Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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250239 Unique Reference Number 05 July 2006 Inspection date Bernadina Laverty 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 registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and son aged 16 years in Olton, Solihull within walking distance of local shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 stay healthy because the childminder has an effective approach to health and hygiene. They are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene. The childminder talks to the children about washing their hands for example, after using the bathroom and before meals. This helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. They play with safe and well-maintained toys and resources within a stimulating environment. Children’s health needs are clearly recorded and discussed with parents. Procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they have an accident or become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular use of the garden and outdoor environment enables children to enjoy fresh air. Garden furniture, suitable for children is available such as, a table and chairs and 'swinging hammock'. Children play with a 'Climbing Cube' and use the garden as an assault course. This helps children to develop confidence and positive attitudes to physical exercise. Children benefit from a flexible routine that gives them opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs, such as being provided with their 'comfort toys' at nap time.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished as the childminder provides a varied and nutritious range of healthy snacks and meals, including fruit, wholemeal bread, pasta and home-grown cress. Children are becoming aware of good nutrition as the childminder discusses healthy eating and selecting healthy options with them. Children are provided with regular drinks which ensure they are kept hydrated.

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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 safe and secure environment because potential hazards have been assessed by the childminder. Children are learning to keep themselves safe because they are gently reminded about safety rules within the home and take part in emergency evacuation procedures. Outside of the home, the childminder discusses issues such as 'road safety' and 'stranger danger'. This ensures that children are kept safe on outings as the childminder is safety conscious and vigilant.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. They select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and resources which offer challenge and are appropriate to their stage of development. They play with toys and resources safely as the childminder ensures equipment meets required safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and would recognise signs and symptoms. She is aware of her responsibility to report concerns so as to protect children in her care.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, play well together and have a good relationship with the childminder. Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder provides a good balance between active play and relaxing activities. They enjoy outings to places such as, 'Jubilee Park', 'Hobs Moat Park' and for walks along the local canal path.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to attempt skills and activities and to gain proficiency such as, fastening their coats. The organisation of the home, playroom and use of appropriate resources helps younger children become increasingly independent. Children show initiative as they choose their own resources and equipment located in easily accessible storage boxes. Children are given time to play and learn independently and they enjoy activities which contribute to their creativity, for example, painting, play dough, colouring and craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children with English as an additional language are well supported. They are listened to and the childminder clearly enjoys their company as she encourages conversations and values what children say. This helps to develop children's speech and language. Children use their imagination and concentrate well whilst playing with 'play people'. Children's art work is valued and displayed within the brightly decorated playroom. This helps to enhance children’s confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals who receive good, sensitive care according to their needs. They are learning social skills as they are gently reminded to say 'please' and 'thank-you' and praised for good manners and behaviour. They are beginning to value and recognise similarities and differences within society through a good range of positive image resources such as, jigsaw puzzles, 'dual language' books and planned topics, including festivals. Children's individuality is valued as the childminder is aware of their likes and dislikes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good because the childminder is very calm and has consistent expectations about acceptable behaviour. This helps children to develop good social skills and friendships. They learn to share, take turns and respect each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective partnership between parents and the childminder because their achievements and daily routines are discussed regularly. There are good procedures in place for keeping parents informed about the childminding service. This helps to contribute to children’s overall well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in this well-organised and welcoming home because the childminder has made imaginative use of space and resources. Children show confidence within the home and move freely within the attractive playroom. This helps children develop their

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 independence and have fun. Children benefit from well-established daily routines which have good regard for their individual needs.

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Organisation

Generally all required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and stored confidentially. However, the system for requesting parent’s permission to seek emergency medical treatment is disorganised. This limits the swift retrieval of information in the event of an emergency. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to review accident and medication records and obtain a list of notifiable diseases. The childminder now uses an 'National Childminding Association' (NCMA) book for recording accident and medication and has increased her knowledge about notifiable diseases. This ensures that parents are kept informed about their children's health needs.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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): • ensure consent for emergency medical treatment is obtained for all children.

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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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