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 504698 Inspection date 18/03/2009 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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband, one adult child and one child aged 12 years old, in Northfield, Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house, including a dedicated playroom, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder's home is accessible via a step at the front entrance. The childminder has a pet dog.

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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 13 children on a full-time and part- time basis, five of whom are with in 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 are very content at this welcoming setting, where they make good progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are cared for by a calm, patient childminder who clearly enjoys spending time talking and interacting with them. Children’s uniqueness and individuality are valued because the childminder demonstrates a firm commitment to promoting inclusive practice. Detailed documentation is in place to ensure children’s welfare and the safe management of the business. The childminder has made a positive start in implementing the EYFS with regard to the welfare, learning and development requirements and demonstrates a good commitment to ongoing improvement by ascertaining the views of service users.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure that all children's needs are met  continue to develop observational assessments in order to plan for children’s individual needs and help them make progress towards the early learning goals.

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provision

Children enjoy playing in this welcoming environment because good consideration has been given to providing an appealing environment. For example, a dedicated play room is available that is well-equipped and very welcoming to children. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder is vigilant about ensuring children’s safety. For example, safety guidelines are adhered to on outings and the childminder completes daily checks, and a risk assessment. This ensures potential hazards to children both indoors and on outings are minimised. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to protect children in her care. For example, she has completed an National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) distance learning course in Child Protection Awareness in order to further develop her knowledge and skills. Effective, well-organised

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provision

documentation relating to children’s progress, health and safety is in place. The childminder is fully aware of the importance of adhering to her conditions of registration. Vetting procedures include provision for undertaking Criminal Records Bureau checks to ensure children only come into contact with adults who are deemed suitable.

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provision

The childminder is committed to treating all children equally and is part of an Inclusion project to help children with specific individual needs. All children are valued and the childminder demonstrates pride by having photographs displayed of all children that attend her setting on an ‘Every Child Matters’ display. Good communication with parents and carers is fostered because the childminder offers a flexible service to accommodate their work patterns. Collaborative working is fostered because, as an experienced childminder, she is well known to the local school and ensures information relevant to children’s welfare is exchanged. The childminder has given good consideration to evaluating her practice by ascertaining parent’s views via a questionnaire, all of which reflect positive comments about the childminder's service. Her portfolio includes 'thank you' cards from previous service users, happy with the level of care and education their children received. The

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provision

childminder is committed to updating her knowledge and skills through further training. For example, being part of the Inclusion scheme, she has completed courses on, 'Understanding Autism' and managing children’s behaviour.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning and development within the EYFS. Activities are carefully planned to cover a variety of challenging experiences based on children’s individual interests. Children confidently play with a very good range of quality resources and equipment that help to develop a variety of skills. However, the childminder does not always associate which resources can be used to further develop specific areas of learning, such as magnets to develop investigative skills in knowledge and understanding of the world. Careful consideration has been given to planning and assessment systems to ensure children are achieving within the EYFS. For example, the childminder uses a topic based approach, such as 'Transport' or 'Animals' to introduce new concepts to children and plans activities that encompass a broad range of new knowledge and skills. Assessment systems have also been carefully considered. For example, the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder has started to collate evidence of children’s activities in scrap book and reviews children’s progress to assist with future individualised planning. However, these systems are yet to be consolidated and evaluated to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered. Partnerships with parents, carers and the local school are valued and information relating to children’s welfare and progress is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 exchanged on a daily basis.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children are welcome at this setting and their individual needs are met. For example, the childminder has organised a resource box that would be of particular interest to autistic children as it includes toys and equipment to stimulate the senses, such as touch and smell. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to inclusion. For example, the childminder uses a multi-faith calendar to ensure she has regard for all festivals to help teach children about diversity. Children have access to dual language books and talk about the different appearance between English and Hindu text. Children behave very well and the childminder has good, trusting relationships with children and clearly knows how to handle each individual child appropriately. Children play well together and praise each other for their efforts by saying ‘good boy' or ‘good girl’ when completing a puzzle. Children say they enjoy counting and competently count to 13. Children make gifts to celebrate

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Mother’s Day by painting wooden photo frames in the shape of a flower pot. Children demonstrate good catching and throwing skills as they throw a ‘hairy ball’ to each other, chuckling as it goes through the air.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to keep themselves safe and develop an understanding of fire safety as they practise fire drills every three months. Children’s health is promoted because the childminder is a qualified first aider and has an accessible medical box in the event of an accident or emergency. Children’s dietary needs are respected as the childminder discusses food allergies or religious restrictions prior to children starting at the setting. Healthy eating is encouraged as children are encouraged to eat fruit every day. Children have access to a water machine ensuring they can help themselves to drinks whenever they require. Children’s physical development is encouraged through use of the garden, walks within the local community and visits to the local parks, ensuring children enjoy plenty of fresh air. 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

On 23 November 2007 Ofsted received a complaint that required the provider to take action. This related to organisation: the number of children being cared for.

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Detail of the complaint/s

On 4 December 2007, we carried out a visit with regard to the complaint and as a result the provider was found to be breaching their registration numbers and a warning was issued. The provider remained suitable for registration at the time and the investigation was closed.

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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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