Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY387919 Inspection date 16/09/2009 Inspector Myra Lewis

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2009. She lives in Shirley with her husband and three children aged five, four and two years. There are shops and schools within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, and is accessible via a step into the hall. There is a fully enclosed front garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder may care for three children under eight years. There is currently one child in the early years age group on roll. There are procedures in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and who speak English as an additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to the library, toddler groups and park within the local area.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment for children, where they can play safely and participate in a suitable range of play activities to meet their individual needs. Children's play and learning is supported appropriately, although children's starting points and next steps of learning are not clearly identified. Generally, policies and procedures used to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are in place. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement, and has begun to self- assess her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to support children as they progress towards the early learning goals through observation and assessment; and ensure children's starting points are discussed and agreed with parents in order to plan children's next steps and inform future planning  develop links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum to further support children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her safeguarding responsibilities and knows who to contact if she should be concerned. The childminder has taken positive action to make her home safe and secure for children. Through risk assessment the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder ensures all areas of the home are safe and secure for children. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification and takes prompt action if children are ill. The childminder is aware of all the required documentation to support the safe and efficient management of her service. Children are supervised at all times both in and outside the home.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe and homely environment where children move freely and play happily. Toys and resources are made easily accessible and children's independence is actively encouraged. The childminder makes good use of her home, the garden and local facilities to benefit the children in her care. There are regular visits to the park, library and local toddler groups where children can socialise with other children and adults. This extends the learning environment for children. The childminder supports and promotes inclusive practice. Children are valued as individuals and their specific needs met appropriately in discussion with their parents. Children have equal access to all toys and resources regardless of ability, gender or culture, some of which reflect positive images of diversity.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is open and friendly. The childminder has some written policies and procedures that outline her service which are shared openly with parents. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to developing her knowledge and experience through training and has begun to self-assess her practice. Whilst the childminder demonstrates sufficient understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, children's starting points of learning is not clearly identified in discussion with parents, and observation and assessment procedures are in the early stages of development. The childminder is aware of the importance of working in partnership with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage but this has not yet been established.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a warm and friendly environment. The playroom is particularly well resourced with a good selection of toys and resources for children of different ages. Everyday routines allow children to play freely and participate in a variety of different play activities. The childminder monitors children's choice of toys, to ensure they are age-appropriate for their use. Children play in the garden each day and benefit from activities both in and outside the home. For example, children enjoy trips to the local playgroup where they decorate cakes, paint pictures and participate in physical play sessions. Children are also encouraged to develop a keen interest in books through regular visits to the local library and participate in story sessions provided.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's planning is based on children's likes and interests. She has begun to link activities to the areas of learning to support children in progressing towards the early learning goals. Children are treated with equal concern in accordance with their parents' wishes, with any specific requirements shared openly. The childminder engages children in everyday conversation to develop their language skills and listens with interest to their response. She is aware of the need to observe and monitor their activities to show how they are making progress This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and has begun to build children's individual work in scrapbooks and make these available to parents.

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and outcomes for children

The established daily routines ensure children develop good hygiene routines and the risks of cross-infection minimised. All aspects of children's individual dietary needs are fully discussed with parents so that the childminder is aware of children's likes, dislikes and preferences. Children's meals are provided by their parents, with snacks and drinks made available throughout the day. Children learn the importance of being healthy and active through discussion with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children are forming trusting relationships with the childminder and interaction is good. Children's play is appropriately supported, the childminder spends her time fully engaged with the children as they play. For example, children enjoy playing with cars and a remote controlled toy with good support from the childminder to enable them to operate it independently. Children receive ample praise and encouragement to build their self-esteem and confidence. They learn the importance of sharing, turn taking and playing together. They begin to differentiate between right and wrong through clear explanations from the childminder. Children's independence and self-help skills are actively encouraged, they can choose toys and resources easily from the toy shelves in the playroom. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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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