Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY401339 Inspection date 23/06/2010 Inspector Jackie Nation

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 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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

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 was registered in 2009. She lives with her husband and two children, aged five and seven years, in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. This includes access to bathroom facilities. First floor rooms are not used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The premises are easily accessible. The family have three cats.

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. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She currently has three children on roll in the early years age group. Children attend on various days.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Birmingham First Steps Childminding Network Group. She is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and relaxed as they learn through play in this welcoming and inclusive environment. The childminder plans and provides many good opportunities for children to learn and develop in the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring they make good progress in all areas of learning. Effective partnerships with parents support’s children’s welfare and ensures their individual needs are met. The childminder shows a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement and is using the self-evaluation process to identify her strengths and areas for improvement. Most of the required documentation is in place.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 update the risk assessment record to include assessments for each specific outings  improve the information gathered in relation to children's developmental starting points at the admission stage.

p.4

the early years provision

Safeguarding is given good attention as the childminder is fully aware of her duty to protect children in her care. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and has attended training. The childminder shares child protection good practice guidance and procedures with parents. Children play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safely within the welcoming environment because the childminder is vigilant and ensures all adults undergo Criminal Record Bureau checks to confirm their suitability. Children’s safety is given good consideration and detailed risk assessments cover all aspects of the premises. Whilst children are kept safe on outings and generic risk assessments are in place, the childminder has yet to devise risk assessments for each specific outing undertaken with the children. The childminder maintains organised and effective recording systems with regard to

p.4

the early years provision

the children’s attendance, medication and accidents to ensure children’s welfare is promoted. The childminder has a comprehensive range of written policies that underpin her practice and are shared with parents. All records are stored to maintain confidentiality.

p.5

the early years provision

Good quality interaction and well-organised routines help children to become secure and confident in the setting. The childminder makes good use of the available space in her home and children are able to choose resources and direct their own play. Informative posters and displays help create a child-centred and interesting environment for children. Good attention is given to making sure children play with toys that are safe, clean and in good condition. The childminder is committed to ensuring the provision is inclusive for all families. All children are welcomed and supported by the childminder who appreciates their uniqueness and individuality. Good consideration is given to supporting children and their families who speak English as an additional language. The childminder values linguistic diversity and provide opportunities for children to use their home language in their play and learning.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnership with parents and carers is good. The childminder works closely with parents from the outset gathering key information about children's individual care needs and parents' preferences. There is further scope to improve this aspect of the provision by gathering more information about children’s developmental starting points to further support their learning. The childminder makes sure parents are kept informed about their child's daily routine and achievements through the use of a daily diary. The childminder seeks the views of parents about the provision through the use of a questionnaire. Feedback is highly positive and it is evident parents are happy with the care provided for their children. The childminder recognises the importance of working with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage and other agencies to meet the needs of children and support their continuity of care and learning. The childminder helps children to

p.5

the early years provision

understand about the society in which they live through a wide range of outings, activities and the use of resources that represent a diverse society.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic about what she does and demonstrates a strong commitment to ongoing improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for children. Children benefit from the childminder’s interest in training because this extends her knowledge and informs her practice. The childminder has completed the self-evaluation form and reflects on her practice to identify her strengths and areas for development. The childminder is taking positive steps to ensure resources and the environment is sustainable. She makes good use of local amenities and children learn to recycle household materials which they use can then use to make models. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children achieve well and make good progress towards the early learning goals because the childminder plans a wide range of activities and outings which children enjoy. Individual ‘Learning journey’ folders show children’s achievement across all areas of learning, and a delightful photographic record illustrates their enjoyment. The childminder uses the information gained from observations to plan and identify children’s next steps in learning to ensure they move forward at a pace suitable to their individual needs. Parents are fully involved in this process.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and this ensures she responds spontaneously to children’s needs and dispositions. Children’s personal, social and emotional development is fostered well. They have time and space to develop their own interests and a positive disposition to learn. Children’s language and communication skills are well supported. The childminder spends time talking to and playing with the children at their level, and asks children questions to encourage their thinking and problem solving skills. The childminder sensitively introduces children to a range of picture cards to help them to think about different feeling and emotions. Children’s behaviour is thoughtfully managed and the childminder gives praise and encouragement to help support children’s self-esteem and confidence. Good resources are available for children to develop their mark-making skills; they manipulate play dough and bread dough, make

p.6

and outcomes for children

marks in foam and use marker pens and crayons. Children’s problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills are fostered well in a broad range of contexts. Discussions about numbers, shapes and colours are introduced as they play and when they explore the environment. Children take part in a wide range of activities to develop their creative and imaginative skills. They enjoy role play with tea sets, dolls and pushchairs and like to make dens with sheets, play in the tent and crawl through the tunnel. Children knowledge and understanding of the world is developing well, they enjoy a range of outings, sometimes using the bus or train. They visit the childminder group, pet shop, library, soft play centres and parks. This also helps develop their social skills and confidence. Children have good opportunities to be active; resources are available in the garden, such as, balls, bean bags, hoops and water play. They are encouraged to spot birds in the

p.6

and outcomes for children

garden, a pair of binoculars are accessible and a poster displayed to help them identify the type of bird they have seen. Overall, children have good opportunities to develop skills to support their future learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they take part in emergency evacuation procedures and discuss issues relating to road safety. Children's welfare needs are supported effectively. The childminder has appropriate parental consents in place, for example, to enable her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She has completed first aid training and a first aid box is easily accessible. Children's good health and well-being is effectively assured as positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Good attention is given to keeping the care environment clean and children adopt good personal hygiene routines, for example, washing their hands after stroking the cat, before meals and after using the bathroom. Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ascertains relevant information relating to their individual needs and parents'

p.6

and outcomes for children

preferences. Children learn about the benefits of healthy eating and the childminder provides nutritious meals, snacks and fresh fruit each day. Children enjoy the arrival of the weekly fruit and vegetable box and are keen to explore the contents. Children's individual water bottles are within easy reach to ensure they have regular drinks and remain hydrated. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

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

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9