Smith, Kathryn Helen

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 EY348411 Inspection date 20/11/2008 Inspector Diane Ashplant

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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 2007. She lives with her partner and one child aged two in Shirley, near Solihull. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding as well as the bathroom upstairs and the two single bedrooms; one for playing and one for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Access to the house is via a view small steps. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently looking after two children in the early years age group and one child before and after school. She walks to and from local schools to take and collect children and also attends toddler groups. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's welfare and learning is well promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of how young children develop. Children are cared for in a generally safe, clean and well-maintained environment which is welcoming and child- friendly. The childminder has established an effective partnership with parents and uses this and her own observations to provide appropriately for children's individual needs. Most required information is in place and shared with parents and the childminder is beginning to use systems for evaluating her provision and children's progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop procedures for the emergency evacuation of premises in the case of a fire, particularly in relation to the first floor  continue to develop the observation and assessment arrangements to ensure that children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and individual capabilities  develop knowledge of the procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents.

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provision

The childminder has a level 3 childcare qualification and has attended all the required courses since registration. She organises her childminding effectively to meet the needs of all children and plans her day around these. The documentation for the safe and efficient management of the childminding business is in place and effectively shared with parents through a comprehensive range of most policies. The childminder has only recently started to childmind but is using self - evaluation to review her practice. She regularly consults with parents as regards their thoughts on her provision and adopts examples of good practice used by other This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 practitioners which improve outcomes for children. For example, she now provides a fruit bowl which children can freely access to increase their choices for healthy eating.

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provision

There is an open and friendly partnership with parents and most information about the organisation of the childminding business is shared effectively from the start. However, the childminder does not explain to parents her responsibility as regards complaints as she does not have a full understanding of this. Parents are involved in their child's day as the childminder regularly discusses their progress with them and also uses a daily diary to share information. She has established links with other pre-school and childminding groups which provides children with different play and social experiences.

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provision

Children are safeguarded well as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities to protect them from potential harm or neglect and how to pass on concerns appropriately. She effectively uses her risk assessment to identify other hazards as they arise and understands the importance of carefully supervising children in the presence of unchecked adults. Most procedures are in place such as safe collection to ensure children's safety at all times although the fire evacuation procedures do not cover all areas of the house.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare, learning and development is effectively encouraged as the childminder has a good understanding of the needs of young children. She offers a welcoming, family environment so that children settle and engage happily and provides clear guidelines and a positive example so that children learn how to behave well. She identifies, for example, the benefits of games in teaching children to take turns and share. Children are developing their own awareness of risks as they are reminded to use equipment properly and to walk sensibly where there is traffic. Children are learning to follow regular routines to promote their health as they are reminded to 'flush and wash' after using the toilet. They enjoy the daily walk to school in the fresh air and a good range of outdoor equipment promotes their physical development and co-ordination. Inside activities around music and movement help children enjoy rhythm and songs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The environment is bright and attractively laid out so that children can make choices in their play and select from a wide range of toys which are easily accessible. Children freely move between the two downstairs rooms to engage in different activities and the childminder supports and encourages them according to their age through her interest and appropriate questioning. Children show curiosity and ask questions and concentrate well on their chosen activities until they are satisfied with the end product. Children are able to explore textures and develop their own imagination freely as the make different pictures and designs from many materials. The childminder has a basic weekly routine which children know and respond to well which helps them feel secure. The daily programme provides a good balance of child and adult-led sessions with some planned activities but this is always flexible to support children's own preferences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder gets to know children well from discussions with their parents and her own observations and is beginning to record these to show their progress and identify some next steps. She knows the areas where encouragement is needed and works to support this with parents so that, for example, a child who is initially very reluctant to use the large outdoor equipment steadily grows in confidence. Children happily engage in conversation with each other and the childminder throughout the day which supports their speech and language. They independently look at books, listen attentively at story time and enthusiastically share events from home and school. The childminder uses opportunities well to encourage children's interest such as chats on the school run. She helps their developing knowledge of the wider world by accessing different community groups.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 put in place a written statement of procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents. 20/12/2008

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 put in place a written statement of procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents. 20/12/2008

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