Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 227666 Inspection date 16/02/2010 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 registered in 1997. She lives with her partner and two adult children in Kings Heath, Birmingham, within walking distance of shops, public transport and local schools. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Access to the childminder's house is via a small step. The family has two dogs.

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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 to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently looking after five children, all of whom are in the early years age range. She occasionally cares for children after school. The childminder holds a recognised childcare 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children play contentedly in this homely environment where they make satisfactory progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Assessment systems are being developed to ensure they cover the six areas of learning. The childminder provides a caring environment in which children’s individuality is respected and supported through positive interactions, documentation and partnership working. The childminder has worked hard to address actions set at her previous inspection. She has implemented changes in order to improve her service and is continuing to work on developing her knowledge of the EYFS, hygiene routines and self- evaluation systems.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further self-evaluation systems to accurately identify areas for improvement in all areas of the EYFS  extend understanding of the EYFS to ensure assessments cover the six areas of learning  ensure that any animals on the premises do not pose a health risk to children.

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the early years provision

Safeguarding is given satisfactory attention because the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of her duty to refer any child protection concerns and ensures parents are informed of this obligation. The childminder is proactive in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensuring all household members undergo Criminal Records Background checks to confirm their suitability. Children play safely in this homely environment because the childminder conducts risk assessments and safety checks. All children can play with a variety of resources and access toys easily. The childminder organises her routine to ensure children have opportunities to socialise with their peers by meeting up with another childminder and taking children to various groups. Documentation, to support the business aspect of childminding is satisfactory. These include accident recording systems and children’s attendance records.

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the early years provision

Children’s individual needs are well-considered by the childminder, because she gathers information relating to their home backgrounds and routines. Settling in routines are flexible and planned around children's needs. The childminder is committed to treating all children equally and valuing their differences. For example, the significance of red envelopes is discussed with children and these are given out to mark Chinese New Year. Parents and carers opinions are gathered via questionnaires, and comments are positive about the level of care, communication and flexibility offered by the childminder. Working partnerships are effective because the childminder is experienced and well-known in the local community. She discusses children’s welfare and progress with interested parties, such as schools.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates commitment to her professional development as she attends courses, including safeguarding and first aid. The childminder has worked hard to sustain improvement since the last inspection by addressing the issues raised and seeking professional advice. The childminder has given some consideration as to how she will evaluate her practice to include the views of children, parents and carers, although these ideas are new and yet to be formalised and implemented.

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and outcomes for children

Children play contentedly and make satisfactory progress within the EYFS, because the childminder provides a variety of interesting activities for children. Appropriate use of sustainable resources and available space ensures children know where everything is and direct their own play. Planning is informal and the childminder is guided by children’s interests and preferences. Children’s starting points and monthly observations are recorded. Although, the childminder is not yet fully conversant with all the areas of learning in order to fully assess children’s progress, across the six areas.

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and outcomes for children

Younger children’s social skills are encouraged as they play alongside their friends and communicate using sounds, gestures and emerging words. Children show interest with technology as they press buttons on electronic toys, fascinated by the noise. Problem solving skills are evident as children build, using bricks and carefully placing them on top of each other. Children’s creativity is fostered as the childminder provides different mediums and opportunities for children to make things, such as salt dough hearts for Valentines Day. Secure relationships are evident as children enjoy cuddles and laugh heartily when tickled by the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder. Children with English as an additional language are well-supported, as the childminder works closely with families in order to support children’s language needs. Overall, children develop appropriate skills in problem solving and

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and outcomes for children

communication language and literacy that will support their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare needs are mostly well-supported as the childminder has appropriate documentation in place if children have an accident or become ill whilst at the setting. Regular communication with parents and carers ensures trusting relationships are forged and appropriate care offered to each child. The childminder supports parents and offers advice on issues, such as managing children’s sleep time. Children enjoy a varied diet that includes plenty of fruit and regular drinks to keep healthy. A food diary outlines meals that children have eaten, such as vegetarian lasagnes, stew and fish cakes. Appropriate hygiene routines include using anti-bacterial hand gel to keep hands clean and as the childminder has two dogs, checking the garden prior to children playing outside. However, dog bowls are kept on the floor and are accessible to crawling children, which poses a health risk. Children experience the benefits of regular fresh air and

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and outcomes for children

exercise to develop their physical skills. For example, they have access to a garden, go on walks to the local park and participate in trips further field to places, such as Stourport and the canals at Broad Street. 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 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

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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 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

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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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