Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292391 Inspection date 19 July 2005 Inspector Shirley Delaney

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and 4 children aged 2, 3, and 15 years and adult son in the Sutton Coldfield area of Birmingham. The childminder uses all of the ground floor and the young children’s bedroom for childminding. The children have access to a secure rear garden. The family have a budgie. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two

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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 children, who attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a nutritious diet. The childminder recognises children’s individual preference and this is reflected in the choice of meals she provides. She has a good understanding of healthy eating and offers children vegetables if they are having main meals with her family and fruit is always available. Children are supported in developing good hygiene practices, for example, washing hands before meals and after toileting. Children benefit from the childminders good hygiene practices. She has a high standard of hygiene and ensures work surfaces, toilets and children’s equipment are cleaned regularly. Children have good opportunities to practise and develop physical skills when using an extensive range of outdoor equipment. They enjoy outdoor play and have opportunities to develop large physical skills through use of equipment on which they can climb, jump, slide and swing. Outdoor activities also gives them opportunities to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop finer manipulative skills such as when using tools in the sand tray.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn about staying safe. The childminder reminds children about using the outdoor equipment safely and reminds older children to be mindful of younger children when they are playing boisterous games. The childminder checks the premises for hazards, however she does not always successfully identify and minimise risks for children. This means that children are not always able to move around some areas of the home and garden safely. Children have good access to a broad range of toys and resources which are maintained in good condition. Children can safely select from resources available as good care is taken that toys and equipment are of a reliable quality and meet safety standards. Children’s welfare and protection from harm is generally promoted, as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and she has an appropriate awareness of signs of abuse and neglect and knows the procedures to follow if she has

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and settled in the home. The childminder promotes a

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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 relaxed environment and is supportive and encouraging in her interaction with the children. Children are fully involved, interested and occupied in various activities available to them. They are offered a broad range of challenging activities and experiences which enables them to make progress in all areas of development. Older children are given choices about activities they wish to be involved in, they make choices from a selection of board games, creative materials, computer and an extensive range of outdoor equipment. They are offered a wide range of interesting opportunities to take part in trips to local amenities, such as the farm, Think Tank, park, Drayton Manor Park, Sea Life centre and swimming.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals with their particular needs considered and accommodated, as the childminder makes sure that children’s individual needs are met as discussed with their parents. Children are encouraged to develop a positive view of the wider world through discussion and they benefit from the childminder’s positive attitude to people who are different or have different needs. However the range of resources that promote positive images of different cultures and disability is limited. Children are well behaved and show consideration for others. Good behaviour and children’s self esteem is promoted as the children receive recognition, praise and encouragement from the childminder for considering the needs of others and for their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s sense of security is fostered through effective adult support and a familiar routine. Children confidently make choices as the space is organised to give them opportunities to take part in a range of play experiences. The childminder promotes children’s care and welfare as she records required information and ensures that records are updated with current information. She discusses verbal policies and procedures with parents when making arrangements to care for their child, and gains written consent where required. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements 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 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 procedures in place to identify hazards for children in the home and garden and take action to minimise risks • increase the range of resources that promote equality of opportunity with regard to different cultures and disability.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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