Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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228540 Unique Reference Number 02 May 2006 Inspection date Anne Felicity Taylor 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 was registered in 1995. She lives with her fifteen year old son in the Sheldon area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the upstairs bathroom and one bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Generally she cares for school age children before and after school and in the holidays. The childminder walks to and from school.

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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 learn the importance of personal hygiene routines as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, for example, before tea. The childminder is an effective role model, washing her hands regularly. Children learn about healthy living and eating as they discuss what they had for lunch at school. Parents are informed about any events during the day, as sound procedures are carried out, for example, accident and medication recording. Medication is stored safely. Children are cared for if they have an accident or become ill as the childminder is first aid trained and a fully-stocked first aid box is available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children choose from a variety of healthy food for snack and tea, including fruit, cereal bars, sandwiches, a cooked meal or an 'on toast' meal, ensuring they are well-nourished. Children choose what they would like for tea enthusiastically, planning for the next day as well. Refrigeration temperatures are not monitored and therefore food is not stored safely. Parents are always consulted regarding dietary needs and preferences and therefore all individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy varied opportunities for physical play, both indoors and outdoors, that contribute to their health and well-being. All the children benefit from having easy access to the garden, enjoying the fresh air and ball games. Older children are offered activities to help them develop increasing finger and hand control, for example, collage and Lego. They walk to and from school and often enjoy bicycle rides in the holidays.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered quiet times to rest after school and to complete reading and home work, meeting their individual needs well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, secure and well-maintained environment. They have free access to the ground floor of the house and one bedroom where toys are stored, offering plenty of free play space. Children have easy access to a range of appropriate equipment, much of it at child height, enabling them to make independent choices. They gain a positive attitude to others as they use toys, books and crayons that reflect positive images of society, for example, colouring sheets of Asian people in traditional dress. Children play with suitable and safe equipment as procedures are in place for checking and cleaning all equipment and toys regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe because the childminder is vigilant and supervises the children herself at all times. They play safely in the enclosed garden. Accurate registers are completed daily. Children begin to understand about keeping themselves safe as the childminder discusses and practises road safety when they are out walking. Older children are given the experience of a little more independence walking home from school. They discuss and practise fire evacuation regularly, therefore children become familiar and comfortable with the safety procedures. All the required fire safety equipment is in place and well-maintained.

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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 The childminder has a professional understanding of child protection issues including the referral process. Child protection is discussed with parents, which means they understand her responsibility to report any concerns. Therefore children are protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met because the childminder and the parents develop open relationships and exchange information regularly. Routines are flexible and adapted appropriately to meet the individual needs of children attending, for example, to have a quiet time after school or games in the garden. Children are confident and secure in the friendly environment. Parents are given regular feedback about their child's time with the childminder, for example, meals and snacks and achievements and messages from school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported by the childminder as they develop their independence and confidence, choosing their own play before tea. All the children are offered valuable opportunities to make positive relationships with others as they play together and as they are encouraged to be kind and considerate. They feel valued as individuals as the childminder chats to them on the way home from school, asking about their day and any significant events.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children play with and support younger children who are settling in, showing concern and developing friendships. They gain confidence as the childminder allows their independence to develop with her unobtrusive supervision and within clear boundaries. Children enjoy lots of days out in the holidays, for example, picnics in the park and swimming

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. They develop positive attitudes to others following the example set by the childminder. Strong lines of communication with the parents ensures that the childminder is kept fully informed about children's needs and therefore supports children appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a strong sense of belonging as the childminder offers them individual attention. Procedures to record incidents are in place. Older children are encouraged to share and to be considerate and helpful, effectively developing an awareness of the needs of others. They begin to understand right from wrong through the consistent boundaries which are in place and the age appropriate methods the childminder uses to manage behaviour, for example, explanation. Children respond positively to the praise offered and their self-esteem is enhanced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is satisfactory. Children benefit from the relationship between parents and the childminder, supporting the involvement of parents in all aspects of their child's care and learning. Parents appreciate the daily exchange of information. Parents have the opportunity to discuss all the policies and procedures put in place by the childminder, increasing their confidence in the care offered.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children develop well and have lots of fun and affection when in the care of the childminder. She is clear about her role and responsibilities as a childminder. Children feel secure in her care, where they are offered appropriate and varied activities with lots of choice.

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Organisation

The welfare and safety of the children is the priority for the childminder and the correct ratios are always maintained. The organisation of the childminder's home ensures that the children have plenty of safe play space indoors and outdoors, with easy access to equipment. Children are confident as they are cared for within the flexible routine.

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Organisation

Effective procedures and policies support the childminder in working successfully in partnership with parents, for example, clear emergency plans. Most of the required records are in place and well-maintained. Children benefit as their families are welcomed into the childminder's home and are fully involved in their care. The children are settled and comfortable in the childminding environment. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that all records and documentation are reviewed and updated regularly. Generally all the required records are in place and well-maintained, supporting the childminder in her care of the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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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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 food storage temperatures are monitored • ensure written permission to take children in the car is in place.

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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 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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