Childminder in BirminghamOfsted inspection, 9 Jun 2009

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 227659 Inspection date 09/06/2009 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 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 Yardley Wood, Birmingham. Most of the downstairs of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and the home is close to shops and parks. 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 four children in this age group who all attend part- time. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 16 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

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a registered Neighbourhood Care Service childminder and part of an inclusion scheme linked to a local children’s centre. She is able to offer care during the day, overnight and at weekends to children from a variety of different backgrounds. Access to the home is over a small step accessed by a ramped driveway.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's early years training, commitment and knowledge and so make good progress in their learning and development. They are well safeguarded, kept safe and healthy and enjoy the benefits of a warm and nurturing environment. Strong relationships are established with children’s families and other professionals so that children are well integrated and achieving as much as they can. The childminder has reviewed her practice to ensure that it reflects both the welfare and learning requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, the systems for identifying children’s next steps and for planning continuous improvements are not yet fully developed.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of self-evaluation to identify new ways of working so that continuous improvements can be made  extend the assessment system to include children's next steps in their learning and development and share these with parents and outside professionsals, when appropriate.

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provision

The childminder is exceptional in her knowledge, understanding and dedicated to providing a good quality service for children and families. She is well qualified, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shows a strong commitment to ongoing, relevant training and uses her knowledge to provide care for children from a variety of different backgrounds. The childminder has a clear vision for good quality and inclusive care and self- assessment is evident in some of her practice. However, the system for ensuring continuous improvements has not yet developed sufficiently to be fully effective.

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provision

The childminder values the diversity of families and is highly effective in ensuring that all children are welcomed, secure and well cared for. There is a strong commitment to including all children and this is reflected in the wide range of training the childminder has undertaken to ensure that her practice is tailored to meet children’s individual needs and that she offers effective support to their families. For example, she is trained in how to support children with specific learning difficulties and has wide experience in supporting families in crisis. She values and respects families from all backgrounds, encourages both boys and girls to take part in all activities and provides learning experiences that interest them. Positive role models and effective strategies are used effectively, so that children make progress, irrespective of their starting points

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provision

Children benefit from the childminder's thorough knowledge of safety issues and the effective systems used to encourage them to move towards healthy eating. Safeguarding arrangements are robust and consistently updated through reviewing current guidance and regular training, and this ensures that the childminder acts in a way that fully reflects best practice. She works closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure important information about children is shared and works hard to involve parents in their children’s learning and development. Clear policies and procedures are used well to promote children’s welfare and all required documentation is maintained in an efficient and confidential manner.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are sociable and making good progress. They show interest in what they are doing and are constantly occupied. Joint play such as make-believe, construction and small world play helps children to learn the important social skills of sharing and cooperating. The childminder joins in enthusiastically with these activities, extending children’s understanding and helping children to enjoy learning new things. The childminder has a well-developed knowledge of each child’s individual needs and careful observations and assessments help her to plan appropriate strategies that help children progress. However, children's next steps are not clearly highlighted so that the childminder, parents and outside professionals can work together to support children's care and early education.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop confidence and self-esteem because of the wealth of praise and positive affirmation they receive. Clear boundaries and gentle tones are used to help children to learn right from wrong and close relationships are developed as children readily turn to the childminder for comfort and support. The childminder constantly talks to children to expand their vocabulary, and they enjoy snuggling close to look at favourite books. Children count as part of their everyday experiences and problem solve with puzzles and shape sorters. Tactile experiences, such as playing with sand and digging in the garden encourage young children to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 be curious and they enjoy investigating new things such as looking closely at flowers and watching bees. They see positive images of a diverse society through their playthings, and many of these reflect the children’s own culture and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

background. Pretend games such as making tea for the childminder encourages children to use their imaginations and they often sing-a-long and do actions to their favourite songs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing a clear understanding of dangers and how to stay safe. For example, they know not to go up the stairs and to be careful when walking by the baby. They learn good hygiene habits such as washing and drying their hands after using the toilet and are encouraged to brush their hair and clean their teeth, particularly when staying overnight or at weekends. There are lots of opportunities provided for children to be energetic and these encourage children to learn that playing in the garden or going to the park helps them to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A warm welcome is given to children's families and the childminder builds close relationships with parents and outside professionals so that important information is shared sensitively, particularly when children have specific or complex needs. 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

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