Doyle, Carol

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY285335 Inspection date 03/12/2008 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.2

Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

p.2

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.2

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. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2004. She lives with her family in a semi-detached house in the Bentley Heath area of Solihull. The whole of the ground floor, except the lounge, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are two steps to negotiate to gain access to the premises.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is currently caring for three children all of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools, nurseries and pre-school groups. The family has a cat.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of the overarching requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and good use is made of observations and developmental records to inform planning. The childminder's provision is inclusive and children’s individual needs are identified, regularly discussed with parents and agreed plans made to meet the next steps for their care and education. The partnership with parents is good and the childminder is developing her self-assessment. A good range of policies and procedures are provided for parents however, there is a change in the materials used for hand drying that hasn't been updated on the procedure provided to parents.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 ensure a record is kept of the risk assessment checks for outings  ensure the daily record of attendance is completed as children arrive and depart  ensure the policies and procedures provided for parents are updated to include Ofsted's contact details and any changes made to practice for example the equipment used for drying hands.

p.3

provision

The childminder understands the numbers of children she is allowed to care for in order to meet the welfare and education requirements of the EYFS. She has ensured that all adult members of the household have undergone appropriate vetting procedures to ensure children are not exposed to unsuitable adults. She has a commitment to additional training and professional development and is consistent in her approach to the children. She invites parental comments, at any time, on her practice and the provision she makes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 There is a good range of documentation in place such as; risk assessments, child protection information, policies on equality and inclusion, complaints and activities. However, there is a change in the materials used for hand drying that has not been updated on the procedure provided to parents. The childminder shares her

p.3

provision

portfolio of documentation and information with all parents and provides them with the opportunity to take the policy folder home to read at their leisure. The childminder provides a comment/complaints book for parents to record any concerns or ideas. At present the daily register is only completed in the evening after children have left the premises this could pose a problem if there was a fire or other emergency.

p.4

provision

There is the capacity for continuous improvement as shown by the action taken to complete the recommendations made at the last inspection. All were completed promptly and accurately. The childminder has undertaken some training in completing a self-assessment but did not find the training effective. Good quality observations and assessments of children's development and progress are shared with parents and used to inform individual planning to ensure each child's needs are met appropriately.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident and settled in this warm and welcoming environment. The storage of resources enables children to self- select from the wide range of age appropriate toys and equipment both indoors and out. Due to the range available resources are regularly rotated ensuring children are aware of what is available and to keep them interested and stimulated. Children's activities are photographically recorded so children and parents can look back and comment on their activities which promotes children's self-esteem, sense of belonging and parents understanding of what their children do each day.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a good range of adult-led and child-initiated activities with the childminder encouraging exploration and experimentation. The childminder uses part of her garden regularly and ensures children are provided with additional opportunities for physical play. She regularly takes children on outings and to pre-school groups to extend children's knowledge and develop their social skills. Children are taken on walks, discuss the seasons and learn about other cultures and beliefs as they listen to stories, experiment with different foods and complete art work to support their learning.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes good use of observations to check on children's development and progress. She makes plans to ensure appropriate opportunities are provided to help children make progress across all areas of learning and development. Information regarding children's activities, achievements and progress is communicated effectively with parents via daily discussions, individual progress charts and daily diaries.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to develop the habits and behaviours appropriate to good learners such as sharing equipment, taking turns and listening to others. Children are helped to develop their social skills by discussions on how good manners, their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 behaviour and attitudes affect others. They learn how to problem solve for themselves by taking account of other people's feelings, persevering at tasks and developing useful strategies for playing together.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the early years foundation stage and how children learn through play. She continues to undertake training to extend the opportunities she offers to children. Children enjoy a good range of stimulating opportunities and experiences as they choose their own play equipment which is supported by planned activities to stretch and encourage their learning. They are encouraged to use a digital camera and download their photographs onto a computer which greatly enhances their understanding of technology.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides freshly cooked meals which take account of individual dietary and cultural needs. She fully understands healthy eating and meals and snacks are healthy and nutritious and always include fresh fruit and vegetables. Children have free access to drinks at all times and independence at meal times and personal hygiene are actively encouraged. The childminder is pro-active in ensuring children's health and safety and regularly discusses how foods and exercise affect the body's development. These discussions are often supported by activities and outings. For example, visiting the Think Tank to see displays of body movement and muscles development during the Olympic games. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

p.8

Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.8