Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 13/10/2014 18/04/2012

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 4 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

 The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of how to ensure children make good progress in their learning and development. She provides a wide range of activities that are interesting and offer children challenging experiences.  Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of appropriate safeguarding procedures. She maintains children's health and safety by eliminating hazards by conducting thorough risk assessments.  The childminder forges strong relationships with parents from the moment children start. She regularly seeks their views and values their contributions, so they can work in unison to fully support children's well-being, learning and development.  The childminder is pro-active in developing her service and her plans for improvement are well-targeted to strengthen her practice further.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Children do not always have direct access to the vast range of resources, to promote independent choice.  There are opportunities to further enhance learning for children with English as an additional language by providing resources in both the child's home language and English.

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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 compulsory part 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 observed the childminder engage in a range of indoor learning activities, play and daily care routines with the children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability and qualifications of the childminder, her self-evaluation form and discussed her plans for improvement.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of parents, carers and older children from the feedback obtained by the childminder.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2009 and is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children in the Hall Green area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. There are currently seven children on roll, six of whom are in the early years age group. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round, from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and nursery. She also visits the local park and shops on a regular basis. The childminder is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years and also receives support from the local authority.

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

 create more opportunities for children to access resources so that they can follow their own interests and develop independence, for example, by creating a pictorial catalogue for children to select from

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

 enhance learning opportunities for children with English as an additional language, for example, by providing pictures, books, notices and labels in the child's home language as well as English.

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who attend

Children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She uses her knowledge and suitable guidance documents to observe, teach and effectively plan for children's learning needs. The childminder regularly makes thorough observations and assessments of children's progress to help her identify any gaps in the children's learning. She also makes good use of the progress check for children aged between two and three years. Children enjoy a good range of varied activities and experiences, which ensures they develop strong skills in readiness for school. The childminder develops very positive relationships with parents and discusses their child's welfare, initially through the use of very informative 'All About Me' documents. She communicates daily with parents about children's care needs and achievements. As a result, children are making good progress in

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who attend

The childminder engages well with children, involving them in conversation to help nurture their language development. Children's confidence and communication skills are further enhanced as they take an active part in sessions involving story books, and singing action and number rhymes. Children clearly enjoy looking at books with the childminder and are eager to turn pages and repeat words, or retell the story in their own words. Children are encouraged to learn to share toys, take turns and play together to promote their social skills. This helps to prepare them for the later move to nursery and school. As a result, children make good progress in their personal and social development. Children develop an understanding of number and shape through daily routines and play. For example, they play with different shapes, stacking them in order of size, or complete a range of inset jigsaws matching the pieces to the shape of the hole. They take their time sorting and

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who attend

turning the pieces and show great delight if they complete the jigsaw. Children develop their creative skills because the childminder provides a good variety of colouring materials and a selection of resources. They make colourful festive pictures and cards using a variety of shapes and materials, which the childminder displays to promote their self- esteem. During outdoor play, they investigate the properties of wet and dry sand by making hand prints and sandcastles.

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who attend

Children have good opportunities to promote their physical skills because there is a good range of outdoor resources, which encourage children to climb on the frame and slide, or ride on the tricycles and scooters. The childminder takes them on regularly visits to 'stay and play' groups and other play venues, where they are able to play on the larger equipment. Children learn about nature and the environment as they plant vegetables and flowers, look for bugs or collect the eggs from the childminder's chickens. The childminder has a sound knowledge of promoting equality of opportunity and ensures all children and their families are valued and respected. Multicultural resources and visual displays of diversity and disability help to promote children's understanding of diversity. In the main, children with English as an additional language are supported well by the childminder. For example, she is bilingual and able to communicate in their home language, while still

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who attend

promoting English during activities and daily routines. However, there is scope to enrich their learning by providing pictures, books, labels and notices in both the children's home language and English.

