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 250161 Inspection date 24/02/2009 Inspector Jayne Rooke

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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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and adult child aged 17 years in a residential area of Knowle, Solihull. There are shops and schools within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children are taken on local outings to the park and other local community venues, including regular attendance at the local carer and toddler group. She takes and collects children from the local school and pre-school. The family have two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to two children aged over five years to 12 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and those who speak English as an additional language. There is level access to the ground floor of the premises. Toilet facilities are accessible on the ground floor. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides highly effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The comprehensive system of observation, assessment and planning ensures that all children enjoy challenging and exciting play and learning opportunities which significantly enhance their learning and development. The childminder successfully creates an inclusive and welcoming environment so that all children benefit from the provision. She maintains most of the required documents and takes positive action to identify strengths and areas for improvement within the setting. She continuously endeavours to extend and support the experiences of the children who attend.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 review the complaints record system in line with regulations and guidelines.

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provision

Effective safeguarding policies ensure that children are well protected from harm and neglect. The childminder is confident in her knowledge of all safeguarding children procedures and how to implement policies appropriately. Children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 closely supervised by the childminder at all times and all of the necessary vetting procedures have been completed. The childminder has excellent systems in place to monitor and evaluate the provision to ensure that improvements are made where necessary and has obtained all of the essential safeguarding children information recommended from the previous inspection.

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provision

Most of the records and all policies and procedures are well maintained for the safe and efficient management of the setting, with the exception of the complaints record system. Risk assessment records are detailed and rigorously maintained in line with requirements and regulations. This successfully promotes children's safety.

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provision

The childminder is highly committed to improving her knowledge, skills and understanding of how young children learn and develop. She holds relevant childcare qualifications and undertakes regular training to continually enhance her professional development. She works in close partnership with parents and carers, valuing their contribution as partners in their child’s learning. She maintains excellent links with other professionals, sharing her knowledge and experiences to enhance and support experienced child carers and students undertaking childcare training. She is an energetic and proactive member of local community services and schools to ensure that children’s needs are consistently supported and developed across a wide range of provisions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make excellent progress across all of the areas of learning. They are provided with exciting and challenging opportunities to investigate, explore and use their creativity and imagination. They use a wide range of art and craft materials to explore different textures, developing strong sensory awareness in their play and explorations as they investigate using a variety of man-made and natural materials. Role play, the celebration of festivals and outings to various places of interest help children to expand their knowledge and understanding of the wider world and local community events. They learn to value people's differences and similarities as they use stimulating resources within the everyday environment that inspire them to ask questions and consider their own and others' capabilities and needs. The natural world outdoors is valued as an important learning environment where children can discover lifecycles and how small

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Songs, rhymes and stories are used effectively to support children's learning and develop their confidence and self-esteem. Music and drama is a significant feature of children's 'learning journey' as they explore their ideas, thoughts and feelings in a sensitive and supportive environment. Young children are motivated to solve problems and work out how things fit together as they attempt to complete simple and more complex jigsaw puzzles. Children enjoy strong and trusting relationships with adults and each other. For example, they have individual time with the childminder and thoroughly enjoy circle time discussion with their 'share bear' which helps them to talk about past and present events in their lives. Children develop good coordination and balance skills during robust physical play and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 games indoors and outside. They develop confidence and independence as they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

use everyday technology equipment in their imaginative play. Children are actively encouraged to make choices and decisions for themselves from an early age as toys and equipment are well labelled and easily accessible to them if they wish to make changes. As a result children develop skills that contribute to their future economic well-being.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder securely bases observations and assessments on what children enjoy and can do. She uses individualised 'learning journey' information to take into account their abilities when they first start to attend the setting. This ensures that activities are well planned and tailored towards each child's interests and ideas. She continues to observe children as they play, using the information very well to plan the next steps in their learning. She talks to children's parents and carers on a daily basis and provides attractive and personalised development records so that detailed information about children's care, well-being and developmental progress is shared. Children and parents are actively encouraged to contribute to the planning process because the childminder seeks their 'opinions' of activities and how they can be developed. She maintains excellent relationships with other professionals so that children's interests and abilities are consistently

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder creates a safe and welcoming environment in which risk is well managed. For example, risk assessments are thorough ensuring that all hazardous materials and equipment are stored securely. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through informative activities and projects and the daily routine. Their knowledge of learned safety rules is enhanced as they connect with 'people who help us' and use resources in their imaginative play to enact road safety 'rules'. Children learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle because they eat nutritious snacks and meals and benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. They learn about good personal hygiene routines using personalised towels and toothbrushes. The childminder acts as a good role model reinforcing the importance of keeping themselves clean. Pets are well cared for so that they do not present a health risk to children. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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