Orbell, Tracey Jayne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318185 Inspection date 08 June 2006 Inspector Adelaide Griffiths

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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, two children aged 10 and seven years and one child aged 17 months in East Birmingham. They live within walking distance of schools, nurseries, shops, a library and several parks. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under one all day, one child under five before school, and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to

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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 local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are gaining a good understanding of hygiene matters as part of the daily routine. They wash hands after some activities and before meals. Babies have their hands and faces wiped at nappy change and at meal times. Children are protected from cross-infection due to the childminder's effective nappy change practice, individually allocated utensils, clean equipment and food preparation area. Thorough policies and procedures relating to sickness, accidents and pets ensure that children's health is competently safeguarded. Babies have ample opportunities for movement which promotes the development of their large muscles. They are learning to stand with support and sit absorbed in play. Babies sleep according to an established pattern agreed with parents. Older children benefit from daily physical exercise. They participate in outside play with footballs, swings and bikes. They have rest periods for reading or other activities such as

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Helping children to be healthy

colouring. Children experience a balance between vigorous and quiet play. Babies are developing independence by helping themselves to finger foods including bananas and pears. The childminder encourages babies to try a variety of foods and has succeeded in introducing cereals with parental approval. They are also fed with cooked, blended meals supplied by parents. Older children are offered a selection of snacks such as fruit, yoghurt and savoury biscuits. Evening meals consist of cooked foods, salads and vegetables which all children are consistently encouraged to try. Children drink water frequently. All children are benefiting from the childminder's pro-active approach in encouraging healthy eating. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework for the care of babies and young children. Owing to previous experience babies are benefiting from the childminder's knowledge and understanding of providing stimulation to promote

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are warm and welcoming with good heating, ventilation and bright. Children can move around freely at all times due to an abundance of storage space provided for toys and play equipment. The childminder buys all toys and play resources from reputable suppliers and ensures that they are suitable for all age groups. Children are accessing toys that are age appropriate. A variety of furniture and equipment are checked at regular intervals to ensure that children are

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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 comfortable in the environment. Children are safe in the setting. Owing to a good range of measures and the childminder's forward thinking approach children benefit from competent care. For example, they wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent accidents on the laminated floor. Although the toilet facilities are accessible a large supply of cleaning agents and other items are stored overhead thereby posing a potential hazard to children. The childminder takes effective precautions to ensure that the kitchen and upstairs bedrooms are safe for children's use. Fire drills are practised with children so that they learn how to leave the premises in the event of an emergency. Outside the garden is fully enclosed and made safe for children's play. For example, plants are trimmed back, large play equipment is stable, the sand pit is kept covered when not

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in use and clean sand is provided regularly. Children's welfare is well-protected as the childminder is clearly informed about abuse and neglect. Procedures in regard to the recording and reporting of concerns are thoroughly understood and Local Safeguarding Board guidelines are accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a large supply of toys and resources including some that provide entertainment during wet weather such as play stations and consoles with educational programmes. The childminder promotes group play and concentration skills with card games. Children enjoy arts and craft activities. For example, for special occasions they are encouraged to make cards and paintings which they take home. A wide selection of toys such as jigsaw puzzles, colouring books, dressing-up clothes and books ensure that children benefit from a variety of play experiences. They plan and act out scenarios with a puppet theatre and adults sit in the audience to listen while they are entertained. Children engage in creative and challenging activities that provide enjoyment. Babies and younger children are developing through play. The childminder makes use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan activities that stimulate babies'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sensory and co-ordinating skills. As the childminder plays with babies she maintains eye-contact to promote interaction and babies respond positively. They are growing in self-reliance when playing on their own with pop-up toys. Babies are supported in play and are also allowed time for free play and exploration.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued in the setting and all are treated equally. The childminder is committed to ensuring that children have a sense of belonging, for example, she seeks relevant information about their culture so that she is informed about requirements. Children are clearly supported in gaining an understanding about other cultures and of disability due to the respect fostered and the substantial supply of

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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 resources. Children with special needs are welcome in the setting. Children are well-behaved. They are made aware of ground rules to which they adhere. The childminder is alert to unacceptable behaviour which is managed promptly. Children are rewarded with treats for good behaviour, for example, they can have additional time for favourite activities. Children are learning about right and wrong including boundaries of behaviour. Babies receive support and praise to encourage self-help skills, for example, when eating finger foods. The partnership with parents is good. All parents are given a copy of policies and have opportunities to express their opinions about the care of children. Positive comments reflect parents' satisfaction with the care children receive. A settling-in

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Helping children make a positive contribution

period that meets the needs of parents and children is offered and daily information, including recorded diary entries, is shared about the children's day. Children are benefiting from the relationship with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. There is good organisation for the care of children and suitability issues are addressed. The childminder carries out preparations of chores and risk assessments of the premises before children's arrival. Storage boxes are distinctly labelled to indicate the contents. Through contact with a support childminder contingency arrangements are agreed in the event of emergencies. The childminder holds early years qualifications and demonstrates her commitment to improving practice by accessing courses which extend her knowledge and understanding of working with children. All documentation is competently maintained and a comprehensive bank of policies is provided for supporting work with parents. Records and sensitive materials are stored securely. The childminder is clearly informed about procedures for the updating and retention of records. She is confident about notifying Ofsted of significant changes.

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Organisation

Children enjoy attending and have a sense of belonging in this setting. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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 the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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

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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): • ensure that hazards to children on the premises, both inside and outside, are minimised.

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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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