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 550021 Inspection date 24/08/2009 Inspector Jackie Nation

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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 2001. She lives with her husband who is also a registered childminder and three children aged 10, four and 10 months in the Maypole area of Birmingham. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant. The childminder's house is accessible via one step at the front entrance. She uses the ground floor of the premises for childminding; this includes access to a dedicated playroom and bathroom facilities. First floor rooms are not used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a dog. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and nurseries. The childminder attends carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time when working alone, or seven children when working with her co-childminder or childminding assistant. She currently has three children on roll in the early years age range and three older children who attend before and after school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and the Birmingham Inclusion Project.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children feel at home in the childminding environment where they share warm, friendly relationships with the childminder. The setting is well organised and the childminder provides good opportunities for children to learn and develop within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are treated as individuals and the childminder works effectively with parents to ensure children's specific needs are met. Most of the required documentation is in place to ensure children's well-being. The childminder shows a good commitment to improving outcomes for children through the use of a self-reflection system.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the risk assessment to include all outings undertaken to ensure children's safety  obtain information from parents about who has legal contact with the child and who has parental responsibility for the child. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is focused on helping all children make good progress in their learning, development and welfare. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder recognises her role and responsibility to protect children in her care. She has a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and these are shared with parents. She has effective vetting procedures in place and is vigilant about monitoring access to the premises. This provides reassurance to parents that the childminder and household members are suitable to have regular contact with the children. The childminder has taken positive steps to minimise the risks to children by completing a risk assessment of the premises and garden; she has started to complete risk assessments for outings although this requires further development to cover all outings undertaken to ensure children’s safety is fully supported. All aspects of fire safety are given good attention; smoke detectors are

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provision

checked regularly and children practise the emergency evacuation procedures. Effective records are maintained with regard to the children's attendance, medication and accidents. All records are stored to maintain confidentiality.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of inclusive practice and gives thoughtful consideration to children's individual needs. There is good provision in place to encourage children to have a strong sense of belonging; the environment is well organised and inviting to children, with a good range of resources easily accessible in the dedicated playroom. Partnership with parents is effective and there is a good two-way flow of information each day to ensure continuity of care. The childminder records relevant information about children's care routines and interests at the start of the childminding arrangements and this helps children to settle quickly. However, information from parents about who has legal contact and parental responsibility for their child is not yet in place. Parents have access to the childminder's written policies and procedures which underpin her practice and a range of useful information displayed on the notice board. Children benefit from

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provision

the childminder's commitment to update her professional skills and knowledge by attending a range of training courses, for example, first aid, child protection and food safety. The childminder has implemented the recommendations from the last inspection effectively to improve outcomes for children's well-being and the provision of information for parents. She has clear aims and objectives in relation to what she needs to do to develop her service so that children continue to be well cared for and uses the NCMA self-reflection tool to monitor and evaluate the setting effectively and identify any areas for improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a welcoming environment where they share warm relationships with the childminder and make good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. The childminder is knowledgeable about children’s individual interests, how to observe children and plan activities to support children’s enjoyment and achievement. She has developed individual learning journals to record children’s progress and attainment; this information is shared with parents and includes a range of photographs showing children’s This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 experiences and activities. Children’s next steps are planned for effectively and parents are fully involved in this process to ensure children move on at a pace suitable to their needs. The childminder has also established good links with other providers of the EYFS to ensure continuity of care and learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of children's developing needs and provides a good range of activities and opportunities that help keep children stimulated and interested in their play. Children are able to play at their own pace and initiate their own play because a good range of age-appropriate toys and resources are accessible which they can discover in their own time. The setting is rich in text, numbers, letters and posters which support children’s learning and interests.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from regular opportunities to explore the local environment, for example, they visit local parks, activity centres, the library and toddler groups. This helps promote their social skills and confidence as they mix with a wider group of children. Children's physical development is promoted effectively; they enjoy playing in the garden on the decked area where a range of equipment such as hoops, balls, tunnel and play tent are available. The childminder spends time interacting with the children and developing their language and communication skills. She helps children develop a love of books and talks enthusiastically about the stories; children enjoy the use of story puppets and songs they sing together. Good resources enable children to develop their mark-making skills, for example, using chalks, sand, paint and corn flour play. Children’s problem-solving and numeracy skills develop through play experiences; they sing number songs such as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

‘five currant buns’ using pennies to buy the buns, they complete puzzles, construct with a wide range of resources, and play games such as skittles and hopscotch. Children engage well in role play; they push dolls in pushchairs and happily make cups of tea for visitors. Children access a wide range of activities to enhance their creativity, for example, through art and craft activities, collage, marshmallow modelling and making cards for special occasions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good behaviour is promoted through discussions based on the children's level of understanding. The childminder has a calm, positive approach to behaviour management. She praises and encourages children in their achievements and encourages sharing, taking turns and respect for other people's feelings. Good procedures are in place to prevent the spread of infection and children wash their hands before snacks and meals and after using the bathroom, using their individual towels to dry their hands. Children are gaining a good awareness of personal safety through ongoing discussions and daily practice. For example, they discuss road safety while on outings and gentle reminders encourage children to use play equipment appropriately and move around the setting in a safe manner. Children are well nourished; all aspects of their individual dietary needs are discussed with parents and information about any specific needs is recorded.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with healthy, balanced and nutritious homemade meals and snacks which they thoroughly enjoy, for example, fresh fruit, toast, crackers, peppers and raisins. Children have drinks when they wish and this ensures they are kept hydrated. 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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