Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY246885 Unique Reference Number 02 October 2006 Inspection date Ann Doreen Burford 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 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 has been registered since April 2003. She lives with her husband and one child aged 18 months in a house in between Shirley and Solihull. They live within walking distance of the local shops and park. All rooms on the ground floor, including a conservatory and playroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family has a pet dog and tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children. Of these, two are under five and one is aged under eight years. Children aged over eight may also attend.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a recognised child care qualification.

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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 thrive because of the childminder's effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. The childminder provides healthy snacks and meals and ensures children have fresh fruit every day. Any special diets are catered for, in consultation with parents, to ensure all children's dietary requirements are met. Fresh drinking water is always available and children are frequently encouraged to drink. A variety of age-appropriate cups are used to encourage independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

The home is very clean and tidy. Good regard is paid to the standards of hygiene of the home and all equipment. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices, they wash their hands before lunch and are learning to wipe their own nose. Toilet training equipment is in place and the childminder works in close partnership with parents to help children develop their understanding of personal care. The dog is friendly and all inoculations and worming procedures are in place to protect children from the potential of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activity. They use the back garden and walk to the local park frequently. There is a good range of toys that help children develop their coordination and physical skills. They are protected from the harmful effects of the sun and written parent permission for the administration of suncreams is in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The children mainly use the playroom which has been decorated to create a child-friendly environment that is stimulating and attractive. There is an extensive range of age-appropriate toys which meet safety standards. The toys are safely stored with many at child height so children can access them independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are many safety resources in place, such as socket covers. A daily visual check of the garden and house means the childminder assesses risks and takes every reasonable step to minimise hazards to keep children safe. Children are starting to learn about keeping themselves safe through example and reminders when they are playing. The childminder sits on the floor with the children and through her strong relationship with the children is able to lead them into understanding the consequences of any unsafe play. For example, ensuring all toys are usually safely placed before playing with them to prevent accidents. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder provides booster seats and child seats to keep children secure on journeys in the car. All fire safety equipment is in place, however, children do not take part in an emergency evacuation practice. This means they do not know what to do in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately protected because the childminder understands her role and responsibilities in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when

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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 necessary. She has a copy of the local safeguarding board guidance to use as a reference. She understands her role as a referring agent and knows to seek further help if needed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children use their initiative and access many of the resources for themselves, they lead the play and the childminder supports them in their choices. This is achieved because of the childminder's organisational skills. She knows when it is appropriate to allow children freedom of choice and when to step in and offer distraction and alternative toys or activities to maintain interest and enjoyment. Children acquire new knowledge and skills because the childminder knows each child so well and what they can do. This helps her to extend an activity to offer challenge and new experiences. Children are given a good balance of rest and active times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides many activities and opportunities for all children to develop their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder informally plans activities for the children, which is flexibly applied, so children can lead the play and be spontaneous. The childminder uses her understanding of child development to expand activities so children acquire new knowledge and skills. She holds a childcare qualification but is not currently using the 'Birth to three matters' framework to promote the outcomes fully for the younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children and the childminder have built a strong relationship. She has a calm manner which means children respond to her and quickly settle. They are happy and enjoy playing. There is a sense of fun within reasonable boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of belonging because of the efficient settling in procedure. This means children's individual needs are identified and met. They feel secure in the care of the childminder because she has created a lovely playroom where children can move freely. The display of photographs of the children playing is used effectively with the children and creates a homely atmosphere. The children receive appropriate support from the caring childminder so the children quickly settle into the routine and are happy in her care. Children have some opportunities to explore issues of diversity through play and use some toys that reflect the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are strategies in place to support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The childminder actively improves her knowledge and understanding of helping children reach their full potential. She has attended a course on dyspraxia and shares this information and knowledge with parents when appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are starting to understand responsible behaviour because of clear boundaries built on respect and safety. This is discussed with parents to maintain consistency. The behaviour management strategy is based on children participating in fun, safe play. Emphasis is on good behaviour by using positive encouragement and praise.

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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 Parents are encouraged to stay and play with their child to help build a strong partnership. The length of time children stay with the childminder is gradually increased until the child is happy to separate from their parent with confidence. The childminder gives parents good support, for example parents are encouraged to return and look through the window so they can feel secure that their child is happily playing once they have left. Children are cared for by the childminder who works with parents to meet individual children's needs and ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. This encourages consistency of care for each child because of the close partnership between parents and the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's health and well-being are met because of the childminder's organisational skills. She has created a homely environment with a wide range of equipment and toys that enable children to make good progress. The childminder has developed strategies to ensure children are protected from persons who have not been vetted, for example by close supervision at all times. The childminder holds a childcare qualification. Although she has not attending any recent childcare training she does try to keep her knowledge up to date by reading relevant journals.

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Organisation

Children's care is mostly enhanced by well organised record keeping and documentation. Procedures for the storage of children's details ensures confidentiality is maintained. Most of the required information is readily available, however the current public liability insurance certificate was not available for inspection. The childminder has recently updated her paperwork and included many written permission agreements from parents to ensure they are fully included in decisions about the care of their child, such as permission for photographs.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve her record keeping. She has achieved this by improving the procedures to record parents written permission for emergency medical treatment and transporting children in a vehicle. This has improved the partnership with parents to ensure children are kept safe.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There is some improvement in the range of resources and activities to promote equal opportunities. This means children's knowledge and understanding of the diverse community has increased.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • practise an emergency evacuation with the children • improve knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure that public liability insurance is maintained and the certificate is available for inspection.

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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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