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 EY267691 Inspection date 23/03/2009 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and fourteen years old in Solihull. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home, together with two bedrooms upstairs, are used for childminding. The childminder's home is accessible via a step at the front entrance. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for four children. The childminder is currently minding three children on a full-time and part-time basis, all of whom are within the early years age range. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a committee member for the National Childminding Association and is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy, lively and very comfortable at this welcoming, inclusive setting where they make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Very good partnerships with parents/carer and other providers ensure all children’s needs are met. Children’s learning needs, different backgrounds and cultures are valued, helping all children to achieve and to develop an understanding of the society in which they live. Good attention is given to further developing planning, assessment and self-evaluation systems. Good practice is consolidated and sustained by the childminder seeking professional advice and addressing the previous inspection recommendation, thus demonstrating a strong capacity for future improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systematic observations and assessments of each child’s achievements, interests and learning styles in order to support their progress towards the early learning goals  develop self-evalution systems to include input from parents and carers and children.

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provision

The childminder operates a reliable service supported by very effective systems to ensure the safe management of the setting. For example, the childminder has given good consideration to the organisation of her childminding by providing a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 dedicated, self-contained space where children can easily access a good range of resources. Excellent attention is given to keeping children safe through the childminder’s vigilance and common sense approach to preventing hazards. For example, the childminder has attended health and safety training, installed safety equipment, such as a carbon monoxide detector and keeps a detailed risk assessment to ensure hazards to children are minimised. Safeguarding children is prioritised by the childminder because she is fully aware of the guidance on child protection, including procedures for reporting and recording concerns and

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provision

allegations of abuse. Good vetting procedures include provision for adults to undergo Criminal Records checks.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of how best to promote children’s learning because she is proactive with regard to her own professional development, having completed a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in care, learning and development. Ongoing, continuous improvement is prioritised by the childminder because she has addressed the recommendation set at the previous inspection and keeps up-to-date with the latest developments. Although, she has yet to consolidate her self-evaluation procedures to include the views of all children, parents and carers. Collaborative working is very well- fostered because the childminder is well-established within the local community and has daily contact with the local school, ensuring information pertinent to children’s well-being is exchanged. The childminder is fully committed to providing an inclusive service. For example, the childminder discusses children’s specific

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provision

welfare and learning needs with parents, such as children identified as gifted and talented or with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to ensure she can offer good opportunities for all children to make progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children demonstrate confidence and independence as they play enthusiastically with a good range of resources. All children make good progress within the EYFS because the childminder has given good consideration to introducing detailed planning and assessment systems that incorporate children’s starting points, although these systems are new and yet to be consolidated. The childminder makes spontaneous observations of children’s activities and cross-references which areas of learning are being promoted and then uses this information to plan future activities, ensuring children’s progress is monitored and encouraged. Children’s behaviour is sensitively managed, taking into account their age and stage of development. For example, babies are gently reminded not to throw toys. The childminder acts as an excellent role model and speaks to children calmly and respectfully. All children are well-integrated within the setting because the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder ascertains all relevant information relating to children’s particular needs including their home language. Diversity is reflected within the environment through positive image posters and resources including books to help children understand and value differences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children take part in first hand experiences that encourage observation and discussion. For example, they recall a trip to the farm and seeing a donkey called ‘Oscar’. Children enjoy good, fun relationships with each other and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder. For example, children laugh and share a joke with the childminder as they tickle her feet and steal her slippers. Babies are very settled and enjoy cuddles, showing their pleasure by confidently vocalising as they play. Older children are articulate as they talk about making a ‘gigantic crane’ out of plastic blocks. Children confidently talk about numbers and use humour to illustrate their understanding of amounts. For example, they ask to have their apples chopped into a thousand million pieces. Children enjoy good opportunities to be creative as they use paint and collage materials to make 'dream catchers', pictures and cards

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for special occasions, such as Mother’s Day. Children display vivid imaginations whilst pretending to go shopping and charging each other £500 for groceries.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of the importance of children being alert to dangers. For example, she uses discussions about topics, such as ‘Stranger Danger’ and road safety to help children begin to take responsibility for their own safety. Children’s health and well-being is promoted because the childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate and has excellent detailed systems in place regarding relevant contact details and information about a variety of topics including infectious diseases. Children confidently interact with the dog and use anti-bacterial gel to clean their hands afterwards to ensure good hygiene practice is being developed. Excellent attention is given to food safety. For example, the childminder has undertaken training and has implemented a written food safety system that is assessed and updated regularly. Children bring packed lunches and healthy eating

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

is encouraged as the childminder encourages children to eat fruit and drink plenty of fluids. Lunch time is a sociable occasion where children are reminded about good table manners, such as not talking with their mouths full. Children have daily fresh air and exercise as they walk with the childminder to local pre-schools, school and visit local parks. 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? 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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