Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319788 Inspection date 12 June 2006 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

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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 family in the Shirley area of Solihull and co-minds with her mother. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is currently caring for nine children, in association with her mother, and of these, six children are under five. Children attend on both a full-time and part-time basis. Children can be taken to and collected from local groups and local schools. The family have two dogs.

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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 good. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of good hygiene practices as the childminder has good routines in place which are shared with the children. There are good standards of hygiene within the house and garden ensuring children's general good health. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has an appropriately stocked first aid kit ensuring she is able to respond appropriately to any accidents children might have but, she does not inform parents of what first aid has been administered to their child. Accidents, and any medication given, are recorded in duplicate and parents are given a copy, ensuring they are informed of their children's health. Children enjoy access to a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and activities which contribute to their physical development and independence. The childminder's understanding of the physical needs of young children enables her to provide

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Helping children to be healthy

suitable and appropriate activities, both indoors and out, to support children's development and co-ordination. Children's individual feeding and sleeping routines are agreed with parents, recorded and supported by the childminder enabling children to rest or sleep when they are tired. Older children help themselves to drinks which are easily accessible to them, and younger children are offered drinks regularly ensuring they remain hydrated at all times. Parents supply some meals and these are stored appropriately and prepared as agreed with the parents. The childminder provides food and meals for the other children ensuring it meets their religious, cultural and dietary needs. Children are involved with menu planning and the menu is displayed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and child-centred home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently. Children are beginning to understand about safety and risks as the childminder always gives explanations regarding the results of their actions, for example, don’t run indoors as you may fall. There are good routines in place to ensure children's health and general welfare. Children choose their own activities from a wide range of toys and equipment that the childminder ensures are safe, in good condition and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. A visual risk assessment and regular cleaning schedule are completed and daily checks on toys are carried out. Children are supervised when using the large outdoor play equipment. This ensures that children are safe and well protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all of the required procedures and documentation in place to

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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 ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has clear plans for fire evacuation and these are recorded, shared and practised with the children, ensuring they understand the routine and could safely exit the house if the alarms sounded. Outings are planned to ensure the children's safety and all consents from the parents regarding outings and transport are recorded. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues but needs to up date her knowledge. There are policies on keeping children safe and on general health and safety issues and these are shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's house. Their emotional well-being is fostered well. The childminder displays her knowledge and understanding of children's development with careful and consistent management. This enables children to develop appropriate strategies for sharing and playing together as they are clear on what is expected of them and what the boundaries are regarding behaviour. To further develop experiences for the children they attend activities outside of the home, for example, children's indoor physical play areas, the local park and animal centre. The childminder encourages children to fully express themselves and she responds well to children's requests for interactive play, attention or changes of toys. This enables children to develop independence and self-esteem. The childminder's interaction and involvement with the children keeps children interested and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stimulated. The appropriate storage of equipment allows children to safely access all toys and equipment. Some children's work is displayed and children are given regular praise and encouragement. This encourages the children's self-esteem and willingness to try new activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are made very welcome and their behaviour is good. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which helps the children learn to co-operate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions. The childminder discusses behaviour issues with both parents and children ensuring everyone hears the same message and consistency is maintained. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with parents. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunity issues but has little in the way of toys and equipment to support equal opportunities and few festivals are discussed or celebrated. This reduces the children's ability to extend their knowledge of the wider world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 There are good partnerships with parents which contribute significantly to children's well-being. Parents are provided with daily conversations about children's activities ensuring they are aware of their child's day and reassured about their care and all agreements with parents are recorded and acted upon. Daily diaries are completed for all children ensuring parents are fully informed of their child's day. Children's independence is encouraged enabling them to develop a sense of self-esteem and belonging. The childminder is aware of individual needs and ensures these are met enabling children to develop at their own rate, whilst ensuring activities include some degree of challenge.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in this child-centred environment. They have good access to resources and are provided with a wide range of experiences which keep them motivated and interested in what is available. Children are taken to local events, the park and parent and toddler groups which gives them wide range of experiences and opportunities. Space is well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they become more confident. Toys and equipment are appropriately and safely stored enabling children to self-select play activities. The records and procedures in place ensure that children's care, welfare and development are promoted efficiently and safely. All documentation, and daily activities are shared with parents and this help parents gain a good insight into the type of service provided for their children. Agreements with parents are recorded, and are acted upon. This provides consistency for children

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Organisation

and reassurance for parents. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides. The youngest member of the household does not have appropriate clearances in place and the childminder needs to attend to this immediately.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received by 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

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 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): • ensure parents are made aware of what first aid treatment their child has received • ensure knowledge and understanding of child protection issues are up to date and meet the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines • increase knowledge, toys and equipment to support equal opportunities • ensure all adults in the household undergo appropriate checks including a criminal records check.

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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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