Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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504645 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2006 Inspection date Teresa Marie Taylor 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 was registered in 1982. She lives with her family in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham. She works with an assistant who is her daughter. The house is within walking distance of shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is available for children with the bedrooms used for sleeping only. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for three children under five and one school aged child. All children attend on a part time basis. Children can be taken to, and collected from, local pre-school groups, nursery classes and schools. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to support children with special needs and those for whom English is an additional language.

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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 are encouraged to develop their understanding of hygiene practices as the childminder has good routines in place which are shared and discussed with the children. There are good standards of hygiene within the house and garden ensuring children's general good health. The childminder and her assistant hold current first aid certificates and she has an appropriately stocked first aid kit ensuring they are able to respond appropriately to any accidents children might have.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy access to a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and activities which contribute to their physical development and independence. The childminder has a good understanding of the physical needs of young children which enables her to provide suitable and appropriate activities to support children's development and growing independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 have free access to drinks at all times and, the youngest children are reminded regularly to drink, especially in the hot weather, ensuring they suffer no ill effects from the high temperatures. Parents supply all food and some drinks with the childminder providing additional drinks throughout the day. Consent for emergency medical treatment has been obtained for all children enabling the childminder to respond promptly to any accidents.

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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 warm, welcoming and child-centred home. Household risks are identified and minimised both indoors and out. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently. Children are beginning to understand about safety and risks as the childminder always gives explanations. There are good routines in place to ensure children's health and general welfare. These are shared and discussed with the children enabling them to understand the reasons for example; hand washing, not running indoors and not throwing toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. A visual risk assessment is undertaken daily including checks on toys and equipment and the garden. This ensures that children are safe whilst playing either indoors or out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all of the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Her daughter is left in sole charge occasionally, with parental consent, and she has suitable clearances in place. The childminder and her assistant hold current first aid certificates. The childminder has clear plans for fire evacuation. These are shared and practised with the children, but not recorded, ensuring they understand the routine

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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 to follow if the alarms sound. Outings are planned to ensure the children's safety and consent for outings and transport have been obtained for all of the children cared for. The childminder keeps a stock of sun hats to ensure children are protected from the sun. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and shares these with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house and 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 as they are clear on what is expected of them and what the boundaries are regarding behaviour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to good play space which is well organised and inviting. They are free to access any of the toys and equipment both indoors and out and are supported in their choice of activity. To further develop experiences for the children they attend activities outside of the home, for example, daily walks, the park, and local children's activity areas. Children's independence and self-esteem is actively promoted as they are encouraged to make decisions, explore and investigate. The childminder regularly changes toys and equipment, for the youngest children, in order to keep them interested and stimulated and, the appropriate storage of equipment allows children to safely access all toys and equipment for themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's work is displayed giving the children a sense of pride in their achievement and all activities are discussed with parents. A sample activity list is available for parents to ensure they are aware of the range of activities their children are involved in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which helps the children learn to co-operate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions as they are given examples of why their behaviour is not acceptable or, why they should not throw toys. As a result all children are settled and their behaviour is good as they know what is expected of them. The childminder discusses behaviour issues with both parents and children ensuring everyone is aware of the rules and expectations. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good partnerships with parents which contribute significantly to children's well-being. Parents are provided with a portfolio of information, evidence and daily conversations about children's activities ensuring they are aware of their child's day and reassured about their care and all agreements with parents are recorded. 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 these are met enabling children to develop at their own rate, whilst ensuring planned activities include some degree of challenge. The childminder has good experience of caring for children with special needs and those for whom English is an additional language.

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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 She is able to adapt activities and her language to enable all children to fully participate in all play activities. As a result all children are progressing well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and provides toys and equipment, discusses festivals from around the world and provides support to parents. This enables children to begin to make sense of the world around them and see everyone in a positive light. There is a portfolio of information and policies for parents ensuring they are fully informed of how the childminder operates and the activities their children are offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming and child-centred environment. They have access to a wide selection of resources for both indoor and outdoor play and, are provided with a wide range of experiences which keep them motivated and interested in what is available. Children are taken on walks around the local area and, visit places of interest which gives them wide range of experiences and develops their knowledge of the area in which they live.

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Organisation

Space is well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they become more confident in accessing toys and equipment for themselves and requesting attention. The childminder works within her ratios and now has an assistant enabling children to have a great deal of one to one attention.

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Organisation

All documentation, consents, and daily activities are shared with parents and this help parents gain a good insight into the type of service provided for their children. Agreements with parents are all recorded and acted upon. This provides consistency for children and reassurance for parents. Children all have individual files ensuring any information provided by parents and, any observations made by the childminder are maintained confidentially. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the quality of care was judged as inadequate. This was because the childminder had not waited for a variation certificate to increase the numbers of children under five cared for, had not completed required records for all children and her daughter's CRB clearance had not been obtained. The childminder has reduced the number of children under five cared for, completed all required documentation and her daughter now has a current CRB clearance. This ensures that children now receive appropriate care and attention and are kept safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received by Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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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): • consider recording the fire drills and risk assessments that are undertaken.

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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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