Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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405590 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2006 Inspection date Karen Cooper 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 registered since 2001. She lives with her three children in a semi-detached house in Birmingham within walking distance of local parks, shops and public transport. Two ground floor reception rooms and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part time basis and one full time. The childminder provides a service to local schools. She holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 qualification in childcare.

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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 satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder takes appropriate measures to ensure they are protected from potential health risks. They are cared for in a clean and warm family home where suitable health precautions are in place. For example, daily routines ensure the children wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children are protected from infection as the childminder clearly informs parents that she will not care for children who are unwell and could pose a health risk to others. However, written consent to administer medication is not obtained from parents and as a consequence children’s best interests would not be served should they become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are met through a range of meals and snacks which are discussed and agreed with parents. Children receive consistency of care as the childminder exchanges information with parents regarding children’s individual dietary requirements. Drinks are readily available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their physical development adequately supported as the childminder provides regular opportunities for physical play. Children enjoy outdoor play in the garden and they go on frequent outings to parks and activity centres in the local area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a welcoming home where space is organised to allow them to move around independently. There is a suitable range of furniture and equipment, which ensures children are able to play, eat and rest comfortably. Children can access toys and resources independently. Equipment is kept clean and is regularly checked for safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a home where their needs are given priority. The childminder has assessed potential risks to children and put procedures in place to minimise these at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including a fire guard, stair gates and socket covers. There are clear procedures to ensure children are collected only by authorised people. For example, passwords are used when necessary for extra protection. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are in place and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. The children learn about fire safety, they know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency and the childminder regularly practises this with them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminders appropriate knowledge of child protection issues and of her role and responsibility to protect children in her care.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a variety of toys and resources which help them make progress in their development. The environment is child orientated and the children are able to make decisions about their play as they choose from the various well-placed toys and activities. They are provided with learning and play opportunities through everyday experiences and freedom to initiate and choose their own activities. For example, they enjoy playing with board games, joining in with interactive TV games and regularly visit the park and other local facilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are relaxed and settled. This enables them to make progress in their personal, social and emotional development. Warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children are evident. They communicate easily with each other, which helps the children to enjoy and achieve. The children are helped to develop self-esteem and confidence with the use of praise and the childminder acknowledges good behaviour, which she ensures is highlighted during daily discussions with parents. The childminder takes into account parents wishes and as a result, children are content and receive care consistent with home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder meets their needs through daily routines which are discussed and agreed with parents, for example sleeping and eating arrangements. The children's knowledge and understanding of diversity is encouraged through the use of a range of resources that reflect positive images of culture, disability and gender. The childminder would care for any child as long as she could meet their needs and endeavours to work in partnership with parents to ensure the children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are well mannered, share and take turns. The childminder regularly praises and encourages the children for their achievements. As a result, the children behave well and respond positively to clear expectations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares information with parents on a daily basis. This helps develop positive relationships and the children to feel secure. However, the parents are not made aware of procedures to follow in the event of a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at ease and settled in the childminders care. They receive consistency of care as a result of the childminders effective partnership with their parents. Resources and space are adequately organised and monitored to enable children to play and rest in a safe and suitable environment. The childminder regularly exchanges information with parents to ensure that they are provided with a clear guidance as to the service and care that they and their children can expect.

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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 Children's records are clear, easily accessible and stored securely. All required written consent is in place and children's attendance is accurately recorded. However, as all adults on the premises have not been vetted children's safety could be potentially compromised. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend the setting

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three actions were made. The childminder was asked to ensure children's attendance record are kept. The childminder has made good improvement in this area. Children's attendance is recorded on a daily basis and shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was requested to update information regarding child protection procedures and share this with parents. The childminder has obtained a copy of the child protection procedures and ensures these are shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Furthermore, it was requested that the childminder completed child record cards and obtain written consent to seek emergency treatment, to transport children in a vehicle and to take on outings. With the help of the parents the childminder has completed records sheets for all children and parents are requested to complete a comprehensive consent form.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised regarding an unknown assistant caring for children and lack of communication with a parent. These concerns relate to National Standard 1: Suitable Person and National Standard 12: Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers. Ofsted made an unannounced visit to the childminder to investigate the concerns raised. The child care inspector issued a failure to comply notice (compliance) and an action which required the Registered Childminder to take certain actions within set timescales. The compliance notice required the childminder to; reduce the number of children being cared for to that as stated on the registration certificate by 21 October 2005. The action raised: to ensure children’s daily attendance records are kept and available for inspection. A further unannounced visit was made to check that the childminder was compliant and that the action raised had been met. The childminder was found to be compliant and the children’s register completed satisfactorily. The

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Complaints since the last inspection

childminder remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints 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.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents to administer medication • improve your partnership with parents by ensuring that they are made aware of what to do if they have a complaint • ensure that persons over the age of 16 years living in the household undergo checks including a criminal records check.

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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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