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 EY319120 Inspection date 14/05/2009 Inspector Karen Cooper

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 10 and six years, in a house in Sutton Coldfield. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for minding, as well as the upstairs bathroom and one bedroom. The childminder's home is accessible from the ground floor and there is small step up to the front entrance. A fully enclosed garden is available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children and is currently minding 11 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Four of the children are within the early years age range. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to offer overnight care.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and regularly attends local toddler groups. She is a support childminder and is available to collect children from the local school.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of quality toys and resources and activities are well-planned to ensure that children make good progress in all areas of learning and development. The childminder provides a welcoming, child-orientated and inclusive environment where children are happy and well-settled. Close partnerships have been developed with parents and other professionals to ensure children’s individual needs are fully met. Documentation is well-organised and the majority of what is required is in place. The childminder shows a strong commitment to continuous improvement and ensures that any priorities for future development are identified and acted on.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the observation and assessment arrangements to ensure that all areas of learning are sufficiently covered  improve the fire evacuation procedure to include the whole of the property.

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provision

Children are cared for by an enthusiastic childminder who has developed a well- organised service. The childminder shows a good understanding of meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to further training. For example, she has attended ongoing training to improve her professional practice such as first aid, food safety, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 EYFS, disability awareness, and holds a recognised childcare qualification. Documentation is effectively used to obtain relevant information relating to children’s health, safety, learning and development, ensuring their individual needs are well met.

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provision

Children’s specific needs are extremely well supported because the childminder values each child’s individuality and understands their moods and temperaments very well. Information regarding their daily routines is obtained at the beginning of the placement, ensuring children can feel settled whilst in her care. Effective links with parents and carers, other childminders and the local school are fostered, helping to promote collaborative working.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder is fully committed to ensuring children are happy and well cared for. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection guidelines, having attended training. This is supported by thorough procedures which are shared with parents. Children play safely within this welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and proactive in minimising risks to children. For example, she undertakes daily visual checks and has compiled a formal risk assessment.

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provision

The childminder is committed to improving her practice and has addressed the recommendations set at her previous inspection. Part of this ongoing commitment to improvement includes developing self-evaluation systems to include the views of children, parents and carers as the childminder very much values their opinions and feedback.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress within the EYFS as they enjoy a varied routine that includes provision for children to attend different groups and enjoy a wide range of activities. Children develop their independent skills as they choose resources and direct their own play. The childminder has given good consideration to implementing the EYFS and has introduced suitable planning and assessment systems. These include the use of photographs and individual folders, although these systems are new and yet to be consolidated to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered. Children have good opportunities to learn about diversity as they have access to a range of positive images resources, including books, posters, figures and dolls.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s behaviour is sensitively managed by a calm, considerate childminder. Children are encouraged to play cooperatively because the childminder prioritises helping children to build positive relationships and develop their social skills. Children enjoy confident, trusting relationships with the childminder and are happy and settled. They are developing a love of music and enjoy playing with electronic toys and activity centres. Toys are placed at low-level in the playroom to ensure children are able to access them independently.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being are promoted as the childminder has good procedures in place if children become ill or have accident whilst at the setting. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are developing a good awareness of personal safety. For example, they know they need to hold hands when walking to school and are becoming aware of emergency evacuation procedures. However, the procedures do not include what to do in the event of an emergency occurring when using the first floor of the property, to ensure children's safety is fully protected. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals that are freshly prepared each day by the childminder, including pasta, fresh vegetables and fruit. Children can access drinks at any time, ensuring they stay well hydrated. The childminder ensures children’s dietary needs are catered for as she has an excellent understanding of allergies and religious

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

restrictions. The daily routine supports children’s needs, including provision for rest and sleep. Outdoor play is prioritised by the childminder as she ensures children have daily opportunities to enjoy the attractive garden. Children go on walks in the local area to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise and regularly visit other places of interest including adventure parks and farms. 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

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