Childminder in BirminghamOfsted inspection, 21 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294452 Inspection date 21 July 2005 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her family in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham. The house is close to local shops, schools and a park. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder currently cares for five children of which two are under five. The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups as she does not drive. The family has a hamster.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of good hygiene routines as the childminder explains why she is wiping hands or noses. Good standards of hygiene within the house and garden ensures children's general good health. Wipes are used to prevent cross infection for all under two year olds and older children have individual towels. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has a first aid kit, which requires restocking, ensuring she is able to respond to any accidents children might have. Children enjoy access to a wide range of indoor toys and activities and a limited range of outdoor activities. These contribute to children's physical development and independence. The childminder's understanding of the physical needs of young children enables her to provide suitable and appropriate activities to support children's development. Due the small garden the childminder takes children to

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Helping children to be healthy

outside activities including 'Mini Movers' at the local leisure centre to extend the physical activities available. Children's individual feeding and sleeping routines are agreed with parents and supported by the childminder enabling children to rest or sleep when they are tired. Children help themselves to water, which is placed as to be accessible to them, and suitable containers are regularly topped up by the childminder for the youngest children. At present the parents supply all food for the youngest children and this is prepared as agreed with them. Food for older children is provided by the childminder again in agreement with parents. Arrangements for meals has not been recorded.

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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 that older children can move around freely, safely and independently. Younger children have been more restricted but the childminder intends to undertake additional training in the care of under two year olds. Children are beginning to understand about safety and risks as the childminder always gives explanations and discusses children's behaviour and actions with them. 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. The childminder has all 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, except permission for emergency medical treatment. She holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has clear plans for fire evacuation and carries out and records fire drills undertaken. Outings are planned and permission has been obtained, from parents, for the childminder to share outings with another childminder who drives.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They relate to each other, the childminder, and other family members well. They are very 'at home' and express this by requesting and receiving attention, cuddles and laughter. 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. The childminder has been concerned about the safety of the youngest children and plans to undertake a course on Birth to three matters to extend her knowledge of appropriate strategies to develop their independence. To further develop experiences and provide physical play for the children they attend activities outside of the home, for example 'Mini Movers' at the local leisure centre. The childminder encourages children to fully express themselves and responds well

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's requests for interactive play, attention or changes of toys. This enables children to develop independence and self-esteem. The appropriate storage of equipment allows children to safely access all toys and equipment. The childminder discusses children's activities with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are made very welcome and the childminder has had no behaviour management problems with any child she has cared for. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which helps the children learn to cooperate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions. The children's understanding of right and wrong is developing due to the consistent behaviour management strategies used. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with parents. There are excellent partnerships with parents which contribute significantly to children's well being. Parents are provided with daily conversations ensuring they are aware of their child's day, activities undertaken and reassured about their care. 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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

these are met enabling children to develop at their own rate. The majority of agreements with parents are verbal. The childminder's understanding of different strategies that she could use is good

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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 and takes account of children's stage of development and other factors that might impact on children's behaviour for example: tired or teething. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and ensures children's individual needs are met including specific dietary needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming, and child centred environment. They have good access to resources and are provided with a wide range of experiences which keeps them motivated and interested in what is available. Space is well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they are confident in accessing all toys and equipment and requesting attention. All relevant 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. Not all agreements with parents are recorded. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the childminder's first inspection

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received since registration.

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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): • ensure agreements with parents are recorded and include permission to seek emergency medical treatment

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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 • ensure drain covers in the garden are safe • consider obtaining information on the development of the provision for under 3s, for example: the Birth to three matters.

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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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