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 227583 Inspection date 26/01/2009 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

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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 1999. She lives with her family in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a secure enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Access to the property is via a sloping drive and two small steps.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently caring for three children, all of whom are in the early years age group. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the overarching requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and good use is made of observations and assessments to inform planning. The childminder's provision is inclusive and children’s individual needs are identified, regularly discussed with parents and agreed plans made to meet the next steps for their care and education. The partnership with parents is good and they are provided with opportunities to comment on the childminder's practice. Generally well-written policies and procedures securely underpin the childminder's practice, however some documentation is incomplete.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider making more formal records of the observations and assessments undertaken  update knowledge and understanding of current safeguarding issues  ensure risk assessment checks are recorded  ensure consent for transport and outings is in place for all children.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how to meet the welfare and education requirements of the EYFS. All adults in the household have undergone appropriate vetting procedures and all visitors' identity is checked ensuring children are not exposed to unsuitable adults. The childminder is consistent in her approach to the children and encourages parents to comment at any time on her practice. She is a good role model and as a result children's behaviour is good. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 There is a good range of policies and procedures in place such as, child protection information, equality and inclusion, activities and behaviour management, all of which are shared with parents. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) issues but, is fully aware of how to protect the children both at home and when on outings. She shares her portfolio of

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provision

documentation and information with all parents and encourages their continuous involvement in their children's learning. She happily takes on board comments and suggestions from parents on the care she offers the children. Whilst a risk assessment has been undertaken it has not been recorded.

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provision

There is a good capacity for continuous improvement as shown by the commitment and approach the childminder has taken to both her inspection and her self-assessment. The recording of parental comments shows her commitment to inclusion in its broadest sense. Children and parents are treated with respect and all aspects of individual care are taken on board, managed appropriately and recorded. Children's starting points are fully discussed with parents and their individual folders show that all children are progressing well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home and there are good relationships between the children and the childminder. The storage of resources enables children to mostly self-select from the wide range of age-appropriate toys and equipment both indoors and out. The childminder regularly observes and assesses the children's development and participation in activities. The results are used to plan for children's next steps in learning and development. Information regarding children's activities, achievements and progress are communicated with parents on a daily basis. They are asked to comment on how they feel their children are progressing and to make suggestions on how to meet the next steps for their children's learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a good range of adult-led and child-initiated activities with the childminder encouraging exploration and providing changes of activity to keep children interested and motivated. The childminder uses her garden regularly and ensures children are provided with additional opportunities for outdoor and physical play. She regularly takes children on outings where they discuss nature and the wider world, including where planes are flying to, holidays, and then discussions are extended to compare other forms of transport. Children are taken on walks, go pond dipping, discuss the seasons and learn about other cultures and beliefs as they, celebrate festivals, listen to stories, play with a range of resources and openly discuss the similarities and differences in everyone.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to develop the habits and behaviours appropriate to good learners such as sharing equipment, taking turns and listening to others. Children are helped to develop their social skills by attending pre-school groups and discussions on their behaviour. They are beginning to learn how to problem solve for themselves as they work out how to fit the ladder to the farm barn and, find out whether all 'Compare Bears' weigh the same. The childminder is very consistent in her approach to the children giving them clear messages about how This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to behave and her expectations of them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how children learn through play. She continues to undertake training to extend the opportunities she offers to children. Children enjoy a good range of play opportunities and experiences and the childminder is actively involved in their play. For example, reading stories on demand, providing similar resources to prevent arguments and asking open-ended questions to stimulate children's thought processes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parents provide all food and milk for children under one and the childminder then provides all meals and snacks. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and ensures children are provided with a healthy and nutritious range of meals and snacks, which includes fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Children have free access to drinks at all times and independence at meal times is encouraged. The childminder is proactive in ensuring children's health and personal safety and regularly discusses the benefits of physical activities, healthy eating and ensures children learn about road safety, water safety and 'stranger danger'. 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 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 the last inspection.

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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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