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

The childminder keeps her home safe and it is well resourced, warm and welcoming. Children use and play with a good range of quality resources, appropriate for their age. However they are not stored where children can reach them for themselves. Consequently, they have fewer opportunities to follow their own interests and develop more independence. Close relationships and strong attachments are highly evident between the childminder and the children. New children are supported by the through a gradual settling-in procedure, which is individual to each child's emotional needs. This ensures children settle quickly and happily. Children are confident learners who are emotionally well prepared for the next stages in their learning. This is because the childminder actively fosters a sense of belonging. The childminder has a calm, caring and patient manner and she gives children her individual attention. This helps to ensure that

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

each child feels valued and special. Children move freely around the childminder's home and enjoy playing with the variety of resources available. The childminder is a good role model, treating children with kindness and respect. Children enjoy each other's company, seeking out friendships and forming relationships. As a result, children behave well and good social skills develop in preparation for the later move to nursery and school.

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

Healthy lifestyles are promoted as the childminder gives written information to parents regarding healthy eating and encourages children to eat a healthy diet and try different foods. She ensures that a range of healthy snacks and meals are available daily. Children develop a good range of physical skills as they enjoy regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They develop their confidence as they play on the outdoor equipment at the childminder's home or use the large equipment at local parks and toddler groups. The childminder uses these opportunities to reinforce how to use equipment safely, enabling children to take safe risks, under close supervision. Therefore, they learn how to protect themselves from harm. Good hygiene routines help children to understand the importance of keeping themselves clean. Children are supported well to develop an awareness of their own toileting needs and the childminder encourages them to clean their hands at

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

appropriate times during the day and after messy activities.

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

The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and she supervises them well at all times. Children gain a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they follow sensible rules for playing indoors, such as walking not running, picking up toys and carefully negotiating the steps to outdoors. They regular practise fire evacuation procedures and get involved in discussions around fire safety. All required documentation to promote children's safety and well-being is in place and the childminder understands the need to complete this correctly.

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provision

Since the last inspection by Ofsted, where the childminder received a number of actions to improve, the childminder has implemented effective changes in her setting. She has attended a training course for childminders. She has obtained written parental permission to take children on outings and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for each child attending. She also has information from parents about who has legal contact and parental responsibility for their child. The childminder has improved the planning and assessment processes in her setting, so that children receive an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that meets their individual needs. The childminder has also introduced new procedures for younger children to wash their hands before meal times to continue to promote children's health and well-being. Written risk assessments are in place which show how the childminder has identified and minimised hazards to

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provision

ensure children's safety and she maintains a record of the fire evacuation drills that children take part in. These clearly show if there were any problems encountered and how they were resolved. Consequently, the childminder has successfully met the action and recommendations that were raised at the last inspection. The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns regarding a child in her care, to ensure children's welfare and well-being are promoted. A written safeguarding policy, which is shared with parents, includes her duty of care, the action to be taken and telephone numbers of who to contact to seek advice and support. The childminder ensures that all adults living and working on the premises are suitable and have been vetted. The premises are safe and secure. The childminder maintains an accurate daily record of the names of children being cared for on the premises and

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provision

records their hours of attendance to demonstrate that ratios are always adhered to. This means children are kept safe by the robust implementation of all the necessary documentation.

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provision

The childminder is well organised and has an all-inclusive range of policies and procedures in place which support her good practice. She ensures all information is stored safely to maintain confidentiality. The childminder has a good level of awareness about how children learn. She monitors her provision to ensure the learning and development requirements are met and to ensure children are motivated and interested in their activities. This is successfully achieved by providing a broad range of activities, tailored to help children make good progress. The childminder has a very clear commitment to improving the service she provides and has completed a focused improvement plan, which clearly identifies where improvements have been made and those areas requiring further development. She accesses training to update her knowledge and understanding, and receives support from the local authority early years team. She has identified a number of

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provision

training courses and workshops she is going to attend to secure her skills and knowledge. All of this clearly demonstrates how she is intending to ensure continued good learning opportunities for children.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of how to liaise effectively with parents. Communication is a key focus for the childminder with regard to children's well-being and development. She verbally shares information about children's achievements on a daily basis, and actively encourages parents to add comments to their children learning journals. She gives parents ideas of how to continue their children's learning at home through a poetry and rhymes book. The childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of working in partnership with external agencies. She works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure she provides appropriate levels of support for children. The childminder develops appropriate links with the local school and nursery in order to fully complement their learning and support their future move to nursery and school.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory 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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We re-inspect nurseries and pre-schools judged as requires improvement within 12 months of the date of inspection. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. 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 EY385714 Local authority Birmingham Inspection number 798372 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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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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