Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY332998 Inspection date 25/01/2012 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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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 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.

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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

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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 2006 and works with another childminder. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom and toilet are used for childminding. The childminder also works with assistants on an occasional basis. The premises are accessible via steps up to the house.

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Description of the childminding

When working with another childminder they may care for a maximum of eight children under eight years at any one time, six of whom may be within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks or drives to and from local schools to take and collect children. She holds a level 3 qualification in early years and is a member of the Children Come First Network.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming and child-friendly environment where children's learning is supported through an excellent range of experiences. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care and benefit enormously from her friendly and caring nature. The childminder builds excellent and secure relationships with parents and effectively promotes inclusion, which ensures children's individual needs are consistently supported. Most required documentation is in place and well maintained. The childminder demonstrates a very positive attitude and commitment to continuous development.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve procedures for children to wash their hands after nappy changing  improve opportunities for children to learn about staying safe, with particular reference to organising regular evacuation drills.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a very good understanding of her role and responsibilities while protecting children in her care. She is fully aware of the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child in her care, having completed relevant training. Vetting procedures are in place to ensure that all adults in the household are suitable to be in contact with the children, and a record of visitors to the home has also been established. Regular risk assessments are completed by the childminder to ensure that the children are kept safe at all times while in the home, outdoors and on outings. The childminder has spoken This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with the children about what to do in an emergency situation. She has signs displayed and a clear fire evacuation procedure, however, opportunities for children to engage in evacuation drills are infrequent. This limits their

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the early years provision

understanding of how to safeguard themselves in an emergency.

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the early years provision

The childminder has excellent strategies for building good relationships with parents and carers, which contributes significantly to children's well-being. She ensures records of activities and procedures are comprehensive and clear, and shares information to ensure consistency and help parents feel actively involved in their children's development. Children benefit from the positive relationships that have been established between their parents and the childminder and from the excellent levels of individual attention that they receive. The daily exchange of information, both verbal and through written documentation, ensures that children's changing needs are consistently met. Parents are kept up to date with their child's progress as the childminder shares their individual learning documents on a regular basis. She uses a daily diary to record children's activities, and regular newsletters keep parents fully updated about her provision. The children's learning

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the early years provision

journals show the learning outcomes and how she plans for their next steps. Photographs and observations are used to show parents the range of activities their children engage in.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for by a very knowledgeable childminder who demonstrates a professional and committed approach to her role. She ensures children's individual needs are effectively supported through established daily routines and flexible planning. Well-written policies and procedures are in place and implemented effectively to support children's well-being. The childminder is fully committed to building on her professional skills and knowledge by completing further training and by implementing a self-evaluation system. Questionnaires for parents are used to find out their views of her setting, which demonstrates her commitment to ongoing development.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from an extremely stimulating and child-friendly learning environment and from the childminder's excellent knowledge of how to develop learning through play. Children are confident and very happy in the childminder's care. They freely choose what activity they want to do and spend quality time forming strong relationships with the childminder. Any specific requirements are shared and met sensitively in discussion with parents. Well-established daily routines ensure that most children develop an understanding of hygiene practices. Children are reminded to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. However, younger children are not fully encouraged to adapt effective hygiene practices during nappy changing. Children are learning to make healthy choices about food and drink through good support and encouragement from the childminder. They learn about healthy lifestyles as they talk together about eating

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and outcomes for children

healthily. Children are offered fruit and vegetables and they have daily opportunities to go for walks or play in the fresh air. Children receive freshly prepared healthy meals and snacks; for example, there is great delight at snack This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 time as the children enjoy a variety of fresh fruit which includes bananas and apples. Children have access to their cups and beakers throughout the day to ensure they are kept hydrated.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder helps children to develop a good understanding of how to stay safe. For example, while out walking, children learn about road safety as the childminder talks to them and reminds them to listen carefully to her instructions. Children behave in a manner that is supportive of their learning. They develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder gives regular praise and encouragement and because she is calm and consistent in her approach. Consequently, children learn to share and take turns and show consideration for each other. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider world through planned activities, discussions with the childminder and access to a range of resources that are representative of diversity. Children design lanterns and artwork, including colouring pictures of dragons, and taste crackers and noodles to celebrate Chinese New Year, and they raise money for charities.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an excellent understanding of children's individual needs and how children learn and develop. She has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and as a result, children make extensive progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder effectively records ongoing observations of the children's progress, both written and through photographic evidence. These documents are shared with parents regularly, ensuring they are kept fully informed of their child's progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children relish a range of excellent activities which include art and crafts, imaginative play, reading, constructive play, dressing up, cooking, visiting places of interest, and physical activities. They attend the local children's centre and during walks they explore tree surgeons cutting down trees. The organisation of the day provides children with an excellent balance of activities to support their differing needs, for example, active and quiet times and opportunities to play indoors and outdoors. Children's communication, language and literacy skills are exceptionally well supported. For example, children explore books, both independently and with the childminder, and enjoy colourful and bright wall displays which include their own artwork. Children have access to an excellent range of first-hand learning opportunities as they explore their natural environment. They collect leaves for printing, plant sunflowers and dig in the rockery for worms and other bugs.

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and outcomes for children

Children use their imagination exceptionally well as they play with role play dolls, prams and small world play figures. They pretend to feed and dress the dolls, pushing them in prams and going shopping. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 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

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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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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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