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 EY221895 Inspection date 25/02/2009 Inspector Ann Doreen Burford

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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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 years in the Northfield area of Birmingham, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. Access to the property is via one step to the front of the property and three steps to access the back garden. The toilet is on the first floor. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has two hamsters as pets.

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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 five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 10 years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for two children overnight. She is part of the Neighbourhood Care Scheme run by Birmingham Social Care and Health departments and offers respite care on a Saturday as part of the Birmingham Family to Family scheme.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Systems of observation, assessment have been implemented although planning is in the early stages of being developed. Children's individual needs are extremely well understood because of the excellent partnership with parents and other key professionals so a fully inclusive service is provided. Children make good progress in their development and learning as they access a good range of suitable resources. The childminder demonstrates good capacity for continuous improvement through identifying areas for professional development by attending additional training.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the observation, assessment and planning to identify children's progress in all areas of learning  develop further the quality and improvement processes to monitor and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the provision.

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provision

The childminder is an active member of the Neighbourhood Care Scheme (NCS) run by Birmingham Social Care and Health departments so is able to access many This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relevant training sessions through this scheme. Parents using this childminder via the scheme are actively encouraged to evaluate the service provided by the childminder and asked about their child's progress. The childminder uses this information to make continuous improvements. She has recently started to reflect on her own practice and completes a self-evaluation form. This is still in its infancy so has not yet fully impacted on the outcomes for children.

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provision

Since the last inspection the childminder has successfully achieved a Level 3 childcare qualification and completed a quality assurance scheme. She has attended a wealth of training sessions that she uses to enhance her service and experiences for children. She has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as she continues to identify further training courses she can attend.

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provision

Safeguarding children is a priority to this childminder. She has an excellent understanding of child protection procedures and continually updates her own knowledge and understanding by accessing regular training sessions. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring children are protected from unvetted persons. She works closely with relevant professionals in the best interest of children so that even the most vulnerable of children are offered full protection.

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provision

The working relationship with parents, other settings and relevant professionals is a particular strength in this setting. Parents are involved in identifying the individual needs of children so the childminder is able to tailor her service to meet the needs of each family. For example, she has local contacts to purchase halal meat to use for her meals if parents request it. The childminder usually visits parents in their own home as well as them making an initial visit to her home. The childminder does offer an overnight service for families and in addition she offers respite care on a Saturday as part of the Birmingham Family to Family scheme.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals considering their starting points with some aspects being outstanding. Children receive extremely good support from the childminder who has an extensive knowledge of each child's play preferences and individual stages of development. This enables her to adapt or extend the activities accordingly. The next step in each child's learning is identified and used when planning an activity. This is a new planning system and is still under development as it does not fully cover all the different areas of learning. Each child has an individual file of photographs and samples of their creations which is given to parents when the children move to other provisions. Children are excited to look at their own photographs as they develop a sense of their own history and recall past experiences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the specialised experience of the childminder and her wonderful inclusive approach. Children with English as an additional language are fully supported as they make great strives in developing their communication skills as they start to become effective communicators who understand that their opinions matter. New words are constantly being learnt by sharing simple stories This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 together. Developing the social skills of the children has been a priority so that they are becoming mainly cooperative and thoughtful towards others. For example, older children help to care for the baby and show consideration of their personal needs. The caring approach of the childminder engages children and they share her enthusiasm of learning new skills and trying new experiences so that they are becoming lifelong learners.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children really enjoy the time they spend in the well maintained home. They are extremely comfortable and settled in their surroundings and make good use of the rooms available for their play. There is an emphasis on physical play and outdoor learning. Children love to play in the back garden especially in the play house. There is an extensive range of equipment, such as a cooker, table and many different play food items. They use the lovely range of toy rockers, sit-on toys and the climbing frame. Further challenge is provided because children regularly visit the local park and play area as they walk to collect children from school. This means children are beginning to lead a healthy lifestyle when at the childminder's home. She provides fresh fruit for snacks and they have a nutritious meal at lunchtime which takes into consideration food allergies and religious preferences. Drinks are readily available so children keep themselves well hydrated.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to keep themselves healthy and safe through daily routines and activities. They participate in regular emergency evacuation practises so are beginning to know what to do in an emergency. The childminder completes risk assessments on activities and outings. The NCS visit annually to complete risk assessments of the premises to ensure it is safe and suitable to be part of their scheme. Children know to keep their hands clean after going to the toilet or before eating. They understand these routines and usually readily join in, such as helping to keep the rooms tidy. Outdoor shoes are not worn in the home to help keep the floors clean especially when babies are present and may be crawling or playing on the laminate floor.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have helped to develop the house rules and they clearly identify how to behave towards each other based on being kind and not hurting one another. The childminder acts as a good role model so she helps children to join in, make friends and respect each other taking into account their diverse needs and backgrounds. Children greet one another and enjoy a hug. Children learn about their own culture and the similarities and differences of others attending the setting and the wider community. Good social manners are important to the childminder and the children so they are all very polite towards each other. 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? 1 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? 1

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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: 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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