Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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250474 Unique Reference Number 03 August 2006 Inspection date Kashma Patel 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 1999. She lives with her husband in Solihull. Most areas of the ground floor and one bedroom are used for childminding. There is no access to other rooms and the conservatory. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children on regular outings to the park and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder has attained a Level three Quality First Award.

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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 outstanding. Children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene practices and personal care through daily routines. They are protected from the risk of infection because the childminder uses excellent methods to promote children's understanding of good hygiene. Children are aware that they need to wash hands after using the bathroom and before snacks to make their hands clean. They are encouraged to become responsible for their personal care by helping themselves to tissues when needed and brushing their teeth after meals to keep them clean and healthy. Children are very well protected against the harmful effects of the sun, as the childminder ensures that she has spare hats and sun cream should the children need them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from very healthy and nutritional meals and snacks which are well presented to encourage children to eat a variety of different foods. Vegetables are cut into sticks to make them more interesting. Children's enthusiasm for food is encouraged as they taste the produce they grow in the garden such as peas, tomatoes, beans and cress. Meals are social occasions where the children and childminder sit together to positive social interaction is encouraged for example they discuss healthy food options. Children are provided drinks throughout the day and enjoy a range of fresh fruit and finger foods at snack time. They enjoy tasting fruits such as gooseberries and star fruit. They participate in cooking activities where they make sandwiches, bread and cakes. The childminder ensures that children make enough so they are able to take some home for their parents. Any food provided by parents is stored and prepared appropriately

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Helping children to be healthy

and the childminder implements robust food hygiene procedures and practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical well-being is strongly promoted. They thrive on being physically active. They enjoy regular fresh air and exercise, necessary for their well-being, when walking to local parks to feed the ducks. They also enjoy outings to soft play centres where they have opportunities to practice their gross motor skills. Children take part in many activities that promote their physical skills, they enjoy races in the park and using climbing apparatus in the park. Their fine motor control is actively encouraged through routines and activities, for example there are excellent facilities for them to operate small tools such as paint brushes and play dough equipment. Children rest whenever they are tired, in a homely environment. Children either sleep in a cot if appropriate or they can curl up on the sofa with their bedding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is paramount, and they are protected from harm because they are cared for in a safe, homely environment where they feel secure and part of the family. There is a good range of furniture and equipment to enable the children to play, eat and sleep comfortably. The childminder organises their day flexibly to give a balance of interesting and stimulating activities taking account of the children's overall need for rest, meals and fresh air. All reasonable steps are taken to minimise risks to children, for example the pond is fenced off and a range of safety features are used for the benefit of children's safety and welfare.

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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 Children are safely able to access a wide variety of well maintained toys which are appropriate to their age and abilities. The childminder purposefully arranges resources at floor level in boxes to encourage children's independence and choice. The childminder carries careful out daily visual checks on toys and equipment to ensure that they are safe for the children in her care. Children are always well supervised in the garden and they have learnt that they must not eat the berries in the garden. The childminder is aware of each child's capabilities when using equipment such as the slide, this means children receive appropriate support. Children are learning about fire safety and have practised drills with the childminder. An escape plan is displayed in the kitchen which is understood by children and parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected whilst in the care of the childminder as she has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Good procedures are in place which are necessary to protect the welfare of children and she is aware of her responsibilities to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle into the environment exceptionally well and are happy, confident and eager to learn. They are involved in a stimulating range of activities which are interesting, fun and which develops their creativity and imagination. There are excellent relationships between the children and the childminder, they sit comfortably on her lap whilst listening to a story. They readily and easily go to her for comfort and reassurance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are listened to and their communication skills are well promoted as the childminder positively responds to them. They confidently ask questions during the course of their play and receive excellent support from the childminder to challenge and extend their understanding. Photo's are displayed showing children taking part in a range of very stimulating activities and some can recall their activities with clarity. They enjoy outings to the park to collect leaves and to do bark rubbings. They bake bread and cakes which they like to take home. Children enjoy planting flowers and vegetables in the garden. They are learning about nurturing and caring for them by watering them. Children learn new concepts, for example mixing paints to make another shade, they learn new colours such as lime green and pink. Their learning is actively promoted through stimulating and challenging resources and activities such as using story

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sacks, treasure baskets and imaginative play equipment. They enjoy dressing up and putting necklaces on. They show great interest in what they do and become absorbed in playing and reading stories both alone and to others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence and self-esteem is given high priority as they are offered praise and acknowledgment for their efforts and achievements. Children's independence is fostered as they make their own choices and decisions. Children experience outings to local parks, libraries, the childminding group and the local garden centre, all of which gives them a valuable insight into the wider community.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Their care needs are regularly discussed with parents and routines followed, this helps children to settle in and feel comfortable. Children benefit from a good range of activities and resources that help them to develop a good understanding of diversity. Children celebrate cultural festivals, they dress up in saris and taste foods from around the world. All children are valued as individuals which actively promotes inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond to the childminder's clear and consistent expectations about acceptable behaviour. They are learning to share, take turns and show consideration for each other, a child waited for her turn to use the easel. Their self-esteem is encouraged through consistent praise and their achievements are celebrated and shared with parents for example children are rewarded for good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is promoted because of the effective partnership with parents. The childminder spends time talking to parents about their children. Daily verbal feedback is given to parents to ensure continuity of care for children. Parents are provided with useful written information on activities such as planting seeds. However a log of complaints is not maintained and parents are not aware of action to take should they have concerns about the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that ratios are met and maintained to allow children to receive good individual attention. As a result children are happy and settled in the childminders care. They are developing independence and make choices about what they want to do. They are confident in developing and extending their own play.

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Organisation

Daily routines are flexible taking into account the children's individual needs and activities inside the home and outside. Children's welfare, care and learning is promoted through effective written policies and procedures, which are shared with parents to keep them informed of her service. Most of the required documentation is available and retained for inspection. It is well organised to maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained written permission to seek emergency advice or treatment for the children in her care, and this promotes their welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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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 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): • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken.

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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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