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

p.1

Unique reference number EY381668 Inspection date 11/08/2009 Inspector Elaine Poulton

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2009. She lives with her husband and children age 12 and 15 years in Birmingham, West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. The second story of the building is not used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The property is accessed via a flat driveway to the front door.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. Currently, there is one child on roll in the early years age range. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has an appropriate Level 3 early years qualification. She walks or uses the family vehicle to take and collect children from local schools and she undertakes outings.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. There is a varied range of enjoyable activities available for children and this helps them to make steady progress toward the early learning goals. The childminder supports all children's learning and development adequately. She effectively promotes inclusive practice and ensures most records are well maintained. She has developed successful partnerships with parents and others, which enables her to meet children's individual needs well. The system for self-evaluation is relatively new, however, the childminder shows good commitment to continual improvement.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop further the observation and assessment process, make sure records are linked to the expectations of the early learning goals, encourage parents to contribute to the records and use the information gathered to plan next steps in children's learning  develop further the system for self evaluation  improve further the written risk assessment to ensure it covers anything the child comes into contact with.

p.3

provision

The childminder has an appropriate early years Level 3 qualification. Although, she is aware of her strengths and areas for improvement, the system for self- evaluation is in the early stages of development and therefore, not yet fully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effective. She is keen on attending additional training and awareness courses to increase her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and childcare issues. For example, she is hopeful of attending basic food handling and hygiene course. The childminder shows a commitment to developing her knowledge which leads to better outcomes for children.

p.3

provision

Most documentation is organised well with robust records for accidents, medication and each child's daily attendance. Risks are identified in the home and garden and safety precautions are taken, such as close supervision of children whilst outdoors. Various outings are undertaken and clear safety procedures are in place although the risk assessment is not developed fully. This potentially compromises children's safety. The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and is fully aware of her role and responsibility to report any child protection concerns. This ensures all children are safeguarded.

p.4

provision

She provides a welcoming environment for the children in her care. Resources, toys and games are easily accessible which enables each child to make choices in their play. Children are happy to enter the setting and make spontaneous requests for activities. For example, they ask the childminder to read a story to them as they are walking through the door and taking their coats off.

p.4

provision

All policies are shared at initial visits and there is a clear system in place to record who has legal contact and who has parental responsibly. Children's individual needs are discussed and information is exchanged verbally and in writing with parents on a regular basis. The childminder has devised a routine activity plan and a pictorial record for each child; this helps to keep parents updated with their child's daily activities.

p.4

provision

There are many opportunities for children to meet and socialise with others. Regular outings are planned to the park and activity centres. Good links with the local school are established, ensuring continuity of care and learning for children.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parents provide a packed lunch, otherwise snacks and drinks are provided for every child. For example, they have fresh fruit and sometimes cookies, and their water containers are always available. The childminder is happy to follow parents' wishes regarding mealtimes and rest times. She has a routine hygiene plan for nappy change and this is to help reduce cross-contamination. She also checks outdoor equipment such as the slide, to ensure it is safe for the children to use.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Planning, observation and assessment systems are not linked fully to the EYFS or shared effectivly. However, the childminder has a good understanding of children’s stages of development which enables her to support their learning successfully. She has experience of caring for children with special needs and her knowledge of child development enables her to support children's care and development well. She has a good awareness of what children already know, their likes and dislikes and their particular interests. She uses this knowledge well to plan an interesting range of activities. For example, by using a shopping game to support and develop This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 one child’s problem solving skills. This engagement in role play activities helps children to make sense of their experiences.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy looking at and sharing their favourite books whilst sitting together. They particularly enjoy books that describe and show pictures of creatures changing. For example, from tadpole to frog and from caterpillar to butterfly. They have access to games, educational toys, physical play activities and have ‘free- flow’ access to the outdoor area. This means children are motivated, interested and are becoming independent learners.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Praise and words of encouragement are used well and as a result, children are well behaved. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7