Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 504727 Inspection date 17/11/2009 Inspector Jackie Nation

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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 1994. She lives with her four adult children in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham. The childminder occasionally works with an assistant. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. First floor rooms are not used, except for access to the bathroom. Access to the property is via a small step at the front entrance. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Local shops, parks and schools are within walking distance. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is registered to care for two children under eight years overnight. She currently has six children on roll, four of whom are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder holds a Nursery Nursing Examination Board qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Children are cared for by a dedicated, professional childminder and make good progress within the EYFS. All children have their welfare and learning needs met, inclusive practice is assured and all children are treated with equal concern. Successful partnerships with parents and other providers of the EYFS ensure continuity of care and learning. The childminder shows a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement by evaluating and reflecting on her practice to improve her practice and outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  review the written policies and procedures to reflect the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage  consolidate the assessment arrangements to ensure the information gained from observations is used to plan the next steps in learning.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and the action to take in the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 event of a child protection issue. Safeguarding procedures are shared with parents and outline the childminder's role in safeguarding children. The childminder is vigilant with regard to safety issues and conducts risk assessments for the home and garden. However, she has yet to devise risk assessments for places she visits with the children. The childminder ensures all members of the household undergo suitability checks to confirm they can have contact with the children. Effective records are maintained with regard to the children's attendance, medication and accidents. All records are stored to maintain confidentiality. The childminder has updated some of the documents in her portfolio to reflect the requirements of the

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the early years provision

EYFS, although, some written policies still reflect previous legislation.

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the early years provision

Children are happy and relaxed as the childminder offers warm, affectionate care that supports their welfare and learning. The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of inclusive practice and she knows the children extremely well. Children’s needs are very well met because the childminder organises her day around their routines. 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. The childminder has a wealth of resources which are easily accessible and promote all aspects of learning. A range of interesting posters are displayed and used for reference, these further support children's learning and interests. The childminder helps children to understand about the society in which they live through a range of outings, activities and resources reflecting positive images of culture, gender and disability.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents and carers is highly effective. The childminder works very closely with parents from the outset gathering key information about children’s individual care needs and parents’ preferences. The childminder has also forged links with other providers of the EYFS. For instance, nursery and school teachers and this helps to enhance continuity of care and learning. Well considered settling in procedures ensure children are welcomed into this caring environment and settle quickly. Parents receive an overview of their child's day through the use of a ‘contact book’ and they are well informed about their child’s progress and achievements. Thank you cards and highly positive feedback from parents and children indicates that they are very satisfied with all aspects of the childminding service.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to improving her provision and completes training to further enhance her skills and knowledge. The childminder has successfully completed the recommendations from the last inspection. She is focussed on raising achievement, has clear priorities for improvement and further promoting good outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very content and thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in the childminder's care. They benefit from a relaxed, good quality learning environment which helps to enhance their progress and sustain their interest. Children are able to play at their own pace, initiate their own play and freely access an extensive This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 range of toys, resources and equipment which they happily explore and investigate. Children make good progress towards the early learning goals in all aspects of their learning and development. Planning and assessment systems have been introduced, children's progress and attainment is recorded and shared effectively with parents. However, it is not always clear how the information gained from observations is used to plan the next steps in children’s learning, to ensure they move on at a pace suitable to their individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and recognises the learning opportunities in every day activities. Children's communication skills are developing well, they have regular opportunities to listen to stories, look at picture books and sing nursery rhymes. The childminder has a good range of books which develop children’s confidence as they explore first experiences, for example, going to the doctor and dentist. All children have access to mark making resources, such as paint, crayons and chalks and older children like to practise writing their name. Children's understanding of numbers and problem solving is fostered well. They explore shape, colour and size as they play with shapes sorters, puzzles and building blocks. Children access a vast range of materials to develop their creative skills. They manipulate play dough, make masks and enjoy sewing and using stencils while drawing. Good attention is given to promoting

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and outcomes for children

children's physical development, they walk to and from school each day and get pleasure from playing in the garden. A good range of equipment is easily accessible including, a slide, cars, bikes and balls. The childminder introduces children to healthy eating using a range of play food as they organise ‘tea parties’ together. Children learn to operate electronic resources, such as tills, calculators and keyboards, this helps them develop an understanding of how things work. Children’s awareness of the wider society is enhanced by using a range of resources which show positive images of diversity. They also explore the local area, visiting the library and a local park to feed the ducks.

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and outcomes for children

Children's awareness of keeping themselves safe is developing well with gentle reminders from the childminder about using play equipment in a safe way. Children take part in emergency evacuation procedures and learn about the green cross code while on outings. Children's confidence and self-esteem is increasing as they respond to praise and encouragement from the childminder. A strong emphasis is placed on building good relationships and social skills. Children are encouraged to be kind to each other, share toys and develop good manners. Children's health and wellbeing is effectively supported, they have good opportunities to be active and are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Good procedures are in place to minimise the risk of cross infection. Children adopt good personal hygiene routines and wash their hands before and after meals. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious home

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and outcomes for children

cooked meals which they enjoy. They have a range of fresh fruit each day and access to drinks throughout the day to ensure they remain hydrated. Children successfully develop skills that contribute to their future economic wellbeing through making good progress in their communication and literacy skills, numeracy and skills relating to information and communication, technology. 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 1 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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