Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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250408 Unique Reference Number 19 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 has been registered since 1993. She lives with her family in the Knowle area of Solihull. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for 10 children, of which six are under eight and, one is under five. All children attend on a part time basis. Children can be taken to, and collected from, local groups, nursery classes and schools. The childminder runs the toy library based at Bentley Heath Community Centre. The family has no pets.

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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 understanding of good hygiene practices are discussed regularly and reasons given why they are important, for example to stop the spread of infection and to keep you healthy. The childminder maintains good standards of hygiene within the house and garden ensuring children's general good health. The childminder has recently under undertaken a refresher course in first aid and has an appropriately stocked first aid kit ensuring she is able to respond appropriately to any accidents children might have. Accidents, and any medication given, are recorded and signed by the parents, ensuring they are kept informed of their children's health.

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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's understanding of the physical needs of young children enables her to provide suitable and appropriate activities, both indoors and out, to support children's development and co-ordination. Children's individual routines are discussed and agreed with parents, recorded and supported by the childminder enabling children to follow the routines they would have at home.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children can help themselves to drinks which are easily accessible to them, and younger children are reminded to drink regularly ensuring they remain hydrated at all times. Parents supply some meals and these are stored appropriately and prepared as agreed. The childminder provides food and meals for the majority of children ensuring they meet their religious, cultural and dietary needs. Children are involved with menu planning and encouraged to eat healthily. There are lots of posters and information for children and parents on healthy eating.

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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 where most risks are identified and minimised, but the fire guard has not been fitted. This means children can move around freely, safely and independently as their play develops. Children understand about safety and risks as the childminder always gives explanations regarding the results of their actions and regularly discusses many aspects of safety, for example, road safety. Posters are displayed to re-enforce children's knowledge and encourage discussion. There are good routines in place to ensure children's health and general welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to 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 and regular cleaning schedule are completed and daily checks on toys are carried out. Children are encouraged to play outside as often as possible to promote healthy growth and development and the childminder ensures that there is sufficient shade to protect children during hot weather. This ensures that children are safe and well protected.

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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 The childminder has all of the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has clear plans for fire evacuation and these are recorded, shared and practised with the children. The children have been involved with drawing up the escape routes ensuring they are fully aware of where to go and what route to take should the alarms sound. Outings are planned to ensure the children's safety and all consents from the parents regarding outings and transport are recorded. The childminder carries parent's contact details with her at all times when out of the house ensuring parents could be contacted immediately if needed. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and shares this information

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

with parents. There are policies on keeping children safe and on general health and safety issues and these are shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled at the childminders and their emotional well-being is fostered well. The childminder displays her knowledge and understanding of children's development with careful and consistent management. She encourages children to plan their own activities and visits giving them a sense of responsibility and ownership.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

To further develop experiences for the children they regularly offered activities outside of the home, for example; nature walks, visits to the zoo, farms, and museums. The childminder encourages children to explore and investigate and she responds well to children's requests for interactive play, attention or changes of toys. This enables children to develop independence and self-esteem. The childminder's interaction and involvement with the children keeps children interested and stimulated. The appropriate storage of equipment allows children to safely access all toys and equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's work is displayed and children are given regular praise and encouragement. The childminder provides posters and displays to re-enforce topics discussed and provide reminders to the children of what they have done and where they have been. This enables children to re-call visits and develop their memory.

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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. The childminder discusses behaviour issues with both parents and children and the children draw up the house rules. This gives children ownership of their behaviour and encourages their personal development. 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

The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunity issues and has a good selection of toys, equipment and resources to support equal opportunities. Festivals are discussed and

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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 celebrated and the childminder follows up on children's holidays, discussing travel and food. This extends the children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world around them.

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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 daily conversations about children's activities ensuring they are aware of their child's day and reassured about their care. All agreements with parents are recorded and acted upon. 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. Children are encouraged to plan their own activities and outings giving them independence and developing their responsibility. Children had written positive comments about what it was like for them at the childminders, for example; 'get to do loads of cool stuff, childminder is the best'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this child-centred environment. The good organisation and storage of resources allows children easy access to all toys and equipment. Children are taken on regular outings to the zoo, farms and museums which gives them a wide range of experiences and opportunities which keep them motivated and interested.

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Organisation

Space is well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they become more confident. The records, policies and procedures in place ensure that children's care, welfare and development are promoted efficiently and safely. The childminder ensures that all people who have regular access to the children have suitable clearances in place and children are supervised at all times. This ensures the children's safety.

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Organisation

All documentation 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 recorded, and are acted upon. This provides consistency for children and reassurance for parents. 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 childminder was requested to ensure that appropriate vehicle insurance was in place for transporting children. Appropriate insurance has been obtained ensuring the childminder is adequately covered should an accident occur.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received by 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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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 currently undertaken • ensure children's times of arrival and departure are recorded.

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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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