McGonnell Tracey

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 250368 Inspection date 23/06/2009 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 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Kingshurst, Solihull. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor, which includes a designated playroom. The premises are accessible via a step at the front door. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder employs an assistant to help on a part-time basis. The family have a variety of pets including a dog, three cats and two guinea pigs.

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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 six children. The childminder is currently minding eight children on a full-time and part-time basis, four of whom are within the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and a member of the local Community Childminding Scheme.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy, content and clearly enjoy attending this welcoming setting where they are cared for by a kind, dedicated childminder. Good opportunities are provided for children to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children have access to a very well-resourced playroom and the childminder is committed to planning a positive learning experience for all children. The childminder values and cherishes every child, appreciating their uniqueness and no one is disadvantaged. Well- organised documentation is in place to ensure children's safety and well-being. Systems for planning and assessment within the EYFS are being reviewed and developed on an ongoing basis. The childminder is fully committed to developing and improving the quality of her service through ongoing training and evaluation of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 consolidate planning and assessment systems in order to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered and regularly review this approach.

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provision

Safeguarding children is prioritised by the childminder as she keeps up-to-date with current guidance regarding signs of abuse or neglect and she is committed to recording and reporting any concerns without hesitation. All members of the household undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks to confirm their suitability and a visitors book is used to monitor adults attending the setting. Children play safely This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 because the childminder is vigilant in ensuring potential hazards to children both indoors and on outings are minimised. For example, she has implemented detailed risk assessments that outline the level of risk and reviews these systems regularly. Detailed documentation relating to children’s health, welfare and development are in place. These include up-to-date attendance registers, accident and medication records. Children’s individual needs are well supported because the childminder

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provision

has established good, trusting relationships with parents and carers. For example, she ensures all relevant information about children’s routines and particular needs are recorded and adhered to. The childminder offers advice on children’s bedtime routines and behaviour management techniques as well as an information board that parents and carers find useful.

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provision

Effective links within the community including the local school are fostered helping to promote collaborative working. Commitment to improving the childminding service is evident through the childminder’s attention to addressing the recommendation set at the previous inspection. She has also completed a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Care, Learning and Development, which has enhanced her understanding of children’s learning and development. The childminder acts as a positive role model to other students who are encouraged to observe and learn from her good practice. The childminder has given good consideration to evaluating her practice. For example, she has completed an honest and realistic self-evaluation form, clearly identifying areas for improvement and future aspirations. Additionally, she has sought the views of children, parents and carers through questionnaires and evaluated these responses in order to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress within the EYFS as they enjoy many varied and challenging activities at this welcoming setting. Children can self-select from a wide variety of good quality toys and resources in the inviting playroom, where they settle quickly and direct their own play. As an experienced childminder, she has devised detailed planning and assessment systems and is constantly evaluating the effectiveness of these to ensure children’s enjoyment and progress is accurately monitored. These systems include the use of diaries and photographs, although these systems are yet to be consolidated and evaluated to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered. Children behave well and are taught to respect each other. Older children are encouraged to resolve their own disputes and reward certificates are used to promote positive behaviour. Good communication systems between the childminder and the parents and carers include daily contact

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and the use of e-mail or telephone to ensure information is exchanged. Parents and carers appreciate the childminder's dedication and demonstrate this through thank you cards and letters.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder welcomes all children and demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion and organises activities to help children think about differences within society, such as people with sight or hearing difficulties. The childminder uses a multi-faith calendar when completing her planning to ensure festivals are given due regard. Children enjoy secure, trusting relationships with the childminder as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they arrive at the setting confidently and clearly feel very at home. Children demonstrate early writing skills as they use chalks and draw on a chalk board, making lines and circles and then rubbing them out. Early number skills are evident as children spontaneously count their shopping items whilst playing with role play equipment. Children demonstrate an understanding of the weather as they talk about it being too hot to play outside. Children demonstrate good

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

imagination skills whilst playing with dolls, showing great care and consideration as they pretend to feed them. Children’s pictures and artwork are appreciated by the childminder and proudly displayed in the playroom including collage plates of their favourite foods.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Excellent attention is given to ensuring children learn to take responsibility for their own safety. For example, children take part in fire drills and receive a reward certificate for participating. Additionally, discussions about road safety and the green cross code helps to promote safety awareness whilst on outings. Children's health and well-being is highly promoted as children are encouraged to develop appropriate hygiene practice, such as using tissues to wipe their noses and regular hand washing, which they manage extremely well. Healthy eating is encouraged as the childminder plans a varied menu to ensure children eat a balanced diet. Excellent attention is given to ensuring dietary and cultural needs are catered for. Children are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and the childminder provides suitable cups or beakers, dependent on the children’s stage of development. Children enjoy daily use of the garden to experience the benefits of fresh air and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

exercise. The childminder provides a good variety of toys and equipment to promote physical skill whilst outdoors. For example, children can peddle cars and push prams around the garden, demonstrating emergent coordination and balance as they try to control their speed. 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? 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

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