Breakwell, Deborah

Inspection report for early years provision

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255502 Unique Reference Number 07 September 2006 Inspection date Hayley Lapworth 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged eleven and fourteen years. The live in the area of Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands. The whole of the house is used for childminding except for the two downstairs lounges. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is presently minding 9 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 and of the local childminder's group. She attends local toddler and pre-school groups on a regular basis.

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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 actively learning about good hygiene routines. The childminder is quick to recognise children's needs and supports them in caring for their personal hygiene. They regularly wash hands during routine and following messy play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a good range of interesting daily activities. They have opportunities to develop physical skills outdoors. For example, the childminder organises trips to local parks for the children to play games and go fishing. Children can also have regular sessions of active play in the secure large garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s nutritional needs are well accommodated. This is achieved through partnership with parents and the childminder's understanding of complex dietary needs. Children are involved in taster sessions of fruit and are involved in cooking activities. The childminder seeks out less popular fruits for the children to taste which inspires them to try new foods and increases their knowledge of healthy eating. For example, pomegranates and papaya's.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The setting keeps children safe and is secure in, and outdoors. The children are prevented from leaving unsupervised and uninvited visitors cannot gain entry. There are locks on the doors and on the garden gate. Children's safety is enhanced on trips in the car by the use of appropriate safety equipment including belts and car seats. The vehicle is maintained and the childminder holds valid insurance and a driving license.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has good level of awareness of possible risks to children’s safety. She has taken many steps to minimise hazards. This includes procedures in place whilst cooking and making dangerous objects in the kitchen inaccessible. However, there is one minor issue to address to prevent children accessing areas which are not included in the registration.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are actively involved in learning how to keep themselves safe. This is achieved by practising the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency. Children’s protection from abuse and neglect is promoted through the childminder's good knowledge of signs, symptoms and of reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are able to engage in a good range of activities. The childminder plans her time with the children to help them make progress in all areas of development. For example, children are given frequent opportunities to explore and investigate other environments. They visit local groups and parks and participate in activities with others. This allows them to build relationships with a mixture of children and adults.

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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 Children’s language and social skills are regularly promoted. This is achieved by the childminder talking and having general conversation with children aimed at their level of understanding. She frequently asks questions which make them think about what they are doing. She enhances their self-confidence by listening carefully to their responses and then extends their knowledge in specific areas. For example, by talking to a child who found a frog in the garden, about where it might live and the noises they make. This promoted the child's early stages of understanding the natural world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has a strong commitment to equality of opportunity. She recognises children as individuals and as a result they benefit from having their differing needs effectively met. The childminder is experienced in caring for children with special needs. For example, medical, dietary and emotional. Children are able to access a wealth of exciting resources and activities which actively raise their awareness of diversity. These resources raise topics about their bodies, feelings and differences. They help promote their understanding of others and to look at themselves positively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children thrive as a result of the outstanding continuity of care which has developed through the partnership with parents. The childminder builds solid relationships and provides opportunities for parents to be involved in the care of their children. Parents are very happy with the service provided. For example, they often maintain the relationship between the child and minder after the service is no longer required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in the care of the childminder. This is achieved by her positive approach to behaviour management and her understanding of the child's level of development. For example, she makes children aware of the house rules and praises them for their efforts and achievements no matter how small.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from the extensive and continuing professional training undertaken by the childminder. She is active in her approach to training and identifies areas she would like more knowledge. For example, sign language training. She has a real commitment to the promotion of quality care for young children and in particular the level of provision offered by local childminders. She acts as a mentor and a support minder for new registrations.

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Organisation

Children’s health, welfare & safety is very effectively safeguarded through the childminder’s policies, procedures and records. These are well organised to enable required information to be located immediately. They are detailed, maintained and reviewed to ensure children's and parents needs are effectively met.

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Organisation

The provision is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to develop written information in the event of an allegation whilst the child is in the care of the provider. The childminder has not put a written procedure. This is not a requirement in the National Standards. Also, to ensure parents are informed of Ofsted's contact details in the complaints procedure. Since the last inspection the childminder has developed a written procedure detailing Ofsted's contact details. This procedure is available to parents keeping them fully informed.

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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): • make rooms that are not included in the registration inaccessible to 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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