Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY411172 Inspection date 08/02/2011 Inspector Karen Cooper

p.1

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 assesses 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 0300 123 1231, 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.

p.1

T: 0300 123 1231 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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2010. She works with another childminder from her home in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. The location is convenient for schools, nurseries, shops and play areas. The whole ground floor and the first floor front bedroom of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a canary and a hamster.

p.4

Description of the childminding

When working with another childminder, the childminder can care for a maximum of eight children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than five may be in the early years age range. There are currently seven children attending, six of whom are within the early years age range. All of the children except for one attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to take and collect children from the local schools.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and have formed positive relationships with the childminder and her co-minder. There are a good range of toys and resources to support children's development; as a result, children make good progress in their learning. The childminder ensures that all children are valued and included. Policies and procedures are well organised and generally effective. The childminder is committed to developing and improving her practice and demonstrates a positive attitude towards continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments for outings  develop the processes for evaluating the quality of the provision in order to identify strengths and prioritise areas for improvement.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder works with another registered childminder and both have equal responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse which ensures that children's welfare is fully safeguarded. There are clear and robust vetting procedures in place to ensure children are cared for by suitable adults. Both childminders are aware of their responsibilities to keep children safe. The childminders have assessed the potential risks to children and put procedures in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 place to minimise these at all times. However, the written risk assessment record does not include how risks have been minimised for each specific outing to ensure children's safety is fully protected.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder regularly attends training to ensure her knowledge and skills are up-to-date. She is a qualified nursery nurse and has experience of working with young children in a private day nursery. She has attended Early Years Foundation training, first aid training and completed a diploma in home-based childcare. The childminder clearly demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement through training and is reflective on the service that she and her co-minder provide. However, a system for evaluating the quality of the provision has not been implemented to ensure the strengths and areas for improvement are sufficiently identified. Children's individual needs are effectively supported through established daily routines and effective planning. The environment is stimulating, well-resourced and utilised to its full potential to provide children with choices about where and what they wish to play with. This ensures that children are not

p.5

the early years provision

bored or frustrated, but are busy and contented.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is welcoming to all children and their families. She establishes a good two-way flow of information with parents to ensure they are fully informed of their child's progress and care routine. The children's individual folders and photographic evidence are used as a joint process between the setting and home to ensure that parents are fully informed of their child's daily activities. Parents are provided with clear policies covering all aspects of the childminding service. Documentation is well-organised and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality is maintained. The childminder is aware of the benefits of establishing and maintaining positive links with other professionals involved in the care and education of the children. She has formed effective links with the local school, pre- school and other early years practitioners to ensure children's needs are well met.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children spend quality time forming strong relationships with the childminder and her co-minder and, as a result, they are happy and well settled. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She plans a range of stimulating activities, ensuring there is a good balance between child-initiated and adult-led activities. The childminder's knowledge of each child's preferences ensures that their individual needs and are well met. Detailed observation and assessment systems have been introduced to record children's ongoing progress. Individual folders containing sample of children's work and photographs of the activities that the children have undertaken are shared with parents on a regular basis. Children are familiar with the daily routine and willingly respond to the 'time to tidy up' song. The childminder encourages children to be considerate of others, share and take turns. She aims to ensure that children

p.5

and outcomes for children

always feel good about themselves by praising them for their behaviour and efforts, helping to build their self-esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children have access to a variety of age-appropriate toys and resources to help them make good progress in their learning and development. They are encouraged to make independent choices and are helped to develop skills and have fun. They enjoy snuggling up in the cosy corner and show their excitement when watching familiar children's programmes. They enthusiastically join in with actions songs and clearly enjoy singing out loud. Their communication, language and literacy skills are well supported as they enjoy regular visits to the local library to choose books and are provided with plenty of opportunities to make marks and develop their simple writing skills. Children's creative and imaginative development is well

p.5

and outcomes for children

supported as they regularly participate in role play and dressing up, along with many craft activities, including foam play, cornflour and cooking. They concentrate well during a collage activity as they meticulously glue sweets to pieces of coloured paper and sprinkle with glitter. Children are encouraged to develop their simple problem-solving skills when joining in with nursery rhymes, completing puzzles and participating in construction play. They talk about the weather on a daily basis and learn through hands-on experiences. For example, they explore a wealth of living things from plants and seeds to pets and the ducks they feed when visiting the park. Plenty of opportunities are provided for children to be active. For example, they make good use of the well-equipped garden where they use sit-and-ride toys, push-alongs and climbing equipment. Children also benefit from a range of outings and activities outside the home, such as, visits to the park and soft play centres.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. They are becoming aware of the procedure for evacuation in an emergency, which the childminder regularly practises with them. Appropriate fire equipment, such as, fire blankets, smoke detectors and extinguishers, are provided and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working condition. Through activities and daily routines, children become aware of healthy eating and good hygiene practices. They are provided with a variety of hot and cold food and are reminded to wash their hands before eating. Children's individual dietary needs are established on admission and are fully supported by the childminder. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8