Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 24/04/2013 29/10/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Children are happy, confident and well cared for by this experienced childminder who provides them with a wide range of play and learning opportunities. They make good progress in their learning because the childminder places a strong focus on their individual interests and play preferences.  Children feel safe and comfortable with the childminder, who provides a caring and loving environment. This helps children build secure attachments with the childminder and promotes their well-being effectively.  Partnerships with parents are effective as the childminder is committed to working together with them to meet children's individual needs, and ensure their continuity of care and learning.  The childminder has a good understanding of how to promote the health and safety of children in her care. She has a clear understanding of the safeguarding procedures, and effective risk assessments and good supervision ensure children are protected from

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It is not yet outstanding because

 The opportunities for children to learn about the natural world, such as planting and growing, are not fully embraced in the outdoor area.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector conducted a tour of the premises during the inspection.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children.  The inspector observed a range of indoor play and learning activities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's assessment records, evidence of the suitability of adults living on the premises, a selection of policies and children's records.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 1987 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband in the Winson Green area of Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes. First floor rooms are not used, except for access to the bathroom. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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Information about the setting

The childminder visits local parks on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and nurseries. The family has four cats as pets. There are currently three children on roll, one of whom is in the early years age group and two older children attend after school and during school holidays. The childminder operates all year round, except for family holidays, from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday. She holds a recognised early years qualification at level 3. The childminder is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 develop further the outdoor area to enrich children's opportunities for investigating the natural world, for example, by being involved in planting and growing activities.

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who attend

The childminder is well informed and has a good knowledge of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, child development and the areas of learning, which she translates effectively into practice. She uses her knowledge gained through training and many years experience to help children achieve well. Observations are used effectively to plan future learning opportunities. Planning works well and covers a broad range of interesting activities, topics and a range of outings to places of interest. Accessible resources are developed to meet children's individual interests and keep them motivated. The childminder interacts well with the children and asks questions to promote and challenge thinking and language skills. Children are given choices about what they would like to do; this helps promote their independence skills. This, together with positive role modelling shows that the quality of teaching is good. Consequently, children develop the

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who attend

characteristics of effective early learners, and this results in them making good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder works well with parents, and children's starting points are recorded using an 'All about me' profile. This includes information about children's current stage of development and emotional support needs. Children's progress is clearly recorded in individual 'learning journey' folders. The childminder uses the guidance available, for example, Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage, as a reference tool in order to plan for the next steps in children's learning. The guidance is also used effectively to monitor any gaps in children's learning, and keep parents informed about children's progress.

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who attend

Children are developing mathematical skills as they play. The childminder talks about numbers, colours and shapes, and asks children questions to prompt a response. They talk about their house numbers, and children confidently refer to the number poster displayed to identify how many objects they can see. Children's communication skills are progressing well. They develop good conversation skills and are confident in making their needs known. The childminder supports children in developing their knowledge of letters and sounds, and children like to practise writing their name. Children are keen to make up words using the letter shapes, and are proud of their achievements. Children enjoy creative activities, especially making puppets, drawing and manipulating play dough. They choose their favourite colours to make 'funny face' puppets, and create patterns while rolling out the dough. Children's folders contain some lovely drawings, particularly those of

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who attend

Children's understanding of the world is fostered effectively. The childminder has honest and open discussions with the children about similarities and differences. Resources reflect positive images of diversity, such as dolls, puzzles and books, and they have very good opportunities to explore the local area. Children enjoy visits to the library, museum and nature centre. They walk around the local reservoir where they enjoy watching the birds and geese. These outings support children's enjoyment, and help foster their understanding of the wider world. However, the outdoor area has yet to be fully developed to inspire children's interest in activities, such as planting and growing fruit or vegetables, enabling them to learn about the natural world and sustainability. Overall, children are developing good skills to support their future learning.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder has developed strong and positive relationships with the children in her care. Children are self-assured, and demonstrate through their discussions with the childminder that they feel a sense of security as they chat and play with her. The childminder is attentive to children's individual needs; she gives them plenty of time and space to decide what they would like to do. The childminder works closely with parents and provides a flexible service to meet their needs. A good focus is placed on settling-in procedures making sure individual routines and any specific needs are met. Partnerships with parents work well and they are provided with information each day about their child's routines and activities. The childminder has a clear awareness of the importance of working together with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. These established links help to support smooth transitions between settings, promoting

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

continuity of care and learning. Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder encourages their social skills and the use of manners. Inclusion is given good attention and all children are valued and respected. Open and honest discussions with children about similarities and differences helps them to develop an understanding and sensitivity to each other's cultural backgrounds. The childminder has a good knowledge of how to support children with English as an additional language. She talks to parents about key words and phrases to ensure she is able to meet children's needs while in her care. The childminder has experience of liaising with other professionals where children may need additional support. This helps all children achieve well. Children demonstrate they are developing skills to keep themselves safe. For example, they talk about being careful with scissors, and are involved in emergency evacuation procedures.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children's welfare and well-being is given good consideration. Effective procedures are in place to deal with any accidents. The childminder has an up to date paediatric first aid certificate to ensure children receive appropriate treatment in the event of an accident. Good hygiene and healthy eating is encouraged. The childminder shares the knowledge gained from oral hygiene training to support children's awareness of the importance of brushing their teeth. Risk of cross-infection is minimised within the home with good hand washing procedures, and by keeping the premises clean. Children have regular drinks, healthy snacks and nutritious meals. Good attention is given to promoting children's physical development. Visits to the park provide children with the opportunity to run around freely, enjoy the benefits of fresh air and play on a range of challenging equipment. Children also enjoy time spent in the garden where they can explore the

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

properties of sand and water, play in the tent, crawl through a tunnel, or play with bats and balls to help refine their coordination skills.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the safeguarding and welfare requirements, and the action to take in the event of a concern about a child in her care. She is confident in her ability to record and refer any child protection issues. The childminder is clear about vetting procedures for all adults living on the premises to ensure their suitability and ensures that minded children are always under her direct supervision and care. Comprehensive policies and procedures are shared with parents, and this means they understand how the provision operates. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving her provision to benefit children. She has a clear idea of her strengths and areas for development. The childminder works with the local authority to evaluate her provision and improve her setting. She has undertaken a wide range of training relevant to keeping children safe, such as health and safety, risk assessment and food safety. The

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provision

premises are secure and free from hazards. The childminder is knowledgeable about how to complete the progress check at age two years to ensure that parents are fully aware of their child's progress in the prime areas of learning.

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provision

The childminder provides an environment which supports and encourages children to try new things for themselves, and develop positive attitudes to learning. Resources are easily accessible and this enables children to self-select resources, promoting independence, enjoyment and achievement. She closely monitors their achievements to ensure all children make good progress across all aspects of their learning. The support given to children prepares them for their transition as they move onto their next stage of learning, and on to school. Partnerships arrangements with parents, external agencies and other settings work well. This ensures that children's needs are met, there is continuity in children's care and learning, and children who have additional needs are supported successfully.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 228381 Local authority Birmingham Inspection number 909578 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 3

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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