Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 550024 Inspection date 12/01/2011 Inspector ISP Inspection

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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 assesses 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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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 2001. She lives with her husband in a residential area of Birmingham. The whole of downstairs of the childminder's house is used for childminding, along with a first floor bathroom. The home is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links and there is a fully enclosed play area available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group, all of whom attend part-time. She is also able to offer care to children aged over five years to eight years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has procedures to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and who speak English as an additional language.The childminder holds a recognised early years qualification and is a member of an accredited childminding network. She collects children from the local school and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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

Most areas of the childminder's practice are very good, with some aspects being exceptional. Children benefit from the high level of attention paid to their health and safety and make good progress in their learning and development. Children thoroughly enjoy discovering new things and are cared for in an atmosphere of warmth and nurturing. The childminder works closely with parents and professionals and quality care and individual attention ensures children get the support they need. She has begun to review and monitor her practice. However, she has not yet fully developed her knowledge of how to use self-evaluation to best effect.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve knowledge of effective evaluation in order to ensure there is a continuous cycle of plan, action and review. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Safeguarding and safety is given a high priority and is outstanding. The childminder is vigilant in carrying out risk assessments and ensuring safeguarding procedures are up-to-date and effective. She uses the knowledge gained from training to maintain a comprehensive awareness of safeguarding issues and to ensure that she can act quickly and effectively if she has any concerns about a child. High levels of supervision and exemplary daily safety routines help babies and young children to develop an exceptionally strong sense of security.

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the early years provision

The childminder is well qualified, knowledgeable and specially trained to ensure children's particular needs are identified and properly supported. She has an in- depth knowledge of each child's interests, personality and family background and effectively takes the right steps to ensure that the experiences and outcomes for children are positive. The childminder is a member of an accredited childminding network and is proactive in continually updating her skills through on-going training. She is well organised and there is a clear focus on improving standards. However, the childminder is still developing her knowledge of how to effectively review what she does through self-evaluation. As a result, although the arrangements for promoting children's health, safety and safeguarding are exceptional, other areas of the childminder's practice have yet to reach their full potential.

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the early years provision

The environment plays a key role in supporting children's care and learning. Children enjoy a colourful, child centred environment where toys are laid out in a way that encourages them to choose, make decisions and to feel emotionally secure. The childminder gets to know children and their families very well. From the outset, close and effective relationships are established with children's families and other professionals so that there is a shared understanding about children. Talks at arrival and departure time are backed up with a comprehensive range of written information. These ensure parents are well informed at all times. Parents make extremely positive comments, saying their children 'blossom' in the childminders care and that they feel 'well informed' and know that their views are considered important. Records are maintained to a high standard and this means that children's care and well-being are always a priority. For example, records

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the early years provision

detailing children's dietary and medication needs are stringent and based on detailed information from parents and professionals.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress and are sociable and independent. They take part in a variety of interesting experiences that fully support their learning and development. Lots of learning happens throughout each day as children count, recognise colours and discover new things. Close bonds are built and children learn This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about relationships and how to build friendships as they play together, share and listen to each other. Planed learning experiences are based on a thorough knowledge of the children and observation and assessment is used well to analyse the progress children are making and to plan what they need to learn next.

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and outcomes for children

Children freely express their feelings and ask for help because they are made to feel that they belong. Close support and encouraging words help them to make choices and to carry out simple tasks, such as hand washing and helping to tidying away their toys. These promote confidence and give children the skills they need for their future learning. Children talk confidently as they share what they know and chat happily to the childminder. Singing rhymes helps to develop a love of words and there are lots of books to look at and stories to enjoy. Sensory play, such as dough, paint and glitter help children to explore and experiment and they count trees and cars when out walking. Feeding the birds and collecting leaves develops an understanding of nature and children use their imaginations as they dress up or make up their own games with cars and play castles.

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and outcomes for children

Many exciting learning experiences are used to help children eat healthily, strengthen their bodies and improve their sense of well being. Fresh fruit is provided each day and these are carefully chosen to ensure children of all ages learn to take pleasure from the experience of new tastes and textures. Stimulating physical play experiences are planned so that children learn to move their bodies in different ways and increase their mobility. For example, furniture and push along toys help babies develop early walking skills and older children challenge themselves on the swing, slide and climbing frame. Safety is given an exceptionally high priority. Key phrases such as 'gently' and 'be careful' help young children to learn how to keep themselves and their friends safe. Outings are carefully planned and risk assessed to make sure children always use zebra and pelican crossings and they act out road safety rules when playing with cars and the road mat. This

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and outcomes for children

makes sure that children develop a clear understanding of what to do to stay safe when crossing the road. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 1 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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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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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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