Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309232 Inspection date 06 April 2006 Inspector Myra Lewis

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and two years, in Sutton Coldfield. Local amenities and bus routes are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks or drives to and from local schools to take and collect children, and attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child. She holds a valid first aid certificate and is a member of the National Childminding

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment, where they are learning good hygiene practice, through the daily routines. Each child has their own individual flannel and towel and are actively encouraged by the childminder, to develop their self-care skills and be independent. Children are protected from infection by good standards of health and hygiene within the home, the childminder has effective nappy-changing routines in place and takes necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection. Therefore, children's health is well protected. Children have opportunities to play in the garden and there are regular trips to the park to feed the ducks, regular nature walks where there are two children's play areas and visits to Sutton Park. Children walk or ride to and from school each day and benefit from plenty of fresh air with good opportunities to observe and learn about their local surroundings. Younger children can rest and sleep according to their

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Helping children to be healthy

respective needs, in consultation with parents. Children are well cared for in the event of illness, as the childminder has a good understanding of first aid and has effective procedures in place to safeguard children's health, acting in their best interests at all times. Children's accident and medication records are all in place and maintained accurately. A well stocked first aid box is available and its contents checked regularly. Children are well nourished through the regular provision of healthy meals, snacks and drinks. Their individual dietary preferences and routines are carefully respected, as the childminder works in partnership with parents, to ensure children are benefiting from, and enjoy, their mealtimes. They are actively encouraged to eat healthily for example, organic fruits and vegetables. Written sample menus are shared with parents and reflect healthy food choices for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where positive steps have been taken to make the home safe and secure for children. The childminder provides good support for children to settle easily into the new surroundings and they are fully included in all aspects of family life. All toys, resources and equipment are suitable for their purpose, in good condition and well maintained. Toys are kept clean and regularly checked, so that the risks to children are minimised. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Any potential risk or hazard is identified and prompt action is taken to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 safeguard the children. Children's welfare is further protected as the childminder understands her responsibilities regarding child protection and knows who to contact, if she should be concerned. There are effective systems in place for the safe arrival and collection of children. They are closely supervised by the childminder when being taken outside the home and are under her supervision at all times. Therefore children's safety is effectively maintained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure in their surroundings, where they settle easily at the childminder's house. They have access to a good range of age appropriate toys and resources. The toys are accessible from the play room or are set out on the floor. Children are also able to choose their toys independently. Babies and younger children receive lots of cuddles and individual attention. Their development is well supported as the childminder knows the children very well and is aware of their individual needs. Activities are planned around children's individual routines to ensure they benefit from a variety of different play opportunities. The childminder spends her time talking and playing with children. For example, she encourages babies to roll and strengthen their gross motor skills, builds stacking bricks for young children to knock down. Children's individual needs are clearly identified and accommodated well, in order for them to play freely and make good

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

progress, in their overall learning and development. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and ensures younger children receive appropriate support and guidance, which increases their sense of well-being effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for as individuals and treated with equal concern, they feel at home in their surroundings as they follow their normal daily routines. The children have a good relationship with the childminder, who gets to know the children well. They play happily and respond well to the childminder's sensitive and caring approach. Children learn about their own culture and those of others through the childminder's positive approach. Children are respected and valued as individuals, they have equal access to toys and resources, regardless of their ability, gender or background. However, toys and resources that reflect positive images are limited. Positive behaviour is promoted as the children are offered praise and encouragement. They learn to share, take turns and play together. The childminder has a consistent approach to behaviour management and uses appropriate

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 strategies to manage children's behaviour appropriately. Parent's wishes are respected and relationships between parents and the childminder are open and friendly, which contributes to the overall well-being of each child. All aspects of children's individual care requirements are fully discussed with parents and their wishes respected. The childminder encourages a gradual settling-in period in order to build positive relationships with children and their parents. All children's personal details are recorded and stored securely. Policies and procedures are shared with all parents. However, the complaints procedure needs to reflect the revised National Standards.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well supported by the childminder who makes good use of her home, the garden and local area. Children are able to access toys easily and are encouraged to make independent choices about their play activities. Their well-being and progress is well supported, because the daily routines are flexible in order to cater for the individual needs of each child. All aspects of the childminding service are clearly detailed in a well presented folder, which is shared with all parents. They are kept fully informed about their children's day through daily contact with the childminder, who provides both verbal and written information about their children's daily activities. Therefore children's overall well-being is maintained. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • extend the range of positive image resources with regard to disability, gender and culture • ensure the complaints procedure reflects the recent changes in the National Standards.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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