Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY362333 Inspection date 02/07/2012 Inspector Kashma Patel

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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 2007. She lives with husband and three children aged eight, 10 and 12 years in the Castle Bromwich area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending in this age group. Children attend on a full- and part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local pre-school and childminding groups.

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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

Children are generally well cared for in a warm and welcoming environment, where they are respected and valued. They access a wide range of toys and equipment, which enables them to make sound progress in the six areas of learning. Policies, procedures and most of the required documentation are in place and promote children's welfare. However, the risk assessment does not contain sufficient detail. Satisfactory partnerships are in place with parents to promote children's development, however, suitable procedures are not established to support those who may attend other settings. A system for self-evaluation is developing, however, the childminder is able to identify some areas for further development to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that the risk assessment identifies all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 18/07/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 develop understanding of the importance of communicating with other settings that children may attend to share information and to promote secure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 continuity of experience for them  improve the process of self-evaluation to identify aspects to improve in the provision and develop ways to include views from parents and children  use assessments to give a summary of a child's achievements at a particular point in time, so that their progress can be tracked.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and the signs and symptoms of abuse. This enables her to protect children from harm or neglect. The childminder is aware of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. There are well written procedures for various outings in the community, which promotes children's safety. At home, the childminder carries out daily checks using a tick system, however, this does not cover all areas that children have access to in sufficient detail. For example, although, there are no hazards in the new conservatory which Ofsted have been informed about, this area is not included in the record of the risk assessment.

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the early years provision

Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment, which are safe, appropriate and depict equality of opportunity. Items are well organised in storage boxes in the conservatory, which enables children to make choices about their play and promotes their independence. The childminder supports children's understanding of diversity through activities and a good range of small world toys, books and puzzles.

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the early years provision

There are suitable arrangements in place for ensuring a two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents. Daily verbal feedback, along with regular text messaging, keeps parents appropriately informed of their children's care and progress. Learning journals are also accessible, which provides opportunities for parents to understand what their children are learning and carry this further at home. The childminder is not aware of the importance of liaising with other carers to support children's development. However, children do not currently attend other settings, which deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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the early years provision

The process for self-evaluation is developing and does not currently explore parents' and children's views. The childminder has made some improvements, such as updating children's learning journals. The new conservatory is being used a playroom, which has as a wide range of toys and equipment. This is accessible and promotes learning in all areas. The childminder attends the local children's centre and childminding groups, which help her develop her skills and experience.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and have secure relationships with the childminder, who is sensitive to their individual needs. They enjoy a suitable selection of activities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 play opportunities, which enable them to make satisfactory progress in the six areas of learning. Planning is based on children's interests and ideas and information from the regular observations she undertakes, which identify the next step in children's learning. The childminder is aware of what children need to do next in their learning, however, she does not use her observations and assessments to track children's development. This means that gaps in their learning may not be routinely identified.

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and outcomes for children

Children show good levels of confidence as they move around the conservatory, selecting toys of their choice. New children settle very well with the childminder who collects essential information on their needs and ensures that she stays close by to offer comfort and reassurance. Children are learning to share and take turns with toys and equipment. Positive behaviour is encouraged through house rules and consistent praise, which develops children's self-esteem. Children access a good range of toys and equipment, which promotes their imagination and vocabulary. For example, the childminder asks children to name animals and what sounds they make while playing with the farm. Children enjoy using character finger puppets while singing their favourites songs and rhymes. Children are able to express how they feel as they access a range of messy play, which includes play dough, sand and water. Children learn about numbers, colours and shapes as they

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and outcomes for children

play with a wide range of equipment, such as the abacus and construction toys. During their play, they identify the colours on the play mat and of construction toys. Skills for the future in relation to information and communication technology develop as children play with role play equipment, such as the toy toaster, the till and with the compact disc player. Children learn about the wider world though daily outings in the community and as they take part in cultural celebrations. For example, for the Chinese New Year, children make lanterns and talk about Chinese food. Children are learning about being safe, for example, they know that they have to wait for the green man before they can cross the road.

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and outcomes for children

Suitable procedures are in place to help minimise the risk of cross-infection, which includes cleaning hands before food and appropriate nappy changing routines. The childminder takes account of children's individual dietary preferences and works well with parents to provide them with nutritious meals and snacks, which consist of fresh fruit and vegetables. Water beakers are made accessible to promote children's independence and to ensure that they do not get thirsty. 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 2 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 3 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: 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

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment; at least once in each calendar year, and immediately, where the need for assessment arises. Ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 18/07/2012

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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

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 18/07/2012

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