Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318693 Inspection date 24 July 2006 Inspector Karen Cooper

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18 months, four and six years. They live in Great Barr, Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom is used for childminding. The location is convenient for school, parks and shops. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a full-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and is a member of

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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 the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are taught the importance of personal care, for example washing their hands after toileting and before eating. The children are appropriately cared for in the event of illness and parents are informed that children will not be cared for with any infectious illness. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities with regard to children's welfare and holds a current first aid certificate. The first aid box is readily at hand and records of accidents and medication are shared with parents. However, consent to administer medication is not obtained. Children are provided with regular drinks and snacks throughout the day. Individual dietary needs are catered for and children are provided with a range of fresh fruit on a daily basis. Information is frequently shared with parents to ensure that their wishes are being respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children keep healthy and enjoy the benefits of exercise when visiting the local park, walking around the community and visiting activity groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play, eat and sleep in well-maintained premises and benefit from a suitable range of toys and resources, which are checked prior to use. Space is effectively organised to allow them to move around safely and they are able to access resources independently. Equipment is kept clean and in a good state of repair. Children are cared for in a safe environment where all reasonable steps are taken to reduce the risk of an accident. For example, safety gates are in place and low-level kitchen cupboards are fitted with safety locks. Appropriate fire equipment such as smoke detectors and a fire blanket are provided and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. However, the children are unaware of emergency procedures to follow in the event of a fire, as these have not been shared or practised to ensure their safety. Appropriate procedures are in place to ensure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children are safe when on outings. For example, the childminder takes parent contact numbers in the case of an accident or emergency. However, written permission for their child to be transported in a vehicle is not obtained. Children's welfare is protected through the childminders appropriate knowledge of child protection issues and of the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child.

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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 satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They are enthusiastic about their play and confident in their interaction with the childminder and her family. Children are valued and the childminder helps them to feel good about themselves by frequently providing praise and encouragement, which helps build their self-esteem. Children have access to a range of age appropriate toys and resources that encourage them to make progress in their development. The children are beginning to develop their independence, they are able to access most of the toys and resources that are stored in the dining and living room and confidently make choices about their play. They have regular opportunities to socialise with their peers when visiting local childminding groups and the park for more active play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued, respected as individuals and have equal access to a range of resources and activities that help them to appreciate the wider world. For example, books, figures and dolls provide positive images of different cultures and abilities within society. Children play happily and are 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. Children are listened to and the childminder values what they say, which helps them to feel good about themselves. Parent’s wishes are respected and the childminder talks to them on a daily basis to ensure children benefit from a two way sharing of information. Relationships between providers and parents are honest, open, trusting, friendly and professional. This

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Helping children make a positive contribution

helps ensure children are settled and secure and that parents wishes are being respected.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children benefit from a variety of activities inside the home and at groups. Children's independence is developing well through opportunities to select toys and activities, which are rotated on a regular basis. Space within the home is used effectively to ensure that the children's needs are met. The children feel at home, at ease and are confident to initiate their own activities. Documentation is regularly reviewed, easily accessible and stored securely. However, children's welfare is potentially compromised because their attendance is

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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 not accurately recorded. Parents share and contribute to written information about their child and complete a detailed form noting any particular needs. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents to administer medication • develop fire safety precautions within the home, for example, by ensuring that children fully understand and practise the emergency escape plan and obtain written permission to take children in a vehicle • improve documentation to ensure that children's attendance is recorded accurately.

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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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