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 EY374948 Inspection date 28/04/2009 Inspector Myra Lewis

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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 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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her adult daughter in Solihull, West Midlands. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children in the Early Years age group. There are currently four minded children on roll. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups on a regular basis 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. The childminder makes full use of her home, the garden and local area to fully support children's learning and development. All children are valued and treated with equal concern, they enjoy a good variety of stimulating play activities in a safe and secure environment. Whilst the childminder has a good understanding of the individual needs of children in her care her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage is more limited.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

All records, policies and procedures for the safe and efficient management of the childminding service are in place and openly shared with parents. The childminder demonstrates a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement through self- assessment of her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage with specific regard to observation and assessment of children's progress towards the early learning goals and identification of children's starting points, as discussed and agreed with all parents  extend the variety of positive image resources to further support children's understanding of the wider world.

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provision

Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The childminder has established routines in place to meet children's individual needs effectively. They benefit from a good variety of age-appropriate play activities. Toys, resources and equipment are well maintained and made easily accessible. Themes and topics are planned each term and based on the children's interests. The childminder keeps a daily record of the activities provided and children's work is nicely displayed around the playroom, which helps children develop a strong sense of belonging. Whilst the childminder has a good understanding of the individual needs and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 capabilities of children in her care, her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage is more limited in order to plan more constructively as children progress towards the early learning goals. Also, children's starting points of learning are not

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provision

clearly identified in discussion with parents, which may impact on planning children's next steps.

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provision

Partnership with parents is open and friendly. Children benefit from the close working relationships that have been established between their parents and the childminder. Information is shared openly and parents wishes respected. Parents are kept well informed about their children's activities through daily written and verbal contact with the childminder, which helps promote children's overall well- being effectively. The childminder is beginning to liaise with staff at the local nursery that the children attend to further support their learning requirements.

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provision

There are well written policies and procedures to support the care and welfare of children. Written and daily risk assessment ensure all areas of the home are safe and suitable for children to play freely. The childminder makes sure these are reviewed and updated at regular intervals. Children's welfare is further protected as the childminder understands her safeguarding responsibilities and knows who to contact if she should be concerned. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and takes prompt action if children are ill. Good hygiene routines are observed throughout the day and children's independence and self-help skills and actively encouraged. The childminder is committed to ongoing training and development to benefit children in her care and has begun to use self-assessment for her practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play happily and are very much at home in the childminder's care. Children participate in a good variety of different play activities both in and outside the home. The children attend local toddler groups where they can socialise with other children and adults. Children form close and trusting relationships with the childminder, who values each child as an individual and all are treated with equal concern. Any specific requirements are discussed and shared openly in full discussion with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides children with many opportunities to make independent choices about their play. She spends her time talking and listening to them and uses constructive questions to promote their thinking and learning. The childminder knows the children very well and activities are purposely planned to ensure children are well occupied and interested in their play. The childminder plans themes and topics based on their interests. However, observational assessment of children's learning and progress towards the early learning goals, is not fully in place.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There are well established daily routines in place to ensure children develop good hygiene practices. Their independence and self-help skills are actively encouraged. Appropriate nappy changing procedures ensure children's personal care needs are met sensitively. Each child is provided with an individual towel and flannel which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 helps reduce the risk of cross infection and the childminder's sick children policy is discussed with parents at their initial meeting. Children's meals are provided by their parents. The childminder discusses all aspects of their individual dietary requirements with parents so that she is fully aware of the children's individual likes, dislikes and preferences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to share, take turns and play together. They respond well to praise and encouragement from the childminder. She helps and supports children in learning right from wrong and the consequences of their actions. Children learn about their own culture and those of others, however, toys and resources that reflect positive images of diversity are limited. There is some good photographic evidence to reflect children's different play experiences, such as, their visit to Hatton Locks. Children have good opportunities to visit the park where they use the large static equipment to extend their physical skills. 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? 3 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

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