Childminder in Solihull

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

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Unique reference number 250236 Inspection date 28/01/2009 Inspector Rachel Wyatt

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

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 1992 and lives with her adult children in Solihull in the West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is a small step up to the main and rear entrances to the premises but there is level access to all indoor areas used, including toilet facilities. The childminder works with her daughter who is her assistant. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play and children regularly go on outings, walks and attend various toddler activities. Children can be taken and collected from local schools and pre-school settings. The family have two dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and there are currently four children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also looks after children aged over five years and is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently four children on roll in this age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and also has strategies to support children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and actively involved in local childminding groups. She has a National Vocational Qualification Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development and is working towards a Level 5 qualification. The childminder has the support of the local authority.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children thrive in the nurturing and stimulating environment created by the childminder and her assistant. Each child's is settled and has a strong sense of belonging because their needs are clearly understood and effectively met by the childminder who is passionate about promoting inclusion. Children also benefit because her monitoring systems are generally effective and she is committed to the ongoing improvement of her provision, for example, by extending her early years qualifications, attending regular training and developing her garden to enrich their outdoor play.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve safety on outings by ensuring every parent has given their written permission for their child to take part.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure written parental permission is requested, at the 11/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 time of each child's admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Promoting good health).

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provision

The childminder and her assistant work well together to create a calm, inviting environment for children. Sessions and routines are well organised and run smoothly so children know what is happening and have plenty of time to enjoy their play and explore their surroundings. The focus is very much on promoting their choices and interests through child initiated play and creating opportunities for them to extend their social skills and take part in different experiences during varied worthwhile off-site activities, walks and outings.

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provision

Overall the childminder's procedures safeguard children. They are looked after in safe, secure, very comfortable and clean surroundings. Good use is made of risk assessments, regular checks and safety equipment to minimise hazards. Outings are enjoyable and well organised with the childminder taking prompt action to address any hazards or changes observed in places she takes children to. Most parents have given their written permission for their child to go on outings, but this has not been obtained for one child in the EYFS.

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provision

The childminder clearly understands her responsibility to protect children from harm. She has attended regular and recent safeguarding children training and ensures she is well informed about each child's family circumstances, including who has legal contact, parental responsibility and who is authorised to collect them. Children are sensitively guided by her so they develop an awareness of their rights and how to protect themselves.

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provision

Children's health is adequately promoted by the childminder. She obtains detailed information about each child, including comprehensive medical and health details. Risks of cross-infection are minimised and children's medication and any minor accidents or illnesses are promptly and appropriately managed. However, although the majority of children's parents required written consent to the childminder seeking emergency medical advice and treatment has been obtained, there are a couple of omissions which potentially compromises those children's welfare. In other respects the childminder is well prepared for emergencies, ensuring she has children's details and their emergency contacts with her. Both she an her assistant have current relevant first aid qualifications.

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provision

Children benefit from the effectiveness of the childminder's monitoring and evaluation systems. In particular these help her to maintain high standards of safety and security and to effectively track children's learning and development. She identifies and promptly addresses most areas for improvement. This includes redeveloping her garden so that children have a safe level surface where they use apparatus such as wheeled toys and enjoy a wide range of activities. She is also very proactive about addressing safety and accessibility issues identified during This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 walks and outings. Children's welfare and education is further promoted because the childminder keeps up to date by maintaining useful reference materials, regularly attending courses and improving her qualifications. She is currently working towards a National Vocational Qualification Level 5 in leadership and

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provision

Partnerships with parents and others are successful and valued by the childminder. They have good quality information about her childminding. Prospective families are encouraged to visit her and are given copies of her policies. They are able to look at displays and her comprehensive portfolio which explain how she is registered, her ethos, the types of experiences offered to children, and include evidence of her qualifications, training and of her and other household members' suitability. The childminder also has positive links with other settings attended by children in the early years age group.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals and in all aspects of their development. They enjoy learning as the childminder provides a wide range of activities at home and at other venues. Toddlers feel confident to explore and investigate and older children are purposeful and absorbed in their play as the childminder ensures their choices and interests are reflected. An inviting learning environment, including a designated play area, and stimulating varied equipment, toys and books all help to enhance children’s progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is supported by the childminder's effective assessment systems. Good partnerships with parents and her evaluations help the childminder to assess each child’s starting points and their ongoing development. Children's individual learning priorities are identified and addressed as the childminder makes sure they take part in activities which build on and extend their skills. For example, children's confidence in movement is enhanced by opportunities to use more challenging balancing and climbing equipment in a local park. Successful exchanges with parents and other settings children attend, ensures everyone works together to support their welfare and development in the EYFS. For example, parents and carers are well informed about their child's progress and what they enjoy doing, as the childminder collates a delightful individual record of observations, assessments, annotated photographs and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are active learners taking part in many activities which promote their creativity and critical thinking. They play imaginatively, enjoying a tea party or creating scenarios with small world vehicles, trains and figures. They love music and listen attentively to well-told stories. Children's numeracy and understanding of shape, size and colour are fostered in practical contexts, for example, when children talk about how many boys and girls are looked after by the childminder or they discuss shapes when cooking. Children's interest and understanding are adeptly fostered by the childminder and her assistant. They have a warm rapport with each child, encouraging their conversations, descriptive language and recall so children become confident, sociable and articulate. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children behave well. They join in, make friends and respect each other. Should

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

they misbehave the childminder ensures they understand why their actions or words are not appropriate. Children have positive attitudes and the childminder really helps them to appreciate aspects of diversity through meaningful activities and resources. For example, every Chinese New Year she finds interesting ways to illustrate the designated year. Children's life skills are successfully promoted so that they behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others, and they develop a sound appreciation of the importance of good hygiene, eating healthily and taking plenty of exercise. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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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

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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.

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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? 3

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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?

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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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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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.

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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.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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

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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.

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