Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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261029 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2006 Inspection date Diane Ashplant 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 2001. She lives with her husband and four children aged twelve, nine, eight and six years of age. They live in Shirley close to local schools, shops and park. 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 three children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five and one school-aged child. The family have a pet dog. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis.

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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's health is promoted through regular opportunities to play outside in the garden where there is a range of play resources to encourage physical exercise. Children move freely between the house and garden and spend a lot of time playing in the fresh air. The childminder strongly supports the importance of walking to maintain health so children walk daily to school and around the local area. Children are learning to protect their own health as they engage in regular hand washing routines before eating and after playing in the garden. Good pet procedures are in place to protect children's health. Children are safeguarded in the event of an accident or illness by the childminder's current knowledge of first aid and her understanding of infectious diseases.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to develop healthy diets as they have a range of snacks including regular fruit and can share the family meal which includes home-cooked and organic food. All meals are taken at the table and the childminder sits with the children which creates a good social time from which all benefit. The childminder is aware that children have individual dietary needs and routines and consults with parents to ensure these are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to the family home where they move around confidently and are encouraged to independently access the toilet and garden. The childminder is generally aware of the risks to children posed by certain hazards and states she regularly supervises them to ensure their safety. However, children are not fully protected from the danger of cleaning utensils, sharp knives and alcohol. The childminder has suitable procedures in place to ensure children are kept safe when walking or in the car and she is aware of the importance of being informed of any adults who may collect children. Children have access to a range of resources both inside and out which are set out so they can select these easily. Resources and equipment are checked regularly to ensure safety and suitability.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded by the childminder's very clear understanding of her responsibility to protect children and her knowledge of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and content in the childminder's home and are able to experience a range of play and learning opportunities to encourage their understanding and interest. The daily programme is planned around their individual needs and routines and includes regular outdoor play, visits to other groups and more individual time. Children relate well to the childminder who engages with them and is enthusiastic in her response which encourages them to try new things. Children are able to access toys which are set out both inside and out and to choose

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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 other items which interest them. Children interact well with each other and different members of the family and develop their confidence and self-esteem as they talk openly with both adults and children. There is a good balance of free and more structured play and children are confident to play on their own or share together in an activity such as felt tip drawings on the floor.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into this busy family and mix well with the other members and play together with them. The childminder is aware that children are individual personalities and liaises with the parents to find out their particular needs. Children are able to choose freely from a range of resources and the childminder uses items such as library books to address particular issues which may arise like biting. Children are learning about their local community as they visit the park, attend other groups and go on outings which extends their understanding and provides different play and social opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave well as the childminder takes time to explain that they should play well together and encourages them with praise and support. There are appropriate guidelines in place and the childminder understands when it is necessary to be firm. All children are included and share in activities as they learn to support each other and enjoy the visits of other family members. The childminder is aware that children have special needs and understands the importance of including and supporting them within the daily routine.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is open and friendly and information is shared through daily conversation and some written documentation. The childminder is aware of the importance of working closely with the parents to provide a consistent approach to encourage children to feel happy and content.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming family environment where children settle in and get to know all members of the family. She is committed to extending her knowledge and practice so she can provide more effectively for the children she looks after and is currently in her second year of an appropriate childcare course. Space and resources are generally suitably organised to provide children with a variety of activities both inside and outside the house. Children also have opportunities to visit other groups within the community. The childminder is aware of the demands of her own family and therefore chooses to look after only a few other children so she can meet their needs appropriately. Most of the required documentation for the efficient management of the childminding business is in place although some, such as attendance, needs to be more efficiently maintained or updated. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop a selection of resources to reflect diversity and to extend her knowledge of notifiable diseases. Children now have access to some

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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 play resources which helps extend their understanding of the wider world. The childminder has also obtained information about notifiable diseases so she knows how to protect children's health.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004.

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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 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): • assess the risks to children in relation to the storage of cleaning utensils, sharp knives and alcohol and taken action to minimise these • review the procedures for recording attendance, obtaining all parental consents and keeping Ofsted informed of significant changes.

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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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