Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY409696 Inspection date 21/05/2012 Inspector Sally Smith

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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 2010. She lives with her husband and four children aged six, five, three and one year in Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor along with the bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There is currently one child attending in this age group on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children over five years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder works on occasions with her sister who is also a registered childminder.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where children feel confident, settled and secure. A range of activities are available to stimulate their interests and support most aspects of their learning and development. Partnerships with parents and carers mean that children's needs are generally met well. A range of policies and procedures are in place, although some lack the necessary detail and are not always consistently implemented. The childminder is beginning to evaluate some areas of her practice. She is keen to develop her own knowledge, understanding and skills and sees training as key to this process. This means that outcomes for children are continually improving.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observations further to consistently make links to the 'Development Matters' prompts to plan the next steps in a child's developmental progress  review the risk assessment to ensure that it covers anything with which a child may come into contact to ensure children's safety and well being  improve steps to ensure the safety of children further by carrying out regular evacuation drills.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. An effective safeguarding children policy is in place and the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder clearly demonstrates how this would be implemented. She is fully aware of the procedures should any allegations be made against herself or other adults in the household. All necessary consents are obtained from parents to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. However, whilst a risk assessment is in place, the childminder has not taken account of everything that children come into contact with, for example, the washing line in the garden and the potential hazard this poses. Fire evacuation drills have been devised but are yet to be practised on a regular basis to ensure that all children participate. This may compromise children's safety.

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the early years provision

The environment is organised to enable children to move around freely and access resources of their choice. Pictures, posters and children's own creations adorn the walls helping to develop a sense of belonging and promote self-esteem. There is a good balance of adult and child initiated activities to cover most areas of learning.

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the early years provision

A regular exchange of information with parents takes place verbally at the beginning and end of the day. Children's routines are discussed so that the individual needs of each child are met. However, whilst parents are made aware of their child's learning journeys they do not contribute to these, either at the beginning of the placement, or as a regular means of sharing what they know about their child. There are currently no children attending who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. However, the childminder understands the importance of working with other professionals to provide appropriate support for such children when the need arises.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very willing to seek advice, guidance and training in order to improve her knowledge and skills. She reflects on what she does well, targeting specific areas so that her confidence and competence in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage continues to develop, therefore improving outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel secure in the setting as the childminder establishes warm, trusting relationships and familiar routines. The childminder engages well with the children in her care and takes time to establish their interests and preferences, planning activities accordingly. She also follows their leads as she observes them in their play and encourages them to grow in confidence as they adapt to the setting. Children's early mark making skills are fostered as they draw and paint. They manipulate playdough, moulding, rolling and cutting it into various shapes. They play with building blocks using their imagination to make up stories as they build homes for their dinosaurs and dolls. The childminder records what they are saying and then children draw a picture to complete the tale. Children enjoy listening to stories and regularly visit the library to choose their own books.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is increasing her confidence and skills in delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. A record of observations is recorded in learning journals along with some photographic This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 evidence. The childminder recognises that one activity can link to several, if not all areas of learning. However, she is in the early stages of carrying out observations and is not yet clearly assessing the learning taking place and the progress children make using the 'Development matters' prompts. Parents do not regularly contribute to this process. Equality and diversity is fully promoted through explanations and a range of activities that raise children's awareness and encourage their sensitivity towards the needs of others. Children have access to different resources and see pictures and displays in their play environment to

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and outcomes for children

reflect cultural diversity. They learn to speak other languages reflecting those who live and visit the childminder's home.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy getting outside whether this is in the garden or on walks in their local community. Children grow their own vegetables such as carrots, lettuce and sweetcorn. They discuss whether they need to dig a large or small hole to accommodate their seeds. They play with a range of bicycles and scooters, perfecting their skills in balance and coordination as they propel themselves along.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides healthy snacks such as fruit whilst parents provide lunches. She is fully aware of her responsibility to promote healthy eating and would not hesitate to advise or suggest alternatives if parents provide unhealthy foods. Clear boundaries and routines are established so that children learn what is expected of them and how to keep themselves safe. A positive role model is provided by the childminder so that children can follow her guidance, such as helping to put toys away at the appropriate time. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are comfortable and relaxed in her care. She adequately equips children with the skills they need for their future learning and development. 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 3 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

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Stage

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

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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

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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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