Childminder in Sandwell

Inspection report for early years provision

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254995 Unique Reference Number 03 May 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 good. 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 1988. She lives with her husband and two children in Great Barr, Birmingham. The location is convenient for shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is an 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children all on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification Level 3 in Child Care and Education. She 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 are helped to understand that washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating keeps them healthy. There are good procedures in place to care for children who are ill, which are shared and agreed with parents at registration. The childminder is trained in administering first aid and has appropriate permissions and records in place regarding the administration of medication and accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are met through a range of meals and snacks provided by parents. Children receive consistency of care as the childminder exchanges information with parents regarding their individual requirements. Snack times are relaxed, social occasions when children sit together around the table to enjoy their food and each other's company. The childminder is aware of each child's individual dietary needs and ensures these are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have access to a good range of physical equipment in the garden and regularly visit the local park to help improve their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use a range of toys and equipment that are of good quality. Equipment is regularly checked for safety and is kept clean. The children are able to access resources independently and the childminder supervises their choice of toys to ensure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Indoor and outdoor space is organised effectively, creating a child-friendly environment which enables the children to explore while being appropriately supervised.

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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 assesses any potential risks to children and puts procedures and practices in place to minimise these at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including fire guards, socket covers and safety gates. Children are within sight, or close enough that they can be heard by the childminder at all times, including when playing in the garden. There are clear procedures to ensure only authorised people collect children. For example, passwords are used for extra protection. The childminder ensures children are safe when on outings and takes appropriate information such as parent contact numbers in case of an emergency. Fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. Children learn about fire safety and know the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedure for evacuation in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her role and responsibility to protect children and has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures, which are necessary to protect the welfare of 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 good. Children are happy, well settled and have formed good relationships with each other and the childminder. This enables them to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. They are provided with a good range of activities and experiences that reflect their needs and interests and which help them to make progress in their development. The children eagerly join in role play, acting as doctors and nurses which is particularly relevant as the theme for this week is 'Hospitals'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with activities that are adapted for their different stages of development and toys and activities are rotated on a regular basis. For example, the childminder provides a range of structured activities such as art and crafts, music and singing to ensure that the children remain interested and stimulated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children behave very well, are confident and are willing to take turns. They have regular opportunities to socialise with their peers when visiting the local toddler group and often attend the park for more active and physical play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children choose from a good range of resources, which include toys and books to develop positive understanding of different cultures and people with disabilities. For example, children play with dolls and figures representative of various cultures and abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play happily and are confident, sociable and secure. They respond positively to the childminder who ensures that behaviour is managed with use of praise, explanation and distraction. Children are well behaved and are encouraged to share, take turns and show consideration for others. They are listened to and the childminder values what they say, which helps them to feel good about themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents. Relationships are honest, open, trusting, friendly and professional. This helps ensure children are settled and secure. Children are cared for in accordance with parents wishes and the childminder uses a communications book to ensure the children benefit from a two way sharing of information. Parents are given the opportunity to settle their child gradually into the childminders home and are regularly consulted about their children's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children feel at ease in a homely, environment. They use the space to enjoy a wide variety of spontaneous and planned activities and independently select from a good range of quality toys and equipment provided for them daily. Regular visits outside of the home contribute to children's learning and enjoyment of the local environment. The childminder shows commitment towards her own personal development and improves her knowledge by attending relevant

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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 short courses for example, food hygiene and first aid. She is an experienced childminder and ensures ratio's are met and maintained to allow children to receive individual attention and to offer flexibility of care to suit parents needs.

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Organisation

The childminder provides parents with an excellent range of policies and procedures which enables them to know how the service offered operates on a day-to-day basis. The 'welcome pack' for new parents includes additional relevant information which ensures they are fully aware of the role and responsibility of the childminder and what is expected of them. Parents are kept well informed of their child's daily events and progress verbally and in writing. Parents complete a detailed information form about their child and any particular needs are noted. Documentation is used well to support the care of the children and complies with regulations. Records are clear, easily accessible and stored securely. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend the setting.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that a fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen. The childminder has now fitted a fire blanket to the kitchen wall that conforms with BS EN safety standards, which ensures the safety of the children is protected.

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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 good. 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): • improve your partnership with parents by ensuring that they are made aware of what to do if they have a complaint.

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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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