Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 227666 Inspection date 17/12/2010 Inspector Teresa Taylor

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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 registered in 1997. She lives with her family in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham. 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.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children of whom three may be in the early years age group when working alone and when working with another childminder may care for a maximum of six children, all of whom may be in the early years age group. The childminder is currently caring for six children of whom four are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and also on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Children can be taken to and collected from local schools and pre-school groups. The family has two dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a recognised childcare qualification.

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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

Children are very happy, settled and feel safe and supported by the childminder. They enjoy using a good range of resources which ensures they make progress in all areas of learning. However, children's starting points and planning are not recorded. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Well-written policies and procedures underpin practice and required documentation is completed accurately, however, resources to support equal opportunities are limited. There are effective partnerships with parents and other settings and the childminder has a good capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase the range of resources to help children become aware of, explore and question differences in gender, ethnicity, language, religion, culture, special educational needs and disability issues  record planning and children's starting points.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear commitment to safeguarding and is well-informed about procedures to keep children safe including the requirements of the Local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Safeguarding Children Board. Policies, procedures and documentation for the safe running of the setting are well organised and effectively implemented. Parents are provided with copies of all policies and procedures ensuring they are fully aware of how the childminder operates. The childminder promotes all areas of equal opportunities and inclusion but there are very few resources to support children's independent learning. The indoor and outdoor environments are risk assessed to ensure any potential hazards to children are minimised. A regular checking and cleaning schedule ensures children are kept safe and the risk of cross-infection is minimised.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear vision for the future of her setting and has identified areas for improvement. These include, food hygiene and health and safety training and improving the outdoor area to provide children with a larger growing area. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement to enhance opportunities and outcomes for children. The childminder is proactive in obtaining the opinions of parents and reflects on her practice to ensure appropriate care and learning opportunities are provided for children. Communication both with parents and children is a strength. Parents have access to daily discussions, regular questionnaires and are welcome at anytime to make additional appointments to discuss any concerns. They are actively encouraged to be fully involved in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Recent comments from parents include, 'very flexible', 'I like the fact you use the same behaviour management that we do

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the early years provision

at home' and 'excellent care, my child loves coming to your house.' The childminder has good relationships with other settings that older children attend.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively promotes the uniqueness and individuality of each child. She provides suitable age-appropriate activities and resources. This ensures all children can participate in play opportunities regardless of gender, background, ability or disability. The childminder encourages children to be proactive in their own learning as she asks open-ended questions and supports children to extend activities. All children and families are highly valued and respected.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress as they experience a range of enjoyable activities. They are very settled and relaxed and are given a high level of support to encourage them to develop their full potential as individuals. Planning ensures children are provided with a range of creative learning experiences which keeps them involved and eager to learn, however, planning is not recorded. Information is obtained about children's starting points but not recorded. However, carefully undertaken observations and assessments of children's progress ensure all aspects of individual needs are met.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very confident when exploring the environment both indoors and outside. They play a full and active role in their own learning, make choices, decisions and extend activities, with the childminder providing support as appropriate. A range of activities help children understand the wider world as they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 explore the natural environment through visits to the park and grow spring bulbs, strawberries and tomatoes. They discuss other cultures, abilities and disabilities and celebrate festivals through a range of art and craft activities, stories and different cultural foods. However, resources to promote children's independent learning in this area are limited. Children freely express their feelings, ask for help when they need it and mostly willingly share. Children play both independently and together and understand why they need to take turns. The childminder is very

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and outcomes for children

good at promoting communication and this enables children to develop skills for their future. They make good progress in their communication, language, problem solving and number skills as they enjoy a range of challenging and exciting experiences. For example, while reading a number, shape and colour book children are encouraged to count the number of kites and then pull the tab to see if they were correct. The childminder requests the children to count again and see if the number they count is the same as the number displayed. This is repeated with the colours and shapes so children are learning to relate the written text to spoken language. At another activity children discussed the similarities of a lion picture to themselves in relation to facial features. They eagerly found, on the picture and themselves, all similar facial features while reminding the childminder they did not have whiskers. Children have access to a wide range of writing and drawing

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and outcomes for children

activities and their work is displayed. Planning is linked to the six areas of learning, which ensures children have the opportunity to experience activities covering all areas of learning. However, it is not currently recorded. Children are actively encouraged to access books, sing songs and repeat favourite nursery rhymes. They enjoy physical activity both indoors and outdoors and play outdoors in most weathers.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a strong sense of belonging in the security of the childminder's care. They show they feel safe and are confident as they ask why visitors are present and request cuddles when they are tired. There is clear affection between the children and childminder. Children show their understanding of keeping themselves safe through their good behaviour, consideration of each other and as they correct each other when they feel behaviour is unacceptable. For example, while tidying up, one child decided to empty the container another had just filled.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop their understanding of a healthy lifestyle as they make informed choices about what they eat. They know where their food comes from as they grow their own fruit and vegetables and help prepare meals. The childminder discusses healthy eating and exercise daily. Children understand how healthy food makes them grow and develop strong muscles. They know that exercise helps to make them strong and fit and helps prevent colds and illnesses. Children have access to a good range of outdoor play resources including; slides, balls, bikes, scooters and sit and ride equipment. Children's general good health is promoted as the childminder supports children to clean their hands and blow their noses. They learn about good hygiene in relation to the pets and she regularly cleans the surfaces and resources to prevent cross-infection. 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 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

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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 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

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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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