Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 504621 Inspection date 10/09/2009 Inspector Christine Lynn Williams

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1985. She lives in the Northfield area of Birmingham and works with a co-childminder. Both childminders have equal responsibility for the childminding practice and occasionally work with an assistant. The ground floor area of the childminder’s home is used for childminding and the house is close to shops, schools and public transport links. There is a fully enclosed play area available for outdoor play. The family has a pet goldfish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children. When joint childminding with a co-childminder and an assistant she is registered to care for a maximum of six children within the early years age group. Currently they are caring for four children in this age group between them. The childminder and her co-childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 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 currently supports children with learning difficulties and has suitable procedures to care for children with disabilities or who speak English as an additional language. Access to the property is down a stepped pathway and there is a small step into the home.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification to level 3, is an accredited network childminder and is part of an inclusion scheme linked to the local children's centre. She is also a member of the National Childminding Association. She collects children from the local school and nursery and attends toddler and childminder support groups on a regular basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

All areas of the childminder’s practice are at least good, with some being exceptional. She is highly successful in ensuring children are included and making the best progress they can and has undertaken an impressive amount of recent training to help her meet children’s individual needs. Children make good progress in all aspects of their learning and development and the childminder and her co- childminder use their individual strengths and skills to ensure children are kept safe, healthy and are developing the skills they need for the future. The childminder works hard to make parents and carers feel welcome and strong relationships are established with children’s families and the other professionals involved in children’s care. The childminder is well qualified and there is a clear focus on improving standards through training and evaluation.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  review and extend the safeguarding policy to clearly show the roles and responsibilities of all those working with the children.

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the early years provision

Safeguarding procedures are generally effective. The childminder and her co- childminder have both recently updated their safeguarding training and have a thorough knowledge and understanding of how to keep children safe. They keep contact details and up to date guidance readily available so they can obtain advice or report any concerns without delay. However, the safeguarding policy is not yet fully effective as it does not clearly highlight the varying roles and responsibilities of the childminder, her co-childminder and assistant when working alone and together. Good levels of safety, risk assessments and safety checks ensure children feel secure and well protected when in the home, garden and on outings.

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the early years provision

The childminder and her co-childminder work hard to build positive relationships with parents and outside professionals. They talk to parents daily, suggest how parents can support their children at home and share with them their knowledge about childcare and the local family services that parents can access if necessary. Records about children are well maintained and written agreements are in place so there are no misunderstandings. These give parents clear information so they know exactly what will be provided for their child.

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the early years provision

The childminder is well qualified and shows a high commitment to ongoing training in order to improve her practice and keep up to date with latest advice and guidance. She works effectively with a co-childminder and assistant to support the children in their care and shows a thorough understanding of how to use self- evaluation effectively to identify areas for further improvement. The childminder values the diversity of families and the local community and is effective in ensuring that all children are achieving well. There is a strong commitment to including all children and this is reflected in the exceptional range of training the childminder has undertaken to ensure that her practice is tailored to meet children’s individual needs. Effective observations and assessments ensure children’s learning and development needs are known and acted upon and that positive action can be taken to narrow the gap in levels of achievement.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in all aspects of their learning and development because the childminder responds to and reflects their individual needs in all aspects of her practice. Strong, positive and caring relationships are developed as the childminder and her co-childminder use their individual strengths and skills to carefully consider how they can provide activities and resources to engage each child’s interest and help them make good progress at their own pace. Planned learning activities are based on a thorough knowledge of what children already This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 know and can do. The childminder and her co-childminder talk together daily and make frequent observations and assessments so that they know what progress children are making and can make good decisions about the next steps in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are becoming well equipped with the skills they will need in their future learning and show this through their play. They play independently, as well as alongside their friends and are becoming active and inquisitive learners. For example, they enjoy making cakes with the childminder, helping to hang out the washing and visiting the shops. There is lots of chatter, songs and rhymes and good social skills are developed as they attend groups or go on visits to places of interest. Children learn to appreciate differences in people as they look at books and use play things which reflect diversity and playing with toys that come apart and fit together encourages even the youngest children to problem solve. Children enjoy many tactile experiences such as sand and water and they love dressing up, dance to music and often use a lap top computer.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from being with their friends and enjoying the things that make them feel good about themselves. They are encouraged to behave well and readily seek the support of their carers to help them with how they are feeling. The childminder’s home plays a key role in supporting children’s learning and development. It is a place where children show they feel safe, cared for and relaxed because they are in the continuous care of trusted and supportive adults. They know the childminders are always close at hand to support both their physical and emotional safety. Children are active and understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. They are confident in washing their hands regularly and sit with their friends to enjoy such things as home made cottage pie, followed by fresh fruit. Playing in the garden or going to the park ensures they get plenty of fresh air and exercise as they use push-along toys, slides, tunnels and a trampoline.

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and outcomes for children

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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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