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 EY240972 Inspection date 23/07/2009 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

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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 2002. She lives with her family in the Shirley area of Solihull. The playroom/dining room is used for childminding. The garden is excluded from registration.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children both of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare register. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools and pre-school groups.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and excellent use is made of observations and assessments to inform planning. The childminder's provision is inclusive and children’s individual needs are identified, regularly discussed with parents and agreements made to meet the next steps for their care and education. There are good partnerships with parents and they are provided with a wide range information regarding the provision. Most of the required documentation is in place. The childminder has a very good capacity for continuous improvement and uses self-evaluation to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the record of complaints is kept for at least three years  increase the range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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provision

The childminder has a good understand of how to meet the welfare and education requirements of the EYFS. Children are protected as all adults have undergone appropriate checks and visitors must provide proof of identity and their presence on the property is recorded. The childminder has a strong commitment to training and professional development and uses the knowledge gained to improve the opportunities she offers to minded children. She is consistent in her approach to the children and includes parents in her self-assessment through daily discussions.

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provision

There is a very good range of policies and procedures in place covering all aspects of the childminder's practice. The childminder has also undertaken safeguarding training and has a good understanding of how to protect the children in her care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She shares her extensive portfolio of documentation and information with all parents and encourages their continuous involvement in their children's learning. However, her complaints record is not freely available. The childminder takes on board suggestions from parents on extending the activities she offers the children and incorporates them into her well organised planning. Children are further protected as the childminder has completed a risk assessment which includes outings.

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provision

There is a very good capacity for continuous improvement as shown by the childminder's identification of areas for improvement which included; professional training to Level 3 and to make improvements to the garden to make it safe for the children to use. The childminder shows her commitment to inclusion in its broadest sense by providing a broad range of activities which enable children to learn about other cultures, disability and includes the celebration of festivals. Children and parents are treated with respect and all aspects of individual care are taken on board, managed appropriately and recorded. Children's starting points are well documented and their learning and development records show that all children are progressing well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very settled and happy in the childminder's home and there are excellent relationships between the children and the childminder. The storage of resources enables children to safely self-select from the wide range of age- appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder regularly assess children's ability and understanding. She records her findings both in written form and with supporting photographs so that parents can see exactly what each activity was and understand what the learning intent was. The results are used to plan for children's next steps in learning and development. Information regarding children's activities, achievements and progress are communicated with parents on a daily basis. They are asked to comment at any time about any aspect of the childminder's provision. Children's development folders show that all children are making good progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a very good range of adult-led and child-initiated activities with the childminder encouraging exploration and investigation. Children were very busy emptying boxes of resources to search for their favourite toys and they made good use of the play kitchen. Children are interested, motivated and busy throughout the day. The childminder does not use her garden but ensures that children have daily opportunities for physical play. Children are taken on daily walks, regardless of the weather and discuss the seasons, learn about nature, disability, other cultures and beliefs as they engage in art activities, experience different foods and learn about a range of festivals. However, there are few resources to encourage children to initiate play or discussion about equal opportunities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to develop the habits and behaviours appropriate to good learners such as sharing equipment, taking turns and they are learning how to use resources safely. The childminder has high expectations of the children and provides them with clear messages, gently delivered in a manner that they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understand. Children are beginning to learn how to problem solve for themselves as they work out how the construction toys go together and are developing appropriate strategies for playing together. Communication and language skills are a strength as children are encouraged to count, name colours and identify shapes throughout all activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn through play. She continues to undertake any available training to extend the opportunities she offers to the children. Children enjoy a wide range of play opportunities and experiences and the childminder is actively involved in their play. For example, the present topic is 'All about me'. A display is in progress which so far has photographs of the children, family members and personal details, for example, age, hair and eye colour. The planned activity for today was for the children to complete some art work by choosing an appropriate coloured paper to match their skin tone and then, to add wool in a colour to match their hair and crayons to colour their eyes .

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The parents provide all meals and snacks and the childminder ensures that they are appropriately stored and prepared. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and ensures children are provided with opportunities to understand why healthy food and exercise is good for them. Children are learning about how their muscles and bones grow and how good food and fresh air gives them energy to run around and play. Children have free access to drinks at all times and independence at meal times and in personal hygiene are encouraged. Children are learning about safety as they are given information about staying safe both at home and when outside and they regularly practise the emergency escape drill ensuring they could safely leave the house in an emergency. 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? 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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