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 504708 Inspection date 07/04/2009 Inspector Christine Lynn Williams

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and an adult child in a residential area of Stirchley, Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding and the house is close to a park, school and public transport links. There is a fully enclosed play area available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder currently supports children with learning difficulties. A ccess to the property is over six steep steps. The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification, acts as a support worker for the local Children's Centre and is a member of a childminding network. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is able to collect children from the local school and nursery. She attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good, with some aspects of the childminder's practice being exemplary. Inclusion and the steps taken to meet children's individual needs are particular strengths and are promoted to an outstanding level. Children are sociable, independent and make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder is proactive in ensuring that all children's welfare needs are met and is highly responsive to parents. She has a clear vision for high quality and inclusive care and has developed many new ways of working as a result of effective self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 reassess children's records in order to further strengthen partnership working for those children with complex support needs.

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provision

Children benefit greatly from the childminder’s childcare qualifications, experience and her clear commitment to training and keeping up-to-date with best practice guidance. She has worked hard to develop her knowledge and understanding of the welfare, learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Stage (EYFS) and this is reflected in the good quality care offered to children. Some aspects of her practice are extremely strong, while other new ways of working have not yet fully matured. For example, she has begun to reassess children’s records in order to further strengthen partnership working for those children with complex support needs, although this process is not yet completed.

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provision

Self-assessment is evident in the childminder’s practice and she has a clear vision for high quality and inclusive care. She continually observes and assesses children’s needs, listens to what children say and acts upon their comments. As a result, children make good progress and are constantly helped to move forward in their learning and development. The childminder values the diversity of families and the local community and is highly effective in ensuring that all children are included and develop positive attitudes about themselves and others. Children’s thoughts, contributions and creations are acknowledged with sensitivity and they are helped to understand and develop positive relationships with others who are different from themselves. The childminder places a high priority on developing the necessary personal skills to meet all children’s needs and this ensures children and families are helped to participate and develop a strong sense of identity and

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provision

Children are well-protected because the childminder understands her role in safeguarding and is able to put effective procedures into practice when necessary. Detailed communication between children’s families, the childminder and the other settings children attend has a very positive effect on children’s welfare and learning. Parents are always well-informed, regularly review their children’s progress and contribute to their child’s learning record by sharing what their children have done at home. The childminder has been proactive in using record keeping and policies effectively for the benefit of children and these are well- considered and form the basis of her effective practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children access a wide variety of stimulating activities, which the childminder thoughtfully plans and prepares to encourage them to develop skills across all areas of their learning and development. She has a well-developed knowledge of each child’s individual needs and continually observes children so that she can quickly assess how they play, speak, concentrate, listen and interact with each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are relaxed, show they feel at home and confidently select and make decisions about what they would like to do and play with. They have the freedom to experiment, whilst still knowing that the childminder is always close at hand to help. Many practical life skills are learnt as they wipe their own faces and place the tissue in the bin, or help each other to put on their coats. Children talk confidently and expressively as they play. They make up their own songs, enjoy matching picture and word games and enjoy looking at books. They recognise numbers as part of their everyday play and solve problems through puzzles and building things. Making cakes, printing with potatoes and healthy eating games provide lots of opportunities to learn new things and they extend their experiences and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 become familiar with different people when attending different activities held at

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the local Children’s Centre. Small world play, dressing up and puppet play encourage children to develop their imaginations and they draw, colour and use their creativity widely to make interesting things such as complex boarders around their drawings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very well-supervised and are developing a growing understanding of how to think and act safely. Regular events such as practicing the fire drill and crossing the road safely allow children to learn how to keep themselves safe and to challenge themselves within a safe environment. For example, children learn how to extend their physical skills by using the climbing frame in different ways. The childminder maintains children’s healthy interest in their own bodies, their own well-being and food preferences, while helping them to understand why some choices are healthier than others. She talks to them about the effect too many sugary foods can have on their teeth and provides weekly meal menus that help children to look forward to the variety of nourishing meals provided. There are lots of opportunities for children to be energetic and these help them to learn that enjoying the garden, parks and open spaces help them to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

From the outset, strong relationships are established with children's families so that there is a constant two-way flow of information between the childminder and home. 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 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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