North Birmingham College

Inspection report for early years provision

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130460 Unique Reference Number 12 April 2006 Inspection date Anneliese Fox-Jones Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 a registered childminder since 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and six years. They live in a house in Watford. The living room and dining room are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have one cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for five children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding five children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and are protected from infection because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene procedures. For example, the childminder ensures that children's nappies are changed in a hygienic manner, washing her hands immediately afterwards. Regular opportunities to enjoy physical activity both indoors and outdoors are planned into the children's routine. Children enjoy playing outside in the garden for long periods of time. A wide range of equipment help to develop their physical skills and encourage them to develop a healthy lifestyle. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs and wherever they feel comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an effective sickness procedure in place. Most documentation is maintained sufficiently to protect the children's welfare. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious meals and their health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works well with parents and prepares freshly cooked meals each day. Children have access to drinks at all times. Children are further safeguarded as the childminder has up to date training in first aid for infants and children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children use a wide range of suitable equipment that are checked regularly. They are able to make independent choices and access toys of their choosing confidently and easily. Children are learning to keep themselves safe because the childminder is beginning to make them aware of safety. Children stay safe on outings because they are closely supervised. Children can safely access areas of the house and garden because most hazards have been minimised. However, there remains a small weakness in safety with regards to substances accessible to children in the first floor bathroom.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure home. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has attended basic child protection training and she understands her responsibilities in this area. Children would be well-managed in an emergency situation as the childminder has a carefully considered evacuation plan.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They gain from a varied range of play and learning experiences. Children are able to initiate their own play as resources are well-planned and easily accessible. Children respond very well to the childminder's good interaction, friendly approach and involvement. Play dough, sticking and outside activities are all enjoyed by the children. The childminder ensures that younger children's needs are met by allowing them to play independently as well as opportunities for one to one attention. She is close by to offer any necessary support and guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children benefit from the childminder's recent training, especially when this is actively used to plan and assess activities and outcomes for the children. Although, children are encouraged well to become vocal and use their growing language skills to socialise. The childminder models good language and gives the children opportunities to use their vocabulary skills. Children enjoy regular outings and opportunities to mix and play with a wider group of children. For example, visits to local parks and at the toddler group that the childminder runs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging as they are valued and treated as individuals. Children have equal access to all materials and resources. They become aware of the wider society through a suitable range of toys, resources and activities which focus on different festivals celebrated around the world. The childminder has a sound understanding that children with special needs may require additional resources and support to enable them to be fully included in the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, they are beginning to understand responsible behaviour because clear expectations and boundaries are positively reinforced. Children are helped to feel good about themselves as the childminder gives encouragement and praise for their efforts and achievements. Parents are kept informed through the daily communication and verbal updates that the childminder provides. However, there is no arrangement to inform parents of the complaints procedure and Ofsted's contact details are not made available.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder offers a warm and friendly environment that helps children settle and feel at ease. They have sufficient space and extensive equipment to play. Children receive a lot of individual support because they attend on various days which allows them to benefit from the one to one attention that they mainly receive from the childminder. The childminder manages her time and resources well so that she can positively support children's care, learning and play.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place. However, there are not suitable procedures in place for ensuring that the required written consents are obtained from parents. The information that she keeps about the children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Records that are maintained are kept secure and respect confidentiality. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection the childminder was asked to improve fire safety, develop knowledge of child protection issues and ensure that all records are accessible and stored securely.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed fire safety by ensuring that a fire evacuation procedure is in place. Children are further protected because the childminder has attended basic child protection training and all childminding records are now kept secure and respect confidentiality.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2005. 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 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 accurate detail is maintained and recorded on medication records • ensure potential hazards are made safe or inaccessible to children, with regards to dangerous substances in the bathroom • inform parents of the complaints procedure arrangements and provide them with Ofsted's contact details • obtain written consents from parents for emergency treatment or advice and for transporting children.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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