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 228356 Inspection date 03/02/2009 Inspector Rachel Wyatt

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Birmingham, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a first floor bathroom. There are stairs to the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play and children are taken on local walks and visits to nearby parks. Family has a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

Children are taken to and collected from local schools and nurseries. The childminder attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is an active member of local childminding groups. She has an National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children’s individual learning and welfare needs are successfully met because the childminder is well informed about these and regularly exchanges information with parents. The childminder's practice is inclusive so that each child is treated as an individual and with equal concern. Their ideas, interests and choices are welcomed and reflected in her setting. The childminder demonstrates a capacity to improve the services and outcomes for children. For example, she carefully monitors health and safety, has made improvements since the last inspection, and consistently reviews her practice following her regular attendance at training courses and meeting with other providers.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve links between assessment and planning to more clearly demonstrate how children's learning priorities are achieved through relevant and motivating learning experiences.

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provision

Children are safeguarded. The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children from harm and to take prompt action if she has concerns. She gives parents comprehensive safeguarding children procedures so they are fully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 aware of her role. Children's welfare is also promoted by the childminder's well- organised documentation and record keeping. She obtains all required information about children and their families, making sure parents understand the reasons for her asking about who may have legal contact with, or who has parental responsibility for, each child. Parents' wishes are reflected in the childminder's comprehensive agreements with them, including ensuring she can seek medical advice and treatment in an emergency.

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provision

A successful partnership with parents is established from the outset, the childminder ensuring families feel welcomed and that they fully understand how she operates. Introductory visits are encouraged when the childminder explains the different aspects of her childminding. A comprehensive portfolio, including policies and procedures, informs parents about her registration, suitability, qualifications and experience, and gives them a clear idea of how their children's welfare, learning and development will be promoted.

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provision

Children's health and safety are given priority. The childminder's home is comfortable and clean. Her effective health and hygiene procedures minimise the risks of cross-infection and ensure children's medical and care needs are clearly understood and fully met. Children have prompt appropriate treatment if they are unwell, have an accident or need medication, and their parents are kept well informed. All areas of the premises, equipment and toys are suitable and safe. Risk assessments, backed by regular checks around the home, outside areas and of outings, ensure that security is maintained, hazards are minimised and any safety issues are promptly addressed.

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provision

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to developing her practice. Since the last inspection she has completed a relevant early years National Vocational Qualification Level 3 and attended many courses. She has effectively incorporated ideas gained from these and her numerous contacts with other providers, for example, to support the ongoing development of her assessment procedures; to successfully encourage younger children's exploration and expression in practical ways; to more effectively promote children's positive behaviour, and to ensure consistently high standards in nutrition and food safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy the rewarding toys and activities provided by the childminder. They feel valued, settle quickly and are absorbed in what they are doing because the childminder makes sure she knows their interests. Toys, books and resources are organised to reflect children's abilities and preferences. For example, a toddler can help himself to his favourite toys, children go to the library to choose their books, and the childminder regularly consults them about what they want to do. Children's enjoyment, skills and understanding are enhanced by worthwhile outings. For example, on trips to various local parks children enjoy seeing different animals, feeding the ducks and exploring their surroundings. Their interactions and social skills are promoted through meeting other children and trying different activities at toddler groups. All children are able to be physically active and to extend their skills through using a range of apparatus and wheeled toys at the

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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 various venues they go to.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress. An effective partnership with parents and the childminder's observations help her to establish each child's starting points and to support their ongoing development. The childminder collates helpful information about children's achievements such as annotated photographs, brief observations and examples of their work. However, there is some inconsistency in identifying individual children's learning priorities or in demonstrating how and when a recommended next step has been achieved. In other respects, the childminder confidently adapts her interactions with children and organises resources and activities to cater for their differing levels of understanding and skill. She ensures children are active learners with a wide range of activities which promote their critical thinking and creativity. For example, toddlers enjoy counting during favourite number rhymes whilst older children's problem solving, colour and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

number recognition are extended during matching games or popular maths activities. All children express themselves imaginatively during regular collage and painting activities, playing with dolls and small world figures, dressing up and role play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's life skills are fostered in practical ways. They behave well in line with the childminder's realistic house rules and behaviour management policy. Children make friends and play cooperatively. Well chosen activities, toys and books help children to respect and value one another and the lives and experiences of others. Children are increasingly self-reliant because their independence is fostered, they are encouraged to manage their personal hygiene and to look after toys and possessions. Children make healthy choices about what they want to eat or drink from the childminder's varied child-friendly menus and they behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others. For example, children have created their own certificate for the childminder to sign and laminate to acknowledge their participation in current activities focussing on road safety. 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 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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