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 228118 Inspection date 24/08/2009 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her adult daughter in a terraced house in the Handsworth area of Birmingham within walking distance of local parks, schools and shops. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding including a first floor bathroom. There is a dedicated play room and secure outdoor play area. The family has a pet cat.

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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. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for one child in the early years age range before and after school and during school holidays. The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools and attend playgroups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder who provides many opportunities for them to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). A good range of play and learning opportunities help to meet all children's needs well and keep them actively engaged. Partnership with parents, carers and other professionals ensures children's individual needs are met well. The childminder is developing systems to identify the strengths and weaknesses of her provision, although these including the written risk assessment are not 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 assessment and planning systems to ensure all areas of learning are covered  develop further a system to monitor and evaluate the quality of the provision develop further the risk assessment and ensure the record notes when they have been checked, ensure that the record is reviewed at least once a year, this also applies to outings.

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provision

The childminder creates a homely environment for children where they are able to move around, choosing activities or just relax whilst watching television or reading stories. The children's care environment is safe and secure as suitable safety equipment is fitted around the home, such as stair gates and fire guards. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to protect them and she shares the safeguarding policy with parents. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder supervises the children very well and has taken some steps to risk assess the premises. However, these assessments lack sufficient details regarding when they were checked or reviewed. The childminder knows the children well and recognises their individuality, favourite activities and interests. She understands about how to observe children and plan activities, although the assessment system

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provision

does not clearly show how all the learning areas are incorporated. The childminder has devised some systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of the provision with the use of questionnaires, however, these have not been fully consolidated.

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provision

Good communication with parents and carers is fostered. For example, she gives parents an information pack at the start of the placement relating to her childminding business. The parents notice board displays relevant information regarding her training and the EYFS poster to help parents understand the current framework. She uses a daily diary to record children's routines and daily activities to ensure parents are fully aware of their children's progress and development. She has a range of resources and books which reflect diversity and she is encouraging children to value and respect each other through celebrating festivals.

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provision

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and she carries first aid equipment and children's emergency contact numbers with her when out with children. She maintains good hygiene standards ensuring children wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and cleaning the table before it is used for mealtime. The childminder uses a developmental checklist to assess the children's development, however, it does not fully cover the EYFS practice guidance to ensure children's learning is effectively monitored. The childminder works closely with other agencies to support children and offers an inclusive service, welcoming all children into her care. She recognises the uniqueness of each child and aims to help all children feel good about themselves and develop to their full potential.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals, because the childminder offers consistent routines and a caring and supporting environment to ensure children develop a sense of belonging. The childminder provides a good range of resources and opportunities for children to develop their play and become independent learners as they are able to instigate their own play. Children enjoy their time with the childminder who plans some interesting activities, such as mixing flour and water to make play dough. Children can choose from a good range of resources which are easily accessible to them in the playroom. Children benefit from good opportunities to explore the local environment as they visit playgroups, parks, local shops and the library. Children have many opportunities to engage in outdoor play where they are able to play with sand, water or ride bikes. The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking questions and engaging

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

them in discussions to promote their language and communication skills. Whilst preparing fruits for snack time the childminder encourages children to count the pieces of fruits and to count objects.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy being creative as they draw, paint and colour pictures in colouring This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 books. Children access a selection of books for reading stories and are able to develop their writing skills. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety. For example, they practice the fire drills and understand about stranger danger and road safety. Children learn about their environment as they plant bulbs and cress seeds. They learn about their own and other cultures and engage in activities, such as tasting food from different cultures or celebrating festivals. Children are provided with a good range of resources to develop their imagination, they are able to dress-up and take on different roles and enjoy the play kitchen where they pretend to cook and serve meals, dress dolls or pretend they are taking them shopping in the play pram.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a calm, positive approach to behaviour management. She praises and encourages children in their achievements, for example, saying that she was 'so proud of her'. The childminder is aware of where to find advice and guidance if offering a service for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Whilst there are no children attending with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder does have experience in this area of childcare and is keenly aware of the need to liaise openly with parents, carers and any other agencies involved, to ensure consistency in developing each child to their full potential. 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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