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 228199 Inspection date 19/02/2009 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

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 a registered childminder since 1993. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter. They live in a house in Erdington within walking distance of local primary schools. The childminder's home is accessible via a step at the front entrance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes together with a first floor bedroom which is registered for sleeping infants and a first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has a dog and rabbits as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for six children. The childminder is currently minding four children on a full-time and part- time basis, all of whom are within the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy their time at this homely, inclusive setting which supports every child and no-one is disadvantaged. Children are cared for by a dedicated, experienced childminder and they have access to a good range of resources. Good, well-organised documentation is in place to ensure children's safety and well-being and mostly maintained efficiently. Generally, sufficient regard is given to collaborative working. The childminder has made a positive start in implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) with regard to the welfare requirements, planning, and assessment and self- evaluation systems.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure records of attendance are accurately maintained for the safe and efficient management of the setting  develop further partnership working to promote consistency with regard to developing children's pre-writing skills  consolidate assessment systems to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered.

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provision

Children play safely in this welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and alert to hazards both indoors and on outings. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 undertakes regular risk assessments and has installed safety equipment, such as fire guards to ensure risks to children are minimised. Effective safeguarding procedures ensure children are protected. For example, the childminder has a secure understanding of her duty to report and record any concerns and has made information available to parents regarding child protection procedures. Vetting procedures include provision for checking Criminal Records Bureau disclosures and these details are available for parents/carers. The childminder has given good consideration as to how she will evaluate her practice to include the views of children and parents/carers.

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provision

Children’s individual needs are respected and the childminder ensures children’s record cards include details about routines and specific dietary needs. The childminder is committed to treating all children equally and valuing their differences. For example, she takes time to find out children’s play preferences and then uses a toy library or buys resources to match children’s interests. The childminder organises her home effectively as resources and equipment are of high quality and attractively displayed, ensuring children can initiate and direct their own play. Relevant documentation is in place and well-organised to ensure the safe management of the setting. However, checking systems to ensure the accuracy of documents are not always effective, resulting in an oversight in the attendance register regarding departure times.

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provision

As an experienced childminder, she has facilitated meaningful links with parents/carers and other settings including schools to ensure that children’s individual progress is effectively monitored. However, further liaison with local schools regarding pre-writing skills would ensure consistency for children when developing their pre-writing skills and letter formation. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to updating her knowledge and skills through further training. For example, she holds an up-to-date first aid certificate and has attended courses on the Common Assessment Framework and the EYFS welfare, learning and development requirements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress and show positive attitudes towards learning within the EYFS. For example, children show good concentration skills whilst playing with a castle and enthusiastically talk about what they are doing. The childminder is very committed to providing a happy, caring environment in which children can thrive and direct their own play because space and resources are used effectively. The childminder has introduced new planning and assessment procedures. For example, a photographic diary is used and includes children’s starting points which will eventually give a good record of children’s progress and achievements. However, these systems are yet to be consolidated and evaluated to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

As an experienced minder, she has a good understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to plan and provide activities that are suitable for both younger and older children. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion and welcomes the diversity and individuality of all children. For example, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children’s views are actively sought as they make collage pictures of what they enjoy at the setting, reflecting children’s priorities, such as the range of toys and food provided. Children develop their understanding of the wider world and their community through small world resources and books that reflect positive images. Good quality information is available to parents/carers including guidance on how to make a complaint about the service.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well and appropriate behaviour, such as sharing and taking turns, is encouraged by the childminder. Children learn to keep themselves safe by taking part in regular fire drills. Children are developing good social skills and demonstrate confidence as they have trusting relationships with the childminder and pretend to make cups of tea for visitors. Children are developing a love of books and articulate their thoughts and preferences as they confidently talk about liking the taste of grapes and sweets whilst looking at pictures. Children practice their counting skills as they walk up the stairs, counting 12 steps in sequence. Children develop a sense of time as they recall seeing a car transporter when previously out walking with the childminder. Children have first hand contact with the weather and the natural world by walking to local parks and visiting local parent/carer groups. Children use a variety of media including paints and collage

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s good health and well-being is promoted and supported by appropriate documentation. Good hygiene routines are in place; for example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before snacks and meals and after using the toilet. The childminder encourages healthy eating and provides nutritious meals, taking into account children’s individual preferences. Children enjoy good opportunities for fresh air and exercise as they have daily use of the garden and are taken on outings to places of interest, such as Lichfield Park. 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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