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 250185 Inspection date 12/02/2009 Inspector Shirley Delaney

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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 1996. She lives with her adult son in Solihull. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. Access to the premises is via a step into the porch. The family have a dog. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder takes children to local schools and pre-school groups.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder works alongside an assistant; she is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently three children attending who are within the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to nine years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder receives support from the local authority and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are making progress in their learning and development and enjoy their time at the setting because they are generally well supported by the childminder who places value on the unique needs of each child. Resources are well organised to give good accessibility and children are encouraged to make choice and be included in all play and learning experiences. There are partnerships built with parents and others which support joint working to promote continuity in children’s care and support their learning. The childminder demonstrates some commitment to the continual improvement of the service she provides to children and their families through accessing training.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a systematic approach to observing children and use assessment to inform future plans to fully support children's developmental progress in all areas of learning  develop the system for self-evaluation to further promote continual improvement in the service provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 update risk assessments to ensure all areas of the home used by children are comprehensively covered and to include outings. (also applies to both parts of the Childcare register) (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 10/03/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder displays a commitment to continually improving and developing her service. She places importance on her professional development and has actively sought training to enhance her knowledge and skills which she has used to influence the service offered to children. In addition the childminder has taken action to meet recommendations made at her previous inspection. However, the system in place for self-evaluation is informal and does not comprehensively include other interested parties such as children and parents; this reduces the opportunities for improvement.

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provision

The childminder has a developing understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. She makes observation of children and builds on their interests. When forward planning she makes use of the areas of learning and development guidance to support identifying challenges for children. However, the recording of observation, assessment and planning is at an early stage and consequently the childminder cannot be assured that there is sufficient focus on all areas of learning and that children’s progress in all areas of their development is maximised. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to promoting children's equality of opportunity through her practice. She promotes children's understanding and recognition of their own needs and their awareness of differences and diversity in the community, promoting children’s positive attitude towards understanding others. The childminder has a positive and proactive approach to meeting the

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provision

needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and ensuring they are fully included.

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provision

Recent attendance on a child protection training course ensures that the childminder has current knowledge of procedures to safeguard children in respect of child protection issues. In general, effective policies and procedures are in place to ensure children's good health is fully supported. However, risk assessments in place do not ensure that all possible action is taken to manage or eliminate risks to children in order to keep them safe at all times.

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provision

A visually stimulating and well-organised environment promotes an inviting, welcoming and inclusive setting for children and parents. A varied and wide range of toys, equipment and resources in the garden and playroom attracts and inspires children’s involvement in play experiences. Space and resources are organised to allow children ease of access and encourage children to explore and investigate their surroundings, supporting their independence and self-reliance. Children's work is displayed which contributes to promoting a sense of belonging. Posters and information displayed for parents provides them with information about aspects of the setting. Parents are consulted about the care and learning needs of their children and kept up to date on activities children are involved in and their development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals because they are supported well to be motivated and interested in their environment. As a result, children are keen to become involved in activities and their attention is held. Children are consulted and encouraged to take an active part in decision making and become involved in all activities and experiences. This effectively fosters children’s confidence and growing independence. The childminder observes children and gets to know them well, she uses this information to adapt experiences to support the inclusion of all children in activities. However, whilst the processes for using observation to inform planning is developing, it does not focus on the needs of each child sufficiently well to ensure that they are making as much progress as they can in each area of development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's creativity is valued; they have good access to a range of resources to fuel and inspire their imagination. They make use of small-world resources to act out real and imaged experiences and enjoy singing, dancing and movement to music. A wide range of resources and materials are available for them to explore and utilise to make creations of their own choice such as, glue, glitter, beads and paint. Children show a keenness to be involved in activities and learning experiences which promotes a foundation for learning and supports children developing skills for the future. They access a range of electronic equipment such as drum kits, shop tills and small computers which develops their understanding of technology. There communication skills are well supported by the childminder who encourages children’s developing language skills through open questioning. She introduces children to written communication and uses pictures and visual signs to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

communicate meaning. The childminder also promotes young children’s communication through the use of sign language. With older children sign language has been introduced as a means of further developing their awareness of diversity. As a consequence, children are gaining knowledge and skills of another means of communication which can support their awareness of other people's needs and respecting differences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A range of experiences and activities enable children to develop a good understanding of how their health and safety is promoted. The children are provided with healthy meals and the childminder encourages children to experience a variety of tastes and have balance in their diet. Their interest in vegetables is supported as they are included in activities of planting seeds and growing vegetables in the garden. Children’s knowledge of what constitutes a healthy diet is supported by posters, leaflets and information displayed on the wall, promoting the benefits of a balanced diet. Children have many opportunities to become active as they enjoy dance, exercise and movement to music. They have daily opportunities to gain access to fresh air through use of the garden, walks to school and pre-school groups and visits to the local park. Large equipment which supports the development of children’s skills in balance and climbing is accessible

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to children in the garden and through use of park equipment. The childminder uses routines, reminders and explanation to assist children’s awareness of their safety and procedures in place to keep them safe. Visual aids displayed supports and reinforces children's knowledge. For example, portrayed in pictures and words is a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 'stop, look and listen' notice which is displayed on the playroom door as is the children's guide to procedures to be followed in the event of a fire. A poster using a similar form of references for communicating information to the children is displayed on the inside of the front door. This provides children with information and guidance for keeping safe on outings as they leave the home. In addition, children's inclusion in health and safety projects enables them to examine and explore a range of aspects in connection with their health and personal safety. For

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

example, children investigated the garden area to identify hazards and determine what could be done to lessen the risks for themselves and others; and plans for a project on promoting good health include the subjects of diet, exercise and dental hygiene. 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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 10/03/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report. (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 10/03/2009 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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