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 EY385990 Inspection date 20/05/2009 Inspector Karen Eunice Millerchip

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 husband and five children aged between 17 and three years. They live in a house in Coundon, Coventry close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. Children are also taken on local outings including regular attendance at local carer and toddler groups. The family have a dog, rabbits and chickens.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. There are currently two children attending one of whom is within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), both attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged between five and eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures to support children who speak English as an additional language and those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) 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 satisfactory. The childminder provides a homely and inclusive environment for children and they benefit from her caring attitude and easy access to a suitable range of resources and experiences that help them to progress in all areas of their learning and development. All required paperwork is in place and regular two-way communication with parents ensures that children's individual needs are known and general information shared about policies and procedures. The childminder is in the early stages of developing a system of self-evaluation and is yet to fully identify areas of progress to improve outcomes for children in their learning and development.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the links between observation, assessment and the next steps of learning are clearly identified to provide for individual children's needs  develop further the systems for self evaluation to identify strengths and prioritise development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

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provision

The childminder provides a welcoming, safe and secure environment and she is aware of her responsibilities with regard to closely supervising children to keep This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them safe. Space and resources are organised well and the childminder checks her home regularly to ensure hazards are kept to a minimum. For example, appropriate safety equipment is in place and resources are suitable for the ages of children attending. A good range of written risk assessments are available which clearly identify aspects of the environment which need to be checked on a regular basis.

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provision

The childminder is beginning to develop a system for self-evaluation, she has started to identify areas of strengths and areas for development. However, the current systems are not fully effective in highlighting the changing needs of children and families in her care. In order to improve her knowledge she liaises with other childminders, attends required training and researches information on the NCMA, Ofsted and associated early years websites.

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provision

The childminder has sound relationships with the parents. She provides useful verbal information about her services which is supported through a range of clearly written policies and procedures and daily diaries are used as effective tools for communication. Information is obtained from parents before care commences regarding children's health and welfare needs, appropriate records are maintained for accidents and medication and all parental consents are in place.

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provision

Systems for sharing assessment and development records with parents are currently being developed. The childminder understands the need to develop positive links with other professionals involved in providing care and education of children in her care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making satisfactory progress in their learning and development. They enjoy easy access to a suitable variety of toys and resources that are developmentally appropriate and stimulating. For example, soft toys, buggy and dolls, pop-in jigsaws, home corner equipment, to encourage children to explore and investigate using all of their senses. Children are happy and at ease with the childminder. They are helped to feel safe and secure in her home because the childminder is relaxed and calm and flexible settling-in arrangements allow children to adjust at their own pace. Daily routines and general practices are thoroughly discussed with parents to ensure consistency. Routines for sleep and meals generally follow the same pattern and help children to become familiar with the daily timetable.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Daily activities are informally planned to encourage and support children to learn and have fun. The childminder works closely with parents and other professionals and this helps her respond to individual children’s needs and provide experiences to promote learning and development where it is most needed. She is in the early stages of developing a systematic approach to observing and recording children’s significant achievements and routinely observes children during play. The childminder has started to build up a collection of observations that help her to understand each child's areas of interest. She demonstrates a sound knowledge of the children in her care and confidently describes their needs and preferences. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 However, her systems for observation, planning and assessment are still in their infancy and information gained through observations is not sufficient to plan the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

next steps in children’s learning. Consequently, children may not be fully supported to reach their potential.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s good health is suitably promoted as they enjoy plenty of fresh air and healthy food provided by their parents. All areas of the childminder’s home are clean, safe and tidy and thorough hygiene routines are appropriately followed and promoted. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of positive behaviour management strategies and methods currently used by the childminder include distraction and lots of praise and positive body language. Older children are encouraged to resolve minor issues to help develop negotiation and problem solving skills. A written behaviour management policy shared with parents ensures that they are clear about her methods and helps to provide consistency of care for 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? 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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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