Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311598 Inspection date 10 July 2006 Inspector Karen Cooper

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged seven, four and 22 months. They live in Great Barr, Birmingham. The ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The location is convenient for schools, pre-schools and shops. The childminder is registered to care for three children under the age of eight and is

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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 currently minding two children, one of whom attends on a full-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm and clean home, where they are helped to understand that washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating helps keep them healthy. A written sickness policy is shared and agreed with parents which ensures that children are well cared for in the event of illness. Through discussion the childminder clearly demonstrates her understanding of medication and accident procedures. Although, written consent to seek emergency treatment and to administer medication is not obtained from parents. Children are provided with regular drinks and benefit from nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to them and which meet their dietary needs. Meal arrangements are shared and agreed with parents to ensure their wishes are adhered to. Children use a range of outdoor toys on a regular basis to help them develop their physical skills, for example, wheeled toys, bats, balls and push-a-longs. These help

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Helping children to be healthy

children develop the confidence to enjoy moving with control, using their bodies in various ways.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. There is a suitable range of furniture and equipment which ensures children are able to play, eat and rest comfortably. Space is organised to allow them to move around safely and equipment is kept clean and is regularly checked for safety. The childminder has assessed potential risks to children and put procedures in place to minimise these at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including cupboard locks, socket covers and safety gate. There are clear procedures to ensure children are collected only by authorised people. For example, passwords are used when necessary for extra protection. Children learn about fire safety, they know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency and the childminder regularly practises this with them to ensure they know where to go to stay safe. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

smoke detectors are in place and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's appropriate knowledge of her role and responsibility 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 satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and secure in the childminders home. They move freely around the available space and select from a range of resources independently. They are confident in their relationship with the childminder and are encouraged to communicate and explore their environment. The children sit happily playing with the stickle bricks and willingly share the cars and garage when playing together. The children are helped to develop confidence and self-esteem through use of praise and the childminder shows an interest in children's effort and achievements. Good behaviour is acknowledged and the childminder ensures that it is highlighted during daily discussions with parents. Children are given frequent opportunities to socialise with other children when attending the local toddler group and the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder meets their needs well through daily routines, which are discussed and agreed with parents. Activities are adapted to meet their needs, however their knowledge and understanding of diversity is limited because of the lack of choice regarding resources that promote positive images of culture and disability. Children respond well to the childminder and are secure and happy in her care. They benefit from the childminders use of a range of positive and appropriate methods of managing behaviour, which includes distraction, praise and explanation. She ensures that children understand the need to share and how being kind to each other prevents them from being hurt. The children are also made aware of the rules and boundaries within the home to ensure their safety. Children are cared for in accordance with parents wishes and information is shared

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Helping children make a positive contribution

on a regular basis to ensure that they are informed of their child's daily events and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children receive consistency of care as a result of the childminder's effective partnership with their parents. Space and resources are adequately organised and monitored to enable children to play and rest