Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318452 Inspection date 24 August 2006 Inspector Rachel Wyatt

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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 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 registered in 2005. She lives in the Bartley Green area of Birmingham with her husband and two children aged 10 and 15 years. They live close to all local amenities and there is a local bus service. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with access to a first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, and is currently minding three children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Children are taken on various local outings and the childminder

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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 attends a local childminders' toddler group. The family has two dogs. Support is available for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The childminder is member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are looked after in a comfortable and welcoming home. The childminder ensures that all areas used are kept very clean and well maintained. Children play with toys and use equipment that are wiped over daily or thoroughly cleaned. Children enjoy the company of the family's two well-behaved dogs. The childminder carefully monitors this contact and is proactive in ensuring her pets' health is maintained. Children learn about good personal hygiene through regular hand washing. Older children are encouraged to visit the bathroom independently, with gentle reminders about washing hands. Younger children's comfort is assured through regular nappy changes. Should children have an accident or become unwell the childminder ensures they have appropriate treatment and that parents are kept informed. The childminder is proactive in alerting parents to any conditions that require medication or other

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Helping children to be healthy

treatment. However, relevant written consents or records have not been obtained when medicated creams have been used, and parents have not given prior written consent to their children receiving emergency medical advice and treatment. This compromises children's well-being in such circumstances. Children learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle especially through regular physical exercise. They go on frequent local walks, and children of all ages benefit from well-organised and much enjoyed visits to a nearby swimming pool. Here they develop confidence and skill in the water, learning to swim and enjoying fun water play. The childminder is well aware of the benefits of regular outside play. In hot weather appropriate procedures are in place to protect children from the sun. Children's health and dietary needs are effectively met as the childminder seeks information about their medical history, allergies and diet. Children are encouraged to

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Helping children to be healthy

eat healthily, so that cereals and toast are offered at breakfast and fruit, salad items and yoghurts are part of lunch time snacks. However, the childminder is receptive to children's particular preferences, which are discussed with parents, and which can have an impact on the variety of foods some children will eat. Meal and snack times are sociable and relaxed with all children sitting together. At times children help to prepare snacks or to make cakes or biscuits. They also enjoy having picnics in a nearby park.

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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 Children are able to explore their surroundings in safety, as both indoor and outdoor areas are secure and free from hazards. Effective use is made of guards, electric socket covers and door protectors to minimise risks to children. They are supervised effectively both in the house and when out. Children understand basic road safety rules and aspects of water safety, through their regular walks, frequent use of public transport and visits to the swimming pool. Children use age-appropriate, sturdy toys and equipment. Children's welfare is satisfactorily catered for in an emergency, as the childminder has appropriate fire detection and prevention equipment and she ensures she has parents' and carers' emergency contacts ready to hand at all times. Circulation areas and exits are kept clear. However, she has not practised her emergency plan and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

consequently children are not fully aware of or prepared for such situations. Children are protected from harm. The childminder has devised a suitable child protection policy and has ready access to relevant guidance, which is also shared with parents. Children's well-being is promoted as the childminder is proactive about discussing any matters relating to their health or appearance with their parents. Well-organised collection arrangements from school and her home also help to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and comfortable at the childminder's home. They are able to choose activities and help themselves to toys and resources. Activities are appropriate for the children's age and stage of development, and also reflect their patterns of attendance. Therefore, those children attending after school have a chance to relax and take part in different activities, but they are also able to complete any homework. In particular, during the holidays, everyone enjoys a range of outings, walks and picnics. Children are involved in planning the frequent use of public transport, such as helping to organise the money for fares and paying for these themselves. Regular outside play in the childminder's garden is popular with the children. They use wheeled toys, play in a paddling pool and have games of football. Indoors, older children soon become absorbed in board games, discussing and negotiating the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

rules, taking turns and, with discreet help from the childminder, working out strategies. They are creative and imaginative, enjoying drawing and collage work, impromptu dressing up and role play. Younger children are very much included in all activities, with access to an appropriate range of baby and toddler toys, puzzles and books. Their language and learning, for example about colours and shapes, is fostered naturally through play, completing simple puzzles and looking at inviting, colourful books. Younger children's independence, social skills and confidence are encouraged during visits to local toddler groups, and by their active inclusion in all outings with their older peers. Children relate well to each other, and there is a warm rapport between them and the

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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 childminder. They all chat easily as they play, and younger children's emergent speech and language is effectively supported and encouraged, so that they confidently express their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs, interests and characteristics are acknowledged by the childminder. She works with parents to ensure she is aware of any individual care needs and adapts her provision accordingly. As a result children's food preferences are incorporated into daily menus. She helps younger children to take a full part in their older peers' activities, whether it is helping to throw the dice during a board game, or to join in swimming and water play activities. The childminder's awareness of child development means she is receptive to possible factors affecting children's progress and she uses suitable strategies to support less able or confident children. Children's awareness of diversity is fostered in practical ways through discussions, and access to some suitable resources, including books depicting positive images. Children's positive attitudes are encouraged, whilst any discriminatory remarks or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

challenging behaviour is calmly discussed by the childminder. Explanations given to children are appropriate for their level of understanding. Children are well behaved. They get on well, play together and take turns. Any minor disputes are resolved quietly and quickly. Close relationships are developed with parents through effective settling in arrangements and regular information sharing about their children's care and activities. A comprehensive portfolio, including details of the childminder, her family, policies and procedures, means parents are well informed about her provision from the outset. Parents are given copies of child protection guidelines. They are also advised how to contact Ofsted should they wish to make a complaint. However, changes to the National Standards regarding complaints are not reflected in the childminder's procedures. Consequently parents are not fully aware of their rights, or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of the childminder's role in managing and recording any complaints made against her.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from being looked after by a well-organised, caring childminder. She ensures sessions and outings run smoothly and that she can give each child some individual attention. Parents are reassured as the childminder makes available details about herself and her family's suitability, her training and experience. She is also keen to develop her provision through further training and participation in a quality assurance scheme. Children's care is generally supported by documentation. Relevant details are available for each child, and agreements have been made with parents regarding

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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 most aspects of their children's care. However, some omissions to consents, and the absence of up to date records of children's attendance, potentially affects their welfare and safety. Whilst the childminder's certificate of registration is included in a folder of documentation, it is not routinely displayed whilst she is working. This means parents are not fully informed to enable all to work together to support children’s well-being. In other respects, the availability of written policies, and often additional guidance, helps parents to understand the childminder's practice. Overall children's needs are met.

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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.

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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): • improve arrangements for children's care by obtaining parents' written agreements to the use of any medicated creams, and to seeking medical advice and treatment in an emergency • improve children's safety by further developing the emergency escape plan and practising this occasionally • develop the complaints procedures to reflect changes to the National Standards and so that parents are fully aware of their rights • improve documentation by displaying a copy of the certificate of registration and by maintaining a contemporaneous record of children's times of arrival and departure.

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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 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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