Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY317791 Unique Reference Number 06 July 2006 Inspection date Rebecca Brittle 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three-year-old son in Kings Heath, Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding as well as the upstairs bathroom and one bedroom and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. She takes children out to places of interest such as the nature centre and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for two children, both of whom attend on a part-time 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 satisfactory. Children are protected from the spread of infection because the childminder implements adequate hygiene, such as providing separate hand drying facilities. Children learn about personal hygiene through daily routines and discussion with the childminder. For example, children know they must wash their hands before they eat. Children wash their hands after playing with the childminder's dog, though dog hair on the furniture and carpet poses a potential health risk. Children develop physical skills as they benefit from daily exercise such as walking or playing in the garden. Children's health is maintained adequately because the childminder holds a first aid certificate and manages accidents appropriately. Procedures for administering medication are clear, though not all information is recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are appropriately nourished as the childminder works closely with parents to provide suitable meals and snacks. For example, all meals are freshly prepared by the childminder and do not contain additives or colours. Children are well hydrated because the childminder provides regular, healthy drinks such as milk, water or fruit juice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. Children settle well because the childminder implements a consistent routine when they arrive. They move freely around the house, which is maintained at an appropriate temperature, making children feel comfortable. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment. All resources are clean and well maintained, making them safe and suitable for children. Children use a variety of outdoor play equipment which helps to ensure they are well occupied both indoors and outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder places good emphasis on maintaining children's safety. For example, the front door is secure and the garden is checked before it is used. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about issues such as road safety. Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues, including possible signs of abuse. She also knows the correct procedure to follow in the event of any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a wide range of activities and games, which they find interesting and enjoyable. The childminder encourages children to choose their activities as well as offering more structured games such as making a set of World Cup flags. Children concentrate on their chosen games, such as pairs or playing with the bubble machine outside.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder involves herself in children's play, offering guidance where necessary. She talks to the children about what they are doing and their day at school. Children benefit from

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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 a wide range of activities and play experiences during school holidays because the childminder takes them out to places of interest such as the local animal sanctuary and the safari park. Children are happy in the childminder's care and talk about it being great there.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated and respected as individuals. For example, all individual needs are well met after detailed discussion with parents and all children have the same play opportunities. Children learn about diversity through discussion with the childminder and playing with resources that reflect positive images of race, gender and ability. Children understand their own needs and those of others throughout their time with the childminder because she talks to them about their likes and dislikes, as well as issues that are important to them at the time. The childminder does not currently care for any children with special needs though suitable procedures to do so are in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. She places good emphasis on giving praise and reward for positive behaviour, to which children respond well. If children display unacceptable behaviour the childminder talks to them about what they have done, so they learn to understand what is expected of them. The childminder maintains good relationships with parents. She ensures they feel welcome in her home and encourages them to spend time with their children there. Children benefit from consistency of care because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure they adopt the same approach to issues such as behaviour management and diet. The childminder maintains a detailed log of complaints made by parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has high regard for the children in her care. She protects them from anyone not vetted, maintaining their safety. The childminder is committed to developing and improving her service through attendance at a range of courses. Children's well-being is enhanced as the childminder maintains an accurate record of their attendance. They benefit from a good level of adult support as the childminder offers equal attention to each child.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains all the required documentation. Paperwork is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it is accurate. The childminder bases her service on a clearly written portfolio of information to ensure consistency of care. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

On the 28 April 2006 Ofsted received a concern about the safety of children when being transported in the childminders car; lack of seatbelts being worn. Ofsted wrote to the provider

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Complaints 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 on the 04 May 2006 asking them to investigate these concerns under National Standard 6 (Safety) and 12 (Working in partnership with parents and carers). Ofsted received the childminders full report and investigation into the concerns on the 15 May 2006. The report shows that the childminder was meeting all of the National Standards. The childminder was sure that all children had their seat belts on and has introduced measures to check every child in future, before setting off on a journey.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted is not taking any further action and the childminder remains suitable and qualified for registration. The provider's complaints log contains detailed information relating to the complaint.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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): • maintain good hygiene with regard to the dog and ensure all information relating to medication is recorded.

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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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