Allen Marie Elizabeth

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 EY276983 Inspection date 13/01/2009 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and five years old in the Kings Norton area of Birmingham. The house is accessed via a small step. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor and the bathroom located on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family has a pet guinea pig and a rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. A maximum of five children within the early years age range may attend at any one time. There are currently seven children on roll attending on a full-time and part-time basis, all of whom are within the early years age range. The childminder attends a local play and stay group and can support children with learning difficulties/disabilities and children who have English as an additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is also a member of an inclusion service, for children and their families who may need some childcare support. In addition the childminder has achieved the Quality First, quality assurance award, Level 3.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make significant progress within this inclusive, welcoming setting where they display excellent levels of achievement within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children’s different backgrounds, cultures and festivals are discussed and celebrated helping children to develop a positive attitude regarding the diverse society in which they live. Highly effective partnerships with parents/carers and other professionals, including links with the local Children’s Centre ensure information regarding children’s progress and specific needs is exchanged and collaborative working fostered. Outstanding practice is consolidated and sustained through rigorous self-evaluation systems ensuring ongoing, continuous improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to develop skills and qualifications in order to engage in informed, reflective practice.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a high level of commitment to safeguarding as she has an excellent understanding of her duty to report and record any child protection concerns. Children’s safety is promoted as the childminder maintains This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effective, detailed documentation and procedures. For example, robust risk assessments are regularly reviewed and include all outings and potential risks to children. Consequently children play and learn in a safe and challenging environment. Adults undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks to demonstrate their suitability. The childminder has implemented a thorough, reflective appraisal of the setting’s strengths and areas for improvement in order to deliver and maintain a high quality service.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning, development and welfare requirements. As an accredited childminder and having completed a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in care, learning and development, the childminder demonstrates an excellent knowledge and understanding of how best to promote children’s learning. For example, the environment is extremely well organised and inviting for children with high quality resources easily accessible, ensuring children can guide their own play. Children’s interests and levels of development are catered for. For example, younger children spontaneously lie down and draw around stencils attached to the floor, showing great delight in their finished pictures.

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provision

Children benefit from the childminder’s motivation and commitment to ongoing training because she prioritises attending courses, such as EYFS and SENCO training in order to keep up to date with the latest developments. She aspires to further enhance her reflective practice through ongoing training. Parents express their appreciation of the childminding service through thank-you letters and cards. Regular newsletters and daily discussions ensure an effective, two-way flow of information is exchanged.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children demonstrate exceptional levels of confidence and contentment at this welcoming, friendly home. Children's work and photographs of their experiences are displayed within the playroom offering children opportunities to reminisce about their fun experiences with the childminder. The childminder is a superb role model who listens to children and skilfully develops their language skills through meaningful conversations. Exceptional, detailed planning and assessment systems ensures children participate in purposeful, challenging activities reflective of their interests. Children’s progress is recorded in detailed learning journeys that clearly reflect children’s starting points and achievements in all areas of learning. This information is shared with parents on an ongoing basis and as part of a mid-term review. Individualised learning is evident as the childminder knows the children very well and understands and respects their individual personalities. All children’s

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning needs are planned for, including children with learning difficulties/difficulties and children identified as being gifted and talented.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children demonstrate excellent social skills and relationships both with the childminder and each other. They spontaneously use ‘please’ and ‘thank-you’, demonstrating superb manners and respect. Children’s behaviour is exemplary because they are sensitively encouraged to share and be tolerant of each other encouraging the formation of meaningful friendships. Older children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouraged to negotiate and solve any disputes with sensitive support from the childminder as required. Children demonstrate a love of books, recognising familiar characters and the structure of a story. Children learn to communicate in different ways, including ‘Makaton’ sign language. They develop early handwriting skills as they skilfully and carefully draw circles and lines on paper. Children show an interest in different shapes as they make collage picture of houses using squares

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and triangles for the windows and the roof. Children show curiosity in living things and develop a sense of time by planting sunflower seeds and tomatoes and then monitoring their growth. Children demonstrate developing physical skills as they skilfully and confidently use tools, such as a knife to chop a banana. Children’s imagination is evident as they participate in make believe play, for example using an empty plastic bottle to squirt cream on their hands and then pretending to rub it in.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety by practising fire drills and using tools and equipment that challenge their competence. Healthy eating is encouraged and nutritious snacks and meals, such as bananas and raisins are provided. The childminder has an excellent understanding of specific dietary needs and caters for all children appropriately. Children are encouraged to grow and taste fruit and vegetables, including runner beans and tomatoes. Children are encouraged to play outside every day in different types of weather, including rain and snow, where they enjoy splashing in puddles and making snow balls. Various trips within the local community ensure children enjoy enriching experiences, including visits to the local library and attending activities at the local Children’s Centre. 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? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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