Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY246716 Unique Reference Number 17 May 2006 Inspection date Lucy Showell Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and their child aged 8, in Yardley, Birmingham. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and three children over five before and after school on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent/toddler group.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle is promoted at the setting. Their health and dietary needs are met because relevant information is discussed with parents and written in the children’s records. Children are nourished through easily prepared meals which limit the childminder’s time away from the children. They learn about the importance of healthy living through discussing healthy meal options during play and enjoy fresh fruit snacks and free access to drinks.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children’s care is fostered through individual routines. They rest and sleep according to their needs and enjoy good physical exercise. For example, they enjoy regular visits to activity centres and the park and at the setting they play in the garden and dance around inside.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit through a clean and tidy environment. The house is well-maintained and presented in a welcoming and child friendly manner. Children stay healthy because the childminder encourages good personal hygiene. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands using liquid soap and individual towels for drying and put their hand over their mouth if they cough or sneeze.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children’s care is promoted through documentation in place. Children’s medication is recorded correctly and the childminder is in the process of updating her first aid certificate. However, parent’s written permission for the childminder to seek any emergency medical advice or treatment has not been obtained.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. Children are kept safe through use of suitable safety equipment in place including safety gates, door jams, a fire blanket and the front door is locked and keys are stored out of children’s reach. Children’s safety on outings is promoted through use of a suitable pushchair and older children are developing an understanding of road safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is promoted through the childminder’s knowledge and proactive skills with regard to safety. For example, additional toys are stored away to allow plenty of safe space for play. Children have good access to a good range of toys and equipment that are suitable for their age and developmental stage and comply with British Safety Standards. They learn about their own and others safety through effective role play. For example, they talk about being careful because the food is too hot and needs to cool down.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm through the childminder’s clear knowledge of child protection issues. The childminder demonstrated her awareness of possible signs of abuse, the importance of maintaining records and her responsibilities to report any concerns. However, she does not have the local authority guide to good practice to share with parents.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop good confidence and positive self-esteem through receiving plenty of praise and encouragement for efforts and achievements. Their independence is supported by good opportunities for free play and choosing freely from a wide range of toys and resources. Children’s individual needs are met through good interaction and effective conversations and questioning during play extends their learning. For example, children are asked what colour and how many. Children are challenged and supported as they play with a range of jigsaws and each take turns to find and place the pieces.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s enjoyment and achievements at the setting are promoted through the childminder’s attendance on introductory training in the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework although this has not yet been implemented.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s sense of belonging is supported by the child friendly, bright and welcoming environment. Children enjoy making choices and decisions about their play and learning opportunities. Their understanding of the diverse community is promoted through encouragement to respect others and themselves. They share and mix well and enjoy a range of activities to celebrate different festivals and recognise varied cultures.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a good understanding of acceptable behaviour. They are generally well behaved polite and friendly and receive age appropriate explanations and positive reinforcement. Children play and work well together. They develop good self-esteem and have respect for others. They demonstrate awareness of the needs of others during role-play shopping and cooking. They share out the food and make sure each child has a basket. They then take turns with the till and to cook the food in the microwave and on the barbeque.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s continuity of care is promoted well through the childminder’s affective relationship with the parents. The well-implemented settling in process invites parents to discuss policies and procedures, complete necessary documentation and express opinions at initial visits and throughout children’s first sessions.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children at the setting. Space is organised well to facilitate children’s learning and promote independence. Older children enjoy playing in a room upstairs and access resources such as a large train set, board games and construction with small pieces, a games table and play station.

p.4

Organisation

Children’s care is promoted through the valuable documentation in place which is reviewed every six to twelve months. Children benefit through the childminder’s strong partnership with

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 parents and the implemented policies and procedures support children’s overall health, safety, enjoyment, achievements and ability to make a positive contribution.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At previous inspection the childminder had four recommendations.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Firstly, she was asked to make sure that the bedroom window is secure but that access is possible if evacuation is necessary. Suitable systems are now in place which has improved the security of the window.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Secondly, she was asked to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This has not been done and therefore has been recommended again.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Thirdly, she was asked to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children. Medication records have been completed correctly for all medication administered since.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Lastly, she was asked to continue to develop the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. This has been achieved through provision of additional resources and the activities provided.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain parents written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. • obtain and share with parents good practice guidance with regard to child protection • complete the `Birth to three matters’ framework training to improve practice.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6