Childminder in BirminghamOfsted inspection, 14 Jul 2009

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 257210 Inspection date 14/07/2009 Inspector Angela Dyer

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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 has been registered since 1984 and lives with her husband in Longbridge, Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder also provides overnight care where children have access to the upstairs bathroom and two children's bedrooms.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder works alongside her daughter who is a registered childminder and a maximum of seven children may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently five children attending who are within the early years age range and one child attending aged eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for a maximum of three children and has ten children on roll who attend overnight aged between two years and 13 years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has suitable procedures to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language. The premises are accessible via the front entrance which has a low step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, a registered foster carer and provides care as part of the neighbourhood care scheme. The childminder has a recognised early years qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good with some outstanding aspects. The childminder shows obvious enjoyment in her role and takes time to develop warm and caring relationships with the children in her care. There is a strong commitment from the childminder to ensuring all children are included and she works collaboratively with parents and other professionals to ensure she supports and meets children's individual needs. Most required documentation, including written policies and procedures, are in place and maintained to a high standard. The childminder has a clear vision for future practice and involves her co-minder, parents and children in monitoring and evaluating the service to identify further areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop current risk assessments to include anything with which a child may come into contact, this is specifically in relation to the use of the trampoline. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of childcare, her experience and ongoing commitment to developing and enhancing her practice through attending further training, including first aid. She demonstrates a professional approach to her role and has completed a recognised childcare and playwork qualification. The childminder and her co-minder work together successfully, sharing their responsibilities in a seamless manner whilst offering each other support. She is a strong advocate for children's rights and regularly campaigns for better facilities for local children. She has a detailed knowledge of the local community and is therefore able to offer families additional support through signposting them to different services within the local area.

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provision

The childminder has developed excellent partnerships with parents. Information is shared prior to the children starting and daily discussions are held about what they have done during the day. Parents are also kept up-to-date with their children's progress through daily diaries, noticeboards, newsletters and having access to their observation records and learning journals. The childminder takes and displays photographs of the children as they engage in various activities and has also put together a disc of photographs which parents and children can enjoy watching together. The childminder offers a fully inclusive service and welcomes all children and families into her home.

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provision

Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has a clear understanding of health and safety. She carries out and records monthly safety checks of the environment and understands the importance of assessing potential risks before going on any outings. However, whilst the written risk assessments for outings are detailed and thorough, the safety checks for the home environment lack sufficient detail and do not fully include the use of the trampoline and the actions taken to keep children safe. The childminder has a professional knowledge of safeguarding procedures and demonstrates a clear understanding of the referral process and the actions she would take if she was concerned about a child's safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children are happy in the childminder's care and close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self- worth. High quality adult-child interactions are extremely supportive of children's communication skills. During interactive story and song sessions, children benefit from stimulating visual aids, which the childminder has made. Children access a wide variety of activities which are thoughtfully planned and prepared to encourage them to develop skills, knowledge and have fun. Children are encouraged to become fully involved in creative play and 'getting messy' is not used as a barrier for children's enjoyment or creativity. Young children thoroughly enjoy role-play, tipping warm tea from the teapot into teacups and stirring the tea with their plastic spoons. They also enjoy hand and foot painting and baking cakes for other children's and parents' birthdays.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's efforts and achievements are praised and valued by the childminder who has a calm, friendly and gentle manner. Encouragement and praise is given consistently throughout the day and children's artwork and photographs are proudly displayed on the walls of the childminder's home, which in turn develops their confidence and self-esteem. There is a commitment from the childminder to ensure all children are included and she takes pride in seeing them develop to their full potential. She has a sound knowledge of appropriate behaviour management strategies and children are encouraged to share, take turns and consider the needs of others as well as themselves. Activities are used effectively to encourage children to value diversity and children are encouraged to learn about the world around them through fun activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a detailed knowledge of the children in her care and uses the information gained through informal observations to plan for their next steps in learning. Children have individual learning journals, which document their good progress through the use of photographs and observations. The childminder has attended a wide range of training sessions to increase her knowledge of how to provide appropriate support to families and meet the needs of children with specific learning difficulties and disabilities. The childminder values the uniqueness of each child and shows respect for children's family backgrounds.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are protected from infection through the implementation of effective hygiene procedures, including the use of paper towels for hand drying. Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks and the childminder's recognition of the importance of physical activity contributes to children's good health. The childminder is first aid trained and has a clear understanding of the procedures to take if a child were to have an accident. Children are also encouraged to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they learn safety rules, including the fire evacuation procedure. 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? 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

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