities 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 2003 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her father, partner and step son in a house in Walsall, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has two dogs as pets.

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Information about the setting

The childminder attends several toddler groups. She visits the shops and park on a regular basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools.

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Information about the setting

There are currently eight children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age group and they attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 7pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for family holidays. She holds a recognised childcare qualification at level 3. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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

 involve parents in their children's learning more effectively by; improving the exchange of information and encouraging them to share their views and enhance children's learning and development at home, in order 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 uses 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. The childminder observes children in their play and plans activities, which incorporate the prime and specific areas of learning. She responds to children's individual learning and development needs by making daily changes to support their interests and needs. For example, as building work has taken place at her home, children have been fascinated watching the builders using various machinery and tools. The childminder has incorporated this into her planning. She observes and assesses the children, makes notes and takes photographs to include in

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who attend

children's learning journals. The childminder communicates with parents daily giving them useful information about children's care needs and achievements. As a result, children make good progress in their learning and development. Children are encouraged to 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. The environment is well organised to ensure children are able to initiate their own play using a variety of developmentally appropriate equipment. Children's confidence and communication skills are promoted as they enjoy listening to stories and are eager to turn pages and predict what will happen next. The childminder fosters children's communication and language skills further as they all take an active part in singing action and number rhymes. Children

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who attend

are encouraged to learn about numbers, shapes and colour as they make colourful pictures using different textured materials or draw using shaped crayons or play matching games. Children have good opportunities to promote their physical skills. For example, children walk to and from school and visit the local park and nature reserve. All children have opportunities to play on the larger equipment at 'stay and play' groups and other play venues.

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who attend

The childminder has a sound knowledge of promoting equality of opportunity and ensures all children and their families are valued and respected. Children celebrate festivals, talk about differences in skin colour and languages and go out on walks in the community. All of this helps to ensure children's appreciation of a diverse society is fostered. Parents receive regular daily updates verbally about their children's care and progress. However, less information is shared about children's achievements at home, so that parents are fully involved in helping the childminder to gain an all-round picture of children's progress and develop a greater knowledge about how to enhance and support their child's learning.

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

Pre-arranged settling-in sessions helps children to make the smooth transition from home to the childminder's care. This helps children to settle quickly and parents feel comfortable leaving their children. The childminder has a calm and patient manner and she gives children her individual attention. This helps to ensure that each child feels valued and special and builds trusting bonds and attachments with her. Children move freely around the childminder's home and enjoy choosing resources to play with, which promotes their confidence and independence. Children's artwork is displayed in their learning journals. This helps to raise their self-esteem, as well as enabling parents to see their child's own work.

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

Healthy lifestyles are promoted as the childminder has given good consideration to providing children with healthy meals and snacks. This includes regular opportunities for physical play either in the garden or at children's play venues. Children are encouraged to eat a healthy diet. She ensures children's dietary needs are met following discussions with parents. Some parents provide packed lunches for their children, which the childminder ensures are stored appropriately. Children are developing independent self-care skills. For example, they are able to use the toilet independently and wash and dry their hands effectively. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and she supervises them well at all times. Children gain a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they follow sensible rules for playing safely outdoors, such as holding the pushchair and staying close on walks to and from school. They also regularly practise fire evacuation drills to

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

ensure they know what to do in an emergency. All required documentation is in place and the childminder understands the need to complete this correctly to promote children's safety and well-being.

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provision

The childminder has a suitable understanding of the requirements of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and ensures Ofsted are informed of any changes within her provision. The childminder has a sound 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 telephone numbers of who to contact to seek advice and support. The childminder's procedure includes the appropriate use of mobile telephones and cameras in the setting to ensure the protection of children and keep parents informed. The premises are secure. The childminder has written risk assessments in place and she is able to discuss how she has identified and minimised potential hazards to ensure children's safety particularly throughout the recent renovation and changes she has made to her home. She ensures

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provision

she maintains the correct childminding ratios at all times. All of this means that children are kept safe.

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provision

The childminder has a clear commitment to improving the service she provides. She can identify her strengths and areas for development. The childminder regularly accesses training and receives support from the local authority, in order to update her knowledge and understanding. The childminder monitors the effectiveness of her provision well to support long term improvement. She has identified a number of training courses and workshops she would like to attend to secure her skills and knowledge.

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provision

Partnerships with parents are generally good as the childminder is suitably aware of the importance of liaising with parents. She is making steady progress in building relationships with parents and carers to obtain useful information about the children. For example, initial details about care routines and likes and dislikes are shared through completion of child information records. The childminder demonstrates through discussion 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. The childminder cares for children who attend other early years settings. She is aware of the importance of engaging in professional working relationships with other providers, such as liaising daily with teachers to ensure transitions are smooth and children are fully supported.

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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 EY268286 Local authority Walsall Inspection number 948932 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8

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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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