Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318333 Inspection date 13 June 2006 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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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 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and 9 years, in the Castle Bromwich area of Solihull within walking distance to local parks, shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home and upstairs bedroom and bathroom is used for childminding. There is access to a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for maximum of six children under the age of eight years and is currently caring for two children under thirteen months. The childminder drives or walks to local groups to take and collect children. The family

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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 has two pet cats. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder has thorough procedures and documents are in place to ensure that children's individual needs are very well met. Children learn about the importance of being healthy through the childminder's skilful support and guidance and through well-established daily routines. They are encouraged to be independent in their self-care skills and know they need to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating or after playing in the garden. The childminder reduces the risk of cross infection by ensuring that children are provided with wipes and antibacterial hand wash for use when they are out. Physical activity is highly regarded and children are able to develop their physical skills as they take part in a wide range of activities on a daily basis. Children enjoy daily walks to groups and places of interest. They especially enjoy regular sessions

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Helping children to be healthy

at the swimming pool, attending toddler groups and playing in the garden using a very good range of equipment. This helps children develop positive attitudes to exercise and promotes their health and well-being. Children are able to rest and play according to their own needs. Children are well nourished and kept hydrated as they enjoy drinking a range of smoothes made with lots of fresh fruits. They are becoming aware of good nutrition as the childminder discusses healthy eating and selects healthy options with them. She avoids giving children sugar, fats, salt and additives. Children are aware of their own needs, for example, when they need something to eat or when they need a drink. The childminder has clear information on children's dietary requirements and works with the parents to ensure that these requirements are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's awareness of safety is very well fostered both around the home and on outings. The childminder ensures all areas of the premises are safe by thorough risk assessment, being vigilant and supervising the children well. High priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and maintain safety inside and outside the home. Children wear wrist bands with her contact number written inside when she takes them on outings in the event that they become lost. She discusses all aspects of road safety with the children as they walk to and from school or groups by stressing the importance of watching, looking and listening. The childminder gives very good consideration to fire safety and emergency evacuation and has written procedures in place. Children are fully involved in discussions about the various fire exits and know the procedure to follow in an emergency, because

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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 they have regular practise sessions. All children have access to a superb range of quality toys and resources, which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. Resources have been carefully chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. Toys are made easily accessible and at the children's level so they can independently select resources. Children are very well protected from possible harm or neglect because the childminder is knowledgeable about child protection. The childminder is careful to restrict other people's access to her home and to children whilst she is childminding. She has written policies and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy. They develop their play and learning because they are cared for in a child-centred environment. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she knows the children well, and is aware that she needs to improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with ‘Birth to three matters’. Children are able to make decisions about their play, select activities and develop their interests. Children are given time to play and learn independently and benefit from being able to take part in a wide range of worthwhile and interesting activities. They enjoy activities which contribute to their creativity such as painting, printing or using their imagination to play with small world play equipment such as dolls and play figures. Children enjoy their regular visits to rhythm time and cradle club where they like to dance to different types of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

music. Children's self-esteem and confidence are effectively promoted because the childminder encourages children to take part in activities in a safe and supportive environment. Children are well supported because the childminder’s interaction with them is very good; she has a warm rapport with them and a calm, gentle approach. She is very reassuring to children, listens carefully to what they are saying and shows interest in what they are doing. The childminder helps children distinguish between right and wrong by encouraging them to share and take turns. This helps children make positive relationships. Children’s activities and achievements are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Their care needs are discussed with parents and routines and preferences are followed, this helps children to settle in and feel comfortable. Children are confident in stating their

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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 preferences and the childminder encourages them to make choices and take responsibility for their own decisions. Children learn about diversity through discussions and the use of resources reflecting positive images. The childminder is sensitive towards inclusion and has a special needs policy which she shares with parents. She recognises the importance of continuing discussions with parents and support from other agencies to ensure the child receives appropriate level of support. Children develop an understanding of responsible behaviour because the childminder encourages them to behave well, to share and take turns. The childminder is a positive role model to children, she is polite, friendly and courteous. Children develop an understanding of the need for simple rules, and gentle

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Helping children make a positive contribution

reminders and discussions help children know what is expected from them. The childminder has a warm rapport with the children and they all benefit from plenty of attention and caring interactions. Children's conversations are listened to and valued, and each child is praised for their achievements. Partnership with parents is good and this has a positive impact on the children's well-being. Information is shared daily and parents are kept informed about their child's day, care and routine. In addition parents are provided with a helpful range of policy documents about the provision. Good settling in procedures are designed to help children settle more easily, and to ensure the childminder is aware of their needs and care routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enriched by the childminder's highly effective organisation of time, space and resources. Consistent routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and part of the family. This means that children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children. The childminder continues to extend her knowledge and skills by attending training. She is up to date with most current issues and good practice in early years care and learning. She regularly attends local childminding groups, incorporating new ideas, procedures and resources into her provision to further enrich children's play and learning. Children benefit from the childminder's sound and secure knowledge of child development and of her legal duties. All required documentation is in place and

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Organisation

regularly reviewed, policies and procedures are shared with parents, which means they clearly know about the provision and the care their child receives. Polices and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The quality of the provision is very high. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements 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 Not applicable.

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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 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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with ‘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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