Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 504589 Inspection date 07/02/2011 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 was registered in 1985. She lives with her family in the Kings Norton area of Birmingham. There are also four adult children who either live in the house or visit regularly. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Children may sleep in the first floor bedrooms if required and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time of whom, three may be in the early years age group, she is currently minding two children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for her grandchildren. The childminder is also registered 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 a cat, a dog and six guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a Level 3 qualification, is a member of an approved childminding network and is currently in receipt of funding for early education.

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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, active and feel safe and supported by the childminder and they are provided with a very good range of play activities which ensures they are making good progress in all areas of learning. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and actively encourages parents to be fully involved in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Well written policies and procedures securely underpin the childminder's practice, however, information about who holds parental responsibility and legal contact has not been obtained for all children. There are excellent partnerships with parents and pre-school groups. The childminder has a very good capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure information is obtained about who has parental responsibility and who has legal contact with a child (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 25/02/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 develop information on children's progress to include their starting points This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a strong commitment to safeguarding children and is very well informed about procedures to keep children safe including the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Well written policies, procedures and documentation for the effective and safe running of the setting are well organised and effectively implemented. However, information about who holds parental responsibility and who has legal contact with all of the children has not been obtained. Parents may have copies of all of the childminder's policies and procedures. The childminder promotes all areas of equal opportunities and inclusion exceptionally well and there are very good resources and activities to support children's independent learning. The indoor and outdoor environments are subjected to risk assessments to ensure any potential hazards to children are minimised. A regular checking and cleaning schedule ensures children are kept

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the early years provision

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 development. She fully appreciates that her setting changes constantly as the children grow and develop and she ensures she frequently assesses the effectiveness of her planning and the activities offered. She wishes to undertake additional training especially to develop the use of the outside area and the activities that take place outside. The childminder has a strong commitment to continuous improvement and shows a very active approach to improving outcomes for children. The childminder is proactive in obtaining the opinions of both parents and children and including these on her self-evaluation. Communication both with parents and children is exceptional. Parents have access to extensive daily discussions, daily diaries and individual learning journey folders ensuring they are fully informed of their child's day. They are welcome at any time to discuss

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the early years provision

children's progress or changing needs. They are actively encouraged to be fully involved in all aspects of their child's care and learning. The childminder has good relationships with other providers that the children attend and has clear agreements with parents regarding the exchange of information.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively promote the uniqueness and individuality of each child. She provides outstanding age-appropriate activities and resources to ensure all children can participate in all play opportunities regardless of gender, background, ability or disability. The childminder encourages children to be proactive in their own learning by asking open-ended questions, actively encouraging investigation and exploration and supporting children to extend activities. All children and families are highly valued and respected.

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and outcomes for children

Children make very good progress as they enjoy a range of enjoyable and stimulating activities. They are very settled and relaxed and are given a high level This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of support which encourages their participation and enjoyment of all activities. Well thought out planning ensures children are provided with a good range of creative learning experiences which keep them involved and eager to learn. Information is obtained about children's starting points, but not recorded and carefully undertaken observations, assessments and recognition of children's next steps ensure all aspects of individual needs are met effectively.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very confident when exploring the environment. They play a full and active role in their own learning; making choices, decisions and extending activities, with the childminder providing support as appropriate. A range of activities help children to understand the wider world as they explore the natural environment, identify and name birds and animals they see when out of the house and plant seeds, bulbs and grow fruit and vegetables and watch them grow. They discuss other cultures, abilities and disabilities and celebrate festivals through a range of art and craft activities, discussions and stories. They have an excellent range of resources to support their learning and additional books to support language development are obtained from the library. Children freely express their feelings and the relationship between the children and the childminder is excellent. The childminder is very good at promoting communication skills and this enables

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and outcomes for children

children to develop skills for their future. They make excellent progress in their communication, language, problem solving and number skills as they enjoy a range of challenging and exciting experiences. For example, one child is playing with a doll who has no clothes on. The childminder asks the child what would be appropriate given the weather and then they discuss the importance of keeping warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. They also compare the colour of the clothes as the child has chosen a shade of purple. The childminder asks the child to look at her own clothing and her clothing and compare the different shades which are all called purple. While playing with play dough and a duck animal cutter the child decides they want to include the ducks eyes. The childminder asks the child to decide were the eyes should be and where their eyes are. This type of discussion is evident in all activities. The childminder has high

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and outcomes for children

expectations for all children and provides them with the skills, experiences and opportunities to succeed in all areas of learning. Children have access to a wide range of art and craft, writing and drawing activities at all times. Children are very eager to name all of the crayon colours they are using, the shapes they are drawing and to count. Well thought out planning is linked to the six areas of learning and regularly evaluated ensuring children have the opportunity to experience activities appropriate to their ability but also providing some degree of challenge to promote learning and progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a strong sense of belonging in the security of the childminder's home. They show they feel safe and are confident as they access resources independently and know what is and is not acceptable in terms of their behaviour. There is very clear affection between the children and childminder and cuddles are freely given and received. Children show their understanding of keeping themselves safe through their excellent behaviour and show they understand safety rules as they are careful with resources, understand instructions and know that tidying up prevents them falling over toys.

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and outcomes for children

Children show they understand about a healthy lifestyle as they make informed This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 choices about what they eat. The childminder discusses healthy eating and exercise daily. Children understand about food and how it promotes healthy growth. They know that exercise helps their muscles develop, helps them have a healthy heart and makes them strong. Children have access to a very good range of outdoor play resources and enjoy attending pre-school groups which extends their social skills. 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 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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