Childminder in Birmingham

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 EY376339 Inspection date 05/06/2009 Inspector Adelaide Griffith

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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 2008. She lives with one child aged 12 years in the Small Health area of Birmingham close to schools, nurseries, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends local groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment which is mainly safe. The childminder and her assistant support children in making acceptable progress in their learning and development. Generally, all children's individual needs are addressed and their welfare requirements are met. Regular review of her practice helps the childminder to consider how changes can be made to improve the service and plans for future development are in place. There is a positive partnership with parents and this supports the care of children appropriately.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the system to undertake sensitive observational assessments in order to plan to meet young childen's individual needs  improve planning to provide experiences which are appropriate to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals  improve indoor spaces to ensure that overhead storage is safe and does not pose a hazard to children.

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provision

All records required for the smooth running of the setting are available. Children are cared for in a cheerful environment and supported by suitable adults who are vetted. The childminder strives for improvement in relation to education by ensuring that resources are more accessible and this promotes children's independence. The childminder reflects on practice and seeks the view of parents. She aims to maintain continuous improvements by obtaining a wide range of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 materials that focus on current initiatives relevant to early years provisions. She has plans to develop this further.

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provision

The childminder provides an inclusive setting by ensuring that all children's needs are met. For example, a supportive system helps children who speak English as an additional language to maintain basic communication. Children's welfare needs are addressed and they are primarily safeguarded. Owing to appropriate risk assessments children are kept safe but overhead storage poses a potential hazard. The positive partnership with parents contribute to the care of children and links with other early years providers are established.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are appropriately helped to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage due to the enthusiasm of the childminder and her assistant. The adults support children’s learning by constant involvement and interaction in their play. The environment is organised to ensure that children have access to a broad selection of resources. There is a wide range of planned, purposeful play and exploration that includes all areas of learning. For example, children are encouraged to take turns at sharing toys and their self-image is developing due to playing with mirrors. Their small muscle skills are developing as they play with programmable toys including telephones and robots. Children are using mark making skills on paper and on flagstones during outside play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a fair balance of adult-led and child-led activities. Adults ask children for their preferences and give guidance and support as appropriate. Observational assessments are carried out regularly. However, the next step is not clearly indicated and the planning is not sufficiently focussed on children's individual learning needs to ensure that their development is fully promoted. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She understands the importance of working with parents in order to promote children's additional needs effectively. The childminder works with parents to support some aspects of children's development and the childminder is aware of the importance of developing the partnership with other early years providers as and when it is essential to do so.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are adequately safeguarded due to the childminder's understanding of child protection issues. All other aspects of safeguarding are suitably addressed. Children are helped to stay safe by talking about the wearing seat belts while they move around in bubble cars. Acceptable steps are taken to promote children’s good health and well-being. For instance, they are provided with freshly-cooked, balanced meals daily and they wear hats when playing out in the sun. They are largely protected against the spread of infection due to the allocation of individual sleeping mats and bedding is washed frequently. Owing to the strategies used by the childminder and her assistant children's behaviour is positively encouraged. 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? 2 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? 3 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: Met

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