Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY294452 Inspection date 19/11/2009 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 2004. She lives with her adult son and a child aged 14 years in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham. The house is close to local shops, schools and a park. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Access to the front entrance of her home is via a low step.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. A maximum of six children under eight years may attend at any one time. There are currently four children on roll, one of whom is in the early years age group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the family has goldfish as a pet.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are well settled and content at this homely setting where they make satisfactory progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is developing her knowledge of the six areas of learning and observations systems in order to enhance children’s learning further. Sufficient regard is given to inclusive practice and the childminder values and respects children’s individual personalities. Documentation is sufficiently detailed and in place to ensure children's safety and well-being. Meaningful links with parents, carers, local schools and playgroup help to foster collaborative working. The childminder has worked hard to address the actions from her previous inspection and is developing her evaluation systems to ensure continuing improvement in all aspects of her childminding.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further self-evaluation procedures to include the views of all service users, including children  improve understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently covered and ideas for the next steps in children’s learning are considered  improve assessment and planning by matching observations more clearly to the early learning goals and by showing how children's learning priorities are reflected in activities  extend the planning of activities to provide more practical opportunities to develop children's knowledge and understanding of the world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder is clear about her duty to record and report any child protection concerns and shares this responsibility with parents. The childminder is alert to the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and has considered her procedures regarding allegations. Children play safely because the childminder is vigilant and completes a risk assessment for her home and any outings undertaken. Settling-in procedures are flexible and the childminder takes time to build secure trusting relationships with children. All children are welcome in the setting and their cultural backgrounds respected. The childminder provides a range of resources that reflect positive images including different faith books, puzzles and play people. Festivals that are important to children, such as Eid are discussed and celebrated through food and creative activities. The childminder has given careful consideration as to how she uses her home for childminding. Toys

p.5

the early years provision

are stored on open shelving, ensuring children can see what is available and help themselves as required. Craft materials include a selection of recyclable materials, helping to promote sustainable resources.

p.5

the early years provision

Comments in the childminder’s portfolio from parents and carers, indicate they are happy with the level of care their children receive. Parents and carers make positive comments about how well their children have settled. As an experienced childminder, she has made effective links with local schools and playgroups, and exchanges information about children’s progress accordingly. Concerns, such as bullying are taken seriously and escalated in conjunction with parents as necessary. The childminder has started to evaluate her practice and is in the process of refining her systems to ensure all service users, including children, are involved in the evaluation process. The childminder is passionate about caring for children and is determined to improve the quality of her service. She has worked hard to instigate and sustain improvements since her last inspection.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make satisfactory progress within the EYFS. The childminder provides a variety of fun, learning opportunities for all children. The childminder is now using the EYFS, although her understanding of the framework is still at the early stages when planning activities to ensure the next steps in children’s learning are fully considered. Planning and assessment systems are in place that cover the six areas of learning. The childminder has attended training in order to improve her assessment skills. Children’s progress is recorded in scrap books that clearly identify children’s starting points and examples of children’s work including paintings. Although, the childminder lacks confidence in matching observations to the early learning goals and showing how children's learning priorities are reflected in activities. Children play in a welcoming environment where they can access a wide range of resources and information relating to the EYFS is displayed for

p.5

and outcomes for children

parents and carers. Information relating to children’s progress is exchanged on a daily basis. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder plans activities to ensure children are learning to value and respect differences within society. Children behave well, encouraged by this patient childminder who praises their efforts and reminds children to say 'please' and 'thank-you'. Children settle well and play contentedly in this welcoming environment because the childminder helps to create an ambient atmosphere with music playing in the background. Children are developing their problem-solving and creative skills as they use dough to form different shapes, trying to make a model of a person, with a head and a body. They roll small, round dough pieces to form the facial features and respond enthusiastically to the childminder’s encouragement and praise. Children’s language skills are encouraged well by the

p.5

and outcomes for children

childminder who talks to children respectfully and asks questions that illicit a response, such as naming members of their family. Children’s literacy skills are well supported through a wide selection of books and picture cards. Children recognise pictures of shoes and then point to their own shoes, demonstrating understanding and association skills. Children have access to some electronic toys to help develop an understanding of technology. Although, children require more practical opportunities to fully develop their knowledge and understanding of the world overall, such as appreciating nature and living things. Overall, children have sound learning opportunities and are beginning to develop skills to support their future learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children’s welfare is sufficiently promoted as the childminder has implemented policies and procedures that cover infectious diseases, sickness and accident recording. The childminder is proactive in ensuring her first aid training is up to date, ensuring she can respond appropriately in the event of an emergency. The childminder discusses road safety issues with children and ensures they are alert to hazards and danger posed by traffic. The childminder talks to children about the consequences of their actions to try and help them develop a sense of personal safety. Children are learning about the importance of healthy lifestyles as they are provided with plenty of fruit and drinks throughout the day. The childminder plans a balanced menu including pasta, rice and uses meat substitute as a vegetarian alternative. The childminder is aware of different dietary needs and discusses food allergies or cultural requirements at the beginning of the placement. Children have

p.6

and outcomes for children

use of a small garden area and are taken to the park for fresh air and exercise. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8