Childminder in Worcestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY307356 Inspection date 03/03/2010 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 2005. She lives with her partner, two adult children and one fifteen year old child in Kings Norton, Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor, plus an upstairs bathroom, is used for childminding, . There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the childminder's house is via a small step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on 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 and is currently looking after five children, one of whom is in the early years age range. She also cares for children over eight years old. The childminder transports children to and from local schools. The childminder is a member of the Birmingham Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children play contentedly at this homely setting because the childminder provides sound opportunities for children to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has recently introduced systems to assess children’s progress. Mostly sufficient regard is given to the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, although two aspects relating to first aid training and risk assessment require prompt attention. The childminder offers a flexible, inclusive service and has developed effective partnerships with parents, carers and other settings. The childminder has implemented evaluation procedures in order to sustain future improvement.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 complete a paediatric first aid training course which is approved by the local authority and consistent with guidance set out in the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage, (Suitable People) (This applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 03/05/2010

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further?

 ensure the risk assessment is completed and identifies aspects of the environment, both indoors, outdoors and on outings that need to be checked on a regular basis (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (This applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 03/04/2010

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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  improve the systems for undertaking sensitive observational assessment to identify children's next steps in their learning, and maintain a clear view of the learning journey for each child.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the reporting procedures. She has a detailed safeguarding policy in place that includes procedures regarding allegations and this information is shared with parents and carers. The childminder is aware that all household members over the age of 16 require a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure. Whilst the childminder undertakes visual safety checks and can describe how she is vigilant whilst children play, she has not yet conducted a formal risk assessment as now required under the Early Years Foundation Stage, that can be reviewed and updated to reflect all potential hazards indoors and on outings. The childminder has developed well-organised, up-to-date systems to record children’s personal details and records of attendance. Parents and carers have access to an information folder that details all policies and procedures relating to the

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the early years provision

The childminder is sensitive to children’s individual needs and personalities, gently encouraging children to become more confident by giving them time and space to settle in. Space within the home is used effectively to ensure children can relax and have quiet time if they require. Children are helped to understand differences within society and develop an awareness of diversity issues. For example, children have meaningful discussions about their beliefs and places of worship, including Mosques. Festivals, such as Eid, are recognised by sending cards and tasting food. Children use a good range of resources, covering a range of play experiences, including games that require turn taking. All resources are safe as the childminder looks for safety markings and buys good quality, sustainable resources.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the childminder’s commitment to undertaking further training to improve her practice. For example, since her last inspection, she has completed a National Vocational Qualification, Level 2 and 3, in Learning and Development, to enhance her understanding of early years. The childminder has made a positive start in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of her provision by completing a detailed, honest evaluation form, enabling her to make continuous improvement. The childminder has fostered positive links with the local school to ensure information relevant to children’s welfare is exchanged.

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and outcomes for children

Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder responds well to children’s interests, and prioritises providing an enjoyable, learning experience for all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children. The childminder plans activities based on children’s interests and incorporates special events or festivals to ensure all children’s cultures are respected. The childminder has recently started to collate evidence of children’s progress in a book that will act as a keepsake for parents and carers at the end of the placement. Although, observational assessment is new to the childminder and systems need consolidating in order to identify children's next steps in their learning, and maintain a clear view of the learning journey for each child. Parents and carers are kept well-informed about their child’s day through daily discussions,

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and outcomes for children

and children’s progress books can be viewed at any time.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave very well together, taking turns during board games and clearly establishing friendships with children who attend different schools. Children have a really good sense of humour and enjoy each other’s company by sharing jokes and praising each other’s efforts. Children enjoy a good range of entertaining activities that develop their creative skills. For example, children make Easter pictures and cards using feathers and collage materials, carefully designing pictures and patterns. Children choose animal stickers to put on their cards, and then talk about rabbits eating carrots, demonstrating an understanding of the natural world. Literacy skills are evident as children write their names, sounding out letters to ensure correct spellings. Children develop problem solving and numeracy skills by playing card games that involve matching pairs and then confidently counting up to eight pairs to declare the winner. Overall children develop skills to support their

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and outcomes for children

Children’s welfare needs are considered as the childminder has documentation, including individual record cards, and information relating to children’s individual and dietary needs. The childminder has emergency contact numbers in case children have an accident or become ill. However, the childminder's certificate for paediatric first aid has expired. Whilst she has previous knowledge of how to administer first aid, and has arranged further training, this is a breach of a specific legal requirement. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they discuss issues relating to road safety and stranger danger. The childminder has built trusting relationships with all children and listens to their concerns or worries with sympathy and understanding. Fire safety equipment is in place, including smoke detectors and a fire blanket, and evacuation procedures are practised with children. Children enjoy varied meals, including pizzas and pasta dishes. Healthy

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and outcomes for children

eating is encouraged as children can help themselves to fruit and drinks as required. Physical exercise and being active is encouraged as children regularly walk and play football in the local park. 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 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

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Stage

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

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 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 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to maintaining a valid paediatric first aid certificate (Welfare of the children being cared for) 03/05/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to conducting a formal risk assessment (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 03/04/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to maintaining a valid paediatric first aid certificate (Welfare of the children being cared for) 03/05/2010

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report in relation to conducting a formal risk assessment (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 03/04/2010

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