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 228548 Inspection date 17/02/2009 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 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 2000. She works with assistants from their home in Shard End, Birmingham. They live within walking distance of schools, shops, parks and a library. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outside play; the front garden is also used. Access to the premises is via a low step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for three children on the Early Years Register and is currently minding three children in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered to care for children on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to school to take and collect children. She attends play group several times during the week.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The family have a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA)

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are clearly making progress in this setting that offers a good standard of care and education. They feel welcomed due to the childminder's enthusiasm and caring approach. All children's individual needs are effectively met and they are developing appropriate skills, but observations and assessments lack detail. Generally, children are protected and kept safe. The partnership with parents and carers contributes to their care and education positively. Also, the childminder has developed strong relationships with other early years providers and this supports children's learning successfully. The childminder's understanding of the self- evaluation process is shown in her ability to make continuous improvements and she has identified plans for further improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve assessment arrangements to ascertain children's achievements and use the information gained to plan and provide experiences which are appropriate to each child's stage of development  improve knowledge and understanding of the procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against members of the household. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The setting is managed well and all required documentation and procedures are available to support the care of children. The childminder ensures that she remains suitable to care for children by attendance on further courses. Children play freely in the comfortable environment which is well resourced. The childminder strives to improve care and education by making use of amenities in other settings in order to extend children's access to a wide selection of large play equipment. She has identified targets for improvement, such as extending her knowledge and understanding of Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder demonstrates understanding of the self-evaluation process by reviewing constantly the implementation of the activities that support children's care and learning.

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provision

Inclusive practice is promoted for all children. The childminder adapts activities according to children's abilities, for example, during a cooking activity all children make a contribution. Children's welfare is competently safeguarded due to the implementation of a wide range of policies and procedures. There is a supportive partnership with parents and carers and this is underpinned by sharing information about their child's progress and by discussing strategies used to promote children's care. Owing to the strong relationship with other early years providers children's learning and development is well promoted.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making steady progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage due to the childminder's active involvement in their play. She supports children’s learning by extending activities appropriately. For example, after telling a story children are encouraged to make a 'mirror' with foil and to write their name on the back of this. Children are comfortable in the relaxed atmosphere and they have access to a wide range of resources. The childminder includes a good variety of activities to maintain interest across all areas of learning and this is reflected in children's attainments. Children play well with their peers and have developed turn-taking and sharing skills. They count confidently to 10 and they are learning to order items by identifying 'first, second and third'. Children are gaining an understanding of the wider community by attending playgroups where they have opportunity to mix with others from a range of backgrounds. Children are developing an appreciation of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

music as they press on the piano keys. Fine manipulative skills are promoted effectively through the use of small bats and equally, balancing skills are developed by walking on low beams.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's independence is positively encouraged as they choose resources and develop their play. The childminder gives rewards in the form of praise and stickers. Consequently, children's self-esteem is actively promoted. The childminder is aware of children's preferences and includes these in activities. For some children this means that they are engaged in recognising letters, whilst others enjoy imaginative play with puppets. Although the childminder has an accurate understanding of developmental stages, this is not always reflected in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 observations and assessments of children's learning. Furthermore, clear indications of the next step in their learning is not routinely included. The childminder understands the importance of discussing children's learning difficulties and/or disabilities with parents and carers to ensure that requirements are met in order to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

promote their additional needs effectively. The childminder shares information about children's progress with parents and carers and raises their awareness of children's skills and learning. Owing to a well established relationship with other early years providers, the childminder is informed about the weekly focus of their learning and supplements this with a range of activities and materials.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are generally safeguarded due to the childminder's understanding of child protection issues, for example ensuring that all adults living on the premises are vetted. However, there is some uncertainty regarding procedures to be followed in the event of allegations against members of the household. Children's good health is competently promoted because freshly cooked, balanced meals are provided and they are encouraged to try a wide variety of foods, which supports the childminder's efforts to raise their awareness of healthy options. They are protected against infections due to procedures such as hand washing. Children are helped to stay safe due to reminders to sit carefully on chairs and the childminder has provided a set of wrist bands with her mobile contact number to be used on outings. Children are clearly learning the boundaries of behaviour. They respond positively to requests and all are encouraged to respect others. The childminder is

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

a good role model for children as she talks to them calmly and politely. 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? 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 has been one complaint since the last inspection. The childminder notified Ofsted about an accident and they carried out an unannounced visit relating to the welfare requirement: Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare. Ofsted issued an action. The provider remains qualified for 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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