Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 4 February 2015 27 March 2009

p.1

3

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Requires improvement The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Requires improvement The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Requires improvement The setting does not meet legal requirements for early years settings

p.1

This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 The childminder does not effectively use the information she gathers on individual children. She does not clearly identify their next steps in learning and plan challenging activities to support their development.  Computer-based systems used to monitor children's progress and coverage of the educational programmes are unclear. As a result, the childminder does not effectively identify gaps in children's progress or ensure all aspects of the areas of learning are fully covered.  The childminder does not use a wide range of strategies and resources to support young children in developing their communication and language skills.  Natural and textured resources are not used well enough to support young children in discovering things by using all of their senses.

p.1

It has the following strengths

 Training for the childminder and her assistant focuses on keeping their knowledge and understanding up to date on how to protect children from harm.  The childminder and her assistant provide a well-organised, warm and caring environment for the children. As a result, children are confident and happy.  Parents can access all data relating to their child using the computer-based system. They are able to share children's achievements at home and are regularly provided with information.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage the provider must:

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 ensure observations are used to clearly identify the next steps in learning for individual children and to plan appropriate activities based on their age and stage of development  improve teaching by ensuring the educational programme covers all aspects of the seven areas of learning, and monitoring children's progress more effectively to clearly identify any areas where additional support for individual children may be required.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 support young children's developing communication and language skills by providing more resources and props to encourage speech, such as photographs of familiar people, objects linked to a nursery rhyme, or those resources which encourage children to make choices and develop their understanding  provide young children with more opportunities to freely discover and explore using natural and textured resources.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the playroom.  The inspector spoke to the childminder, her assistant and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector discussed children's learning with the childminder following an activity.  The inspector looked at children's records and a range of other documentation, including policies and procedures.  The inspector took account of the views of parents from questionnaires supplied.

p.2

who attend. This requires improvement

The childminder gathers assessment information based on observations of the activities the children have enjoyed throughout the day. She inputs this information on a computer software system which allows parents to access all information about their child as it is updated. As a result, parents are able to view their child's progress, contribute their own observations and support learning at home. Children are provided with resources based on their interests. They enjoy playing with cars and looking at textured books about animals. However, activities do not always provide sufficient challenge to extend their learning. The childminder encourages young children to develop their communication and language skills by saying rhymes or sharing books. However, opportunities for children to hear and say new words are limited. Older children use their imagination as they play with doctors' sets and learn to count as they add decorations to the biscuits they have iced. Children of

p.3

who attend. This requires improvement

all ages join in with these activities. However, the learning is not adapted to meet the varying development needs and age of those children taking part. As a result, children do not make consistently good progress.

p.3

requires improvement

Children are confident and well behaved. Resources are well organised and easily accessible for children of all ages in the dedicated playroom. However, there are few natural and tactile materials for children to explore. This limits opportunities for young children to extend their concentration by investigating and experimenting using their senses. Children have opportunities throughout the day to play outside in the well- equipped garden. This provides them with fresh air and exercise. Children understand about keeping healthy and older children demonstrate good practices in hygiene. Additional activities are experienced at the local toddler groups where children meet with others and develop their social skills. These groups are based in the local school, and so children become familiar with the building and staff in preparation for their next stage in learning. During children's move on to other settings, the childminder shares information

p.3

requires improvement

about individual children's needs and progress.

p.3

provision requires improvement

Feedback from parents is used to support the childminder's self-evaluation. The childminder identifies some of her strengths and weaknesses. However, there is insufficient focus on training linked to teaching and learning. As a result, the childminder does not have a robust understanding of the learning and development requirements and teaching is variable. The computer system used to monitor children's progress is not being used effectively. It does not clearly identify gaps in learning or ensure all areas of learning are fully covered. This means that any children who may require additional support from external agencies are not always quickly identified. The premises are secure and safe. There are clear policies and procedures in place to ensure children are kept safe from harm.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 209843 Local authority Staffordshire Inspection number 864168 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 12

p.4

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 27 March 2009

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1992 and lives in Stonnall, Walsall. She works with an assistant. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Telephone number

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.

p.4

Telephone number

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

p.4

Telephone number

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’.

p.5

Telephone number

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

p.5