Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY307356 Unique Reference Number 08 March 2007 Inspection date Kashma Patel 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 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 two adult children in Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding ,with the exception of the kitchen and the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under eight years old. She also cares for children over eight years old. The childminder transports children to and from local schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Birmingham Childminding Association.

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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 generally well cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. There are appropriate procedures in place, such hand washing practices and individual hand towels which helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate, which means that she can deal with accidents appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met effectively because the childminder collects information on their likes and dislikes. They are provided with nutritious food and snacks such as fruit, biscuits and yoghurt which promotes a healthy lifestyle. Children are adequately hydrated because they can independently access drinks such as water, milk and orange juice. Children have satisfactory opportunities for physical play which contributes to their health. They enjoy daily walks to and from school and playing ball games in the garden which ensures they get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally well cared for in a homely environment. There safety is well promoted because children are aware that they are not allowed to open the front door and there is no access to the first floor. They are also learning about fire safety through regular drills and discussions about how to leave the home quickly in an emergency. A fire blanket is secured appropriately in the kitchen to promote children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have free access to a satisfactory range of toys and equipment which is safe and age appropriate. Toys are accessible in the playroom which promotes their choice and confidence. However toys and resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice are not available which means children are not developing an understanding of the wider world. Children were observed relaxing on the sofa watching television, the childminder commented that some days they prefer to relax instead of taking part in activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is maintained as the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues such as signs of abuse. However, she is not aware of the procedures if allegations were made against her. This means parents are not kept fully informed of what action to take should they be concerned about the care they receive.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and making suitable progress in their development. They have free access to a range of toys such as board games which interest and stimulate them. They are developing their confidence and self-esteem because the childminder spends time talking and playing with them. They have a fun time where they make choices of what they want to do. Children watch their favourite videos, DVD's and listen to music on their mp3 players.

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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 Children have opportunities to develop their and imagination, they enjoy playing with finger puppets and small world toys. They also have picnics in the garden and enjoy digging the soil before planting their flowers, this promotes their knowledge of the world. Children are developing their creativity as they freely access art and craft activities such as collage.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's needs are met adequately by the childminder who works closely with their parents. They benefit from the family atmosphere, in which the childminder values and respects their culture. Children are learning about other religions and faith through discussions, but the childminder does not have toys and resources to promote their understanding of equality of opportunity. The childminder has an appropriate practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and respond to the childminder's clear and consistent expectations about their behaviour. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise and encouragement which promotes children's self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from daily verbal feedback, the childminder spends time talking to parents about how there children have been. A log for complaints is in place to reflect the new regulations, however the childminder is not aware that the log is required to be shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that the needs of the children in her care is her first priority. Children are safeguarded because all adults who come into regular contact with them are suitably vetted or are not left unattended with the them. The childminder makes effective use of space and resources to ensure that children are cared for appropriately and can make choices about their play.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that ratios are well met, so children receive individual attention and support. There is some documentation in place such as children's registers, record cards, accident books which promotes their welfare. However the childminder does not have written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment on the children which potentially compromises their well-being in the event of an emergency.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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 children have equal access to an appropriate range of resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • ensure children are protected by developing knowledge of child protection procedures in relation to allegations made against the childminder • ensure that parents are made aware of the complaints log and appropriate information is shared with them on request • obtain written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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