Childminder in BirminghamOfsted inspection, 3 Nov 2009

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 228478 Inspection date 03/11/2009 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 1991. She lives with her husband in the Sheldon area of Birmingham. Most of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The front room and first floor rooms are not used, except for access to the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The premises are easily accessible via a small step at the front entrance. Local shops, parks and schools are within walking distance. The family have a pet dog. The childminder supports children with special educational needs 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 part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently has one child on roll in the early years age group and two children in the older age range. Children attend on various days. The childminder is able to collect children from local schools and nurseries.

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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 happy and relaxed as they learn through play in this welcoming environment. The childminder provides good opportunities for children to learn and develop within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder effectively promotes inclusion and securely meets each child's individual needs. Children's welfare is promoted and the childminder has developed good partnerships with parents, carers and other providers of the EYFS to ensure continuity of care and learning. The childminder shows a capacity to maintain continuous improvement by reflecting on her practice and has given some consideration to developing the system for self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the quality improvement processes to monitor and evaluate the strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children  improve the assessment system by using the information gained from observations to plan the next steps in children's learning  provide further opportunities for children to increase their awareness of the ways of life, cultures and beliefs of other people. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder understands her role regarding child protection. She has completed safeguarding training and devised a written policy which is shared with parents. Appropriate contact details are available should she have any concerns about a child in her care. The childminder maintains organised and effective recording systems with regard to the children’s attendance, medication and accidents to ensure children’s welfare is promoted. Effective vetting procedures are in place to ensure adults are suitable to have contact with the children. The care environment is safe and secure and children are supervised well. Risk assessments are in place and effective steps are taken to identify and minimise risks to children in the home, garden and on outings. The required fire detection and control equipment is in place and the childminder has practised the emergency evacuation procedures with the children. This helps

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the early years provision

children develop an awareness of what to do in the event of a fire and keep themselves safe.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude to inclusive practice and feels strongly that all children should be encouraged to reach their full potential. Children benefit from the warm and relaxed relationships that have been established between their parents and the childminder. The childminder has developed good settling-in procedures; this helps children settle quickly and develop a sense of belonging. There is a good two-way flow of information each day. The childminder keeps parents informed about their child's care, well-being and achievements, this enhances continuity of care and learning. Parents express their satisfaction with the provision through the childminder's evaluation system. They are provided with a number of written policies, including the complaints procedure and a range of information is displayed on the notice board. This helps to keep parents fully informed about the provision.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a genuine enjoyment of her role and plans her day around the needs of the children. She gives good consideration to the organisation of resources and equipment. Children have opportunities to choose what they want to do and confidently follow their own interests. The childminder is responsive to their requests for additional resources to support and extend their play. Good attention is given to making sure children play with toys that are safe, clean and in good condition. Children have a varied and enjoyable day with regular outings to local parks, soft-play activity centres and farm.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to ongoing improvement and has clear aspirations for the future. She attends training to further enhance her skills and knowledge and has implemented the actions and recommendations from the last inspection effectively. This improves outcomes for children’s welfare, learning and development. Consideration has been given to the self-evaluation process, although the childminder has yet to put a system in place to monitor and evaluate the setting to identify her strengths and any areas for improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are content and enjoy the time they spend in the childminder's care. They engage in a range of stimulating activities and make good progress across all areas of their learning and development towards the early learning goals. The childminder provides children with a wide range of play and learning opportunities indoors and outdoors, which they enjoy and become absorbed in. The childminder knows the children well and she is fully aware of their individual interests, play preferences and achievements. She has introduced a system to observe and assess children’s progress and has planning in place which covers all areas of learning. However, the information gained from observations is not always used effectively to plan for children’s next steps in their learning. The childminder has developed good links with other providers of the EYFS to ensure children's continuity of care and learning. Children's learning and development records are regularly shared

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and outcomes for children

with parents and include a delightful range of photographs showing children's achievement and enjoyment.

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and outcomes for children

Children confidently express their ideas and creativity as they take part in a range of role play and art and craft activities. They enjoy painting, manipulating dough and dressing-up. The childminder recognises the learning opportunities in everyday activities and during outings. Children's understanding of numbers and problem solving is fostered during daily routines and using resources such as shape sorters, puzzles and building blocks. Children develop a love of books and enjoy regular visits to the library, they listen to stories, sing nursery rhymes and play with musical instruments. They have good opportunities to practise their mark-making skills and older children recognise and write their names. Children’s physical development is fostered well. They ride bikes and use the trampoline in the garden and use more challenging play equipment when they visit the park and activity centres. Children's are beginning to learn about diversity, they explore the local

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and outcomes for children

environment, and use books and puzzles which reflect positive images of society. However, their wider awareness of the ways of life, cultures and beliefs of other people is not extended and fully promoted. Children successfully develop skills that contribute to their future economic well-being through being curious and inquisitive learners. They develop an understanding of technology and use the computer with confidence. Overall, children are developing good skills to support their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are secure in their environment and develop a sense of belonging through good interactions with the childminder. All children are valued and the childminder helps build their confidence and self-esteem through praise and encouragement. She fosters their sense of well-being and gives them time to express themselves, and share any concerns. Good behaviour is encouraged and gentle reminders help children develop a sense of right and wrong. Children's good health and well-being are supported and positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Children adopt good personal hygiene routines and wash their hands after using the bathroom and before meal times. Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder ascertains relevant information relating to their individual needs and parents' preferences. The childminder provides a range of healthy snacks and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

meals which include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder ensures children have regular drinks so that they remain hydrated throughout the day. 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 2 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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