Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY289742 Inspection date 03/02/2012 Inspector Adelaide Griffith

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 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.

p.1

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 2004 and is also registered to work with an assistant. She lives with her husband and an adult child in the Kings Norton area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the property, except for the lounge, is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre- schools.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and nine children when working with an assistant. There are currently seven children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom, attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

On the whole, children in the Early Years Foundation Stage make steady progress in their learning and development. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded and their individual needs are adequately met. The childminder works positively with parents to address children's needs and there is some partnerships working with other early years providers. The childminder has reviewed some aspects of her provision and this has resulted in basic improvements to support the children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 request written parental permission at the time of children's admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 10/02/2012

p.4

further?

 take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children - both indoors and outdoors - are kept to a minimum (Suitable premises, environment and equipment, also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 10/02/2012

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 use observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  maintain the learning journey for all children to ensure progression towards the early learning goals  improve communications between settings to ensure that children's needs are met and there is continuity in their learning  develop evaluation systems to ensure that the quality of children's learning, development and care continues to improve.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an appropriate understanding of procedures to be followed in relation to abuse if she has concerns about children in her care. She provides a fairly safe environment by carrying out daily checks of the premises but the risk assessment does not include all parts of the property. Some paperwork is not in place, for example, written parental permission for seeking emergency advice or treatment, has not been obtained for all children. These are regulations of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Consequently, children's well-being might be compromised.

p.5

the early years provision

The strong partnership with parents is underpinned by effective communication. The childminder implements some strategies discussed with parents to promote children's care. She offers parents a flexible service and provides a welcoming environment which provides reassurance. The childminder works less effectively in partnership with other professionals involved with children in her care. She is aware of the planning for the local pre-school. However, systems are not in place to share information about children's learning and development to ensure continuity.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has taken steps to improve her practice through further training. As a result, she has obtained additional resources to provide more stimulating experiences for children's learning. However, her self-evaluation is not yet sufficiently robust to ensure that she makes improvements in the most significant areas. Most recommendations from the last inspection are competently addressed except for those relating to children's learning. Resources are well organised and accessible to children. The childminder is ably supported by her assistant who is actively involved in the care of children at critical periods when more children are present. Consequently, adult to child ratios are maintained at all times.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time at the childminder's, where they are provided with a suitable range of activities. Children play imaginatively with animals which they select and also take delight in running the length of the room. Their language skills are developing because the childminder talks constantly to them and also makes time to listen. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is aware of children's preferences and plans some learning experiences around their interests. For example, she implements play with vehicles to promote awareness of colours and counting. Starting points are identified for some children and the childminder carries out observations during the settling-in period to note what they can do. However, observations are not systematic and not linked to areas of learning. Children are confident with the childminder and encouraged to choose from the available resources according to the activities

p.5

and outcomes for children

implemented. For example, they choose chunky crayons for drawing on white boards and bricks for construction play. Frequent attendance at play groups and daily outdoors activities help children to learn about the community and the wider world. The childminder provides an adequate range of activities across all areas of learning but does not make sufficient references to the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance. This means that opportunities are not always planned to maximise children's learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved. They learn to play well together and also with the childminder. They are developing self-help skills in feeding as they eat a selection of balanced, light meals. Children's drinks are easily accessible to them and they are developing an understanding of acceptable hygiene practices by washing hands in relation to specific activities. Satisfactory procedures are in place to minimise the risk of infection, for example, for nappy changing. Children's awareness of keeping themselves safe is generally raised. A regular fire evacuation is practised so that children learn what to do in the event of a fire or emergency. Children have developed warm, trusting relationships with the childminder and feel secure in her home. They are developing reasonable skills for the future. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 10/02/2012

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 10/02/2012

p.8