Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317320 Inspection date 14 March 2006 Inspector Carol Johnson

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives in Knowle, Solihull with her partner and two children aged one and seven years. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, together with the bathroom and two bedrooms on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding one child on a part-time basis.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is protected because the childminder takes suitable steps to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the risks of cross-contamination. Her home is kept clean and through discussion she demonstrates a basic knowledge of appropriate food hygiene precautions. Children are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices through established daily routines. For example, they wash hands before eating and after toileting or messy play. Children are encouraged to cover coughs and sneezes, and tissues are always available. The childminder takes appropriate measures to ensure that children's best interests are served should they become ill or have an accident. Children's individual medical information is exchanged and recorded and the childminder has attended a recognised first aid course. Children are cared for appropriately should they become ill and the childminder ensures that parents are clear with regards to her written

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Helping children to be healthy

sickness policy. She asks that they do not send children who are clearly unwell and could pose a health risk to others. Children’s dietary needs are met. Currently, children only attend for a short period of time and receive breakfast and a snack, for example, toast and fruit. Drinks are freely available. The childminder is willing to provide meals and is aware of the need to offer a balanced and nutritious diet. Children's allergies and dietary requirements are considered appropriately as the childminder talks to parents about their child’s needs and she records and respects individual requirements. Children have access to a general range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development. In good weather they walk to and from school and visit the local park; here they can feed the ducks and access large play equipment. Also, children have access to the childminder's fully enclosed rear garden. A range of

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Helping children to be healthy

outdoor play equipment is available, for example, a slide, swing and wheeled toys. Consequently, children are given some opportunities to exercise and increase their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s safety is suitably protected because the childminder has satisfactorily assessed and minimised most potential risks to the children in her care. Appropriate safety and security precautions are in place. For example, safety gates prevent children's access to the stairs and kitchen, sheds are kept locked, smoke alarms are fitted in most rooms of the house and hazardous items are stored outside the reach of children. However, children's safety is at potential risk in the event of a fire as emergency evacuation procedures have not been practised and the childminder's fire

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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 blanket is not placed in a position where it can be effectively accessed. Children are learning to keep themselves safe by following rules and safe practices. Road safety is discussed and practised whilst out and about in the local environment and house rules are clearly explained to prevent accidents within the home. For example, children know that they must not run in the house as they may slip and hurt themselves. Children’s risk to injury from toys is suitably minimised because they are stored safely and the childminder checks them on a daily basis and broken toys are thrown away. Children's welfare is satisfactorily safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates a working knowledge of abuse and neglect and she is aware of local referral procedures. The childminder is aware that her first priority is to the welfare of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children in her care and she is confident of her ability to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary. Children are not left unsupervised with persons who have not been vetted, for example, workmen or visitors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and having fun. The childminder informally plans her daily routine. Sessions include a mixture of planned and spontaneous play and they reflect children’s interests and individual needs. Children can access to a variety of activities that help them to develop in all areas of learning. For example, children are able to paint, experiment with playdough, enjoy small world play and they are offered a weekly cookery activity. A wide range of resources are available and they are clean and of good quality. Toys are stored in various places throughout the childminder's home and a selection of toys is put out, on a regular basis, for children to choose from. They are confident to help themselves and generally know what is available. Consequently, they are starting to develop independence and are beginning to use their own initiative. Children have good relationships with the childminder and their peers and therefore

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are settled and confident to explore and initiate their own play. They are at ease to go to her for comfort, reassurance and support. They are happy to chat and the childminder encourages their communication skills by asking questions and showing an interest in what they have to say. Children happily play alongside each other and they are interested in their play and the activities offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for as individuals. They are starting to learn about the wider community through discussion during television programmes and play with a general range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity, for example, small world figures and books. The childminder makes use of local toy loan schemes to extend her range of toys and to offer children a greater range of play experiences. The

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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 childminder displays an appropriate attitude towards caring for children with special needs. She has no experience of providing such care but would carefully consider any requests, on an individual basis, and seek additional advice or support if necessary. Children are encouraged to behave through the childminder's calm and consistent use of a range of positive strategies to manage behaviour. For example, she uses distraction and explanation and she encourages children to share and take turns. Children receive guidance with regards to rules and boundaries and good behaviour and effort is rewarded with frequent praise. Consequently, children feel good about themselves and they are encouraged to co-operate and achieve. Documentation that enhances the childminder’s relationship with parents and ensure

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children’s needs and those of their parents are met is in place. The childminder has drawn up a selection of clearly written policies and procedures that she shares with parents. She talks to parents when they drop off and collect their children; they exchange information about children's care, behaviour and routines. As a result, parents receive clear guidance as to the level of care and service they can expect and their children are cared for in an atmosphere where their views are respected and valued.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and made welcome in the childminder's home. They have plenty of space for play and resources are plentiful and suitably stored. Daily routines are flexibly organised to reflect children's needs and parental requirements. Activities are varied and appropriate for the children attending. Children’s care, learning and play are positively supported by the childminder who ensures that they receive a good level of attention and supervision. Required documentation is maintained and stored appropriately. Confidentiality for children and their parents is respected and personal information is kept secure. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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 satisfactory. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that the fire blanket in the kitchen can be accessed easily in the event of an emergency • ensure that emergency evacuation procedures are practised.

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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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