Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY318887 Inspection date 31 August 2006 Inspector Rebecca Brittle

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, five and two years. They live in South Yardley, Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder has a dog. She attends three local toddler groups and is a member of Birmingham City Council Inclusion Scheme. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for eight children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good hygiene as the childminder implements effective routines such as using disposable gloves when changing nappies or administering first aid. Children benefit from good opportunities to develop skills such as walking, crawling and climbing because the childminder provides activities to promote physical play. For example, children use a varied range of outdoor play equipment at the childminder's house. The childminder keeps accident and medication records, ensuring parents are kept fully informed of their child's health issues. However, accident records do not always include the nature of any injury sustained, potentially compromising children's health. Children sleep and rest according to their individual needs and the childminder makes regular checks on them, maintaining their safety and well-being. Children develop a healthy attitude to food as the childminder makes snack and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

mealtimes social occasions. The childminder has a flexible approach to providing healthy, balanced meals in accordance with parents' wishes. As a result, children are well nourished. She discusses individual dietary needs with parents and caters for them well. Children are encouraged to try new foods and talk about what they like and dislike. Children are well hydrated because they have constant access to a drink.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. The main areas used by children have furniture arranged to allow lots of space for them to move around and play. Children feel welcome and settle well because the childminder allows them to choose activities as soon as they arrive. Toys and equipment are stored appropriately, being easily accessible to children, enabling them to self-select. However, toys for older children are inaccessible to younger children, maintaining their safety. Resources are well maintained and conform to the appropriate safety standards. Children learn about diversity as they play with an excellent range of resources reflecting positive images of race, gender and ability. The childminder places great emphasis on maintaining children's safety, taking good steps to identify and minimise potential hazards. Children learn to keep themselves safe from an early age. For example, the childminder shows very young children how

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to use the small slide safely. Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder has a very good understanding of possible signs of abuse and the procedure to follow in the event of any concerns about a child. The childminder's knowledge is shared with parents to ensure they are fully aware of her duty to protect children.

p.3

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 The provision is good. Children take part in a good range of activities and games, which they find interesting and enjoyable. The childminder encourages children in free play as well as providing more structured activities. This helps children to learn to make choices and develop independence. Children concentrate on their chosen task, such as playing on the slide. Children's learning and development are enhanced as the childminder provides a variety of play environments in different areas of her home. For example, children play in the lounge, conservatory, garden and play house outside. The childminder involves herself in children's play, offering guidance where necessary. Children have good opportunities to develop social skills as they regularly attend toddler groups. Children play very well with each other and the childminder's

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children, sharing and taking turns with toys and resources.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are treated and respected as individuals. They learn to understand their own needs and those of others through discussion and routine activities. Children develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem because the childminder constantly praises their efforts and achievements. They learn to value and understand difference as they play with a wide range of resources, many of which reflect positive images of race, gender and ability. The childminder has valuable experience of caring for children with special needs and works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure their needs are well met. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, in line with a written procedure. She places strong emphasis on encouraging positive behaviour and offers clear explanations when children do something they should not. This means children know and understand what is

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

expected of them and therefore, behave well. The childminder encourages positive relationships with parents. She provides them with an excellent range of written information which supports their comprehensive daily discussion. This means that parents are fully aware of all aspects of care. The childminder knows and understands that parents are the main carers of their child and works closely with them to maintain continuity of care. The childminder maintains a complaints log as part of her childminding portfolio.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has high regard for the children in her care. She ensures children are protected from anyone not vetted by not leaving them unsupervised. The childminder is committed to improving practice through attendance at training and plans to complete a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) course, linked to her childminding service. Children benefit from an excellent level of adult support, where care of the childminder's own children is well balanced with the care of minded

p.4

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. Children's safety and well-being are well maintained as the childminder provides a very well organised service and maintains an accurate record of children's attendance. The childminder maintains all the required documentation. All paperwork is stored securely in order to maintain confidentiality. The childminder reviews documents such as contracts to ensure they are accurate and up to date. Overall, children's needs are met.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • include the nature of any injury sustained in accident records.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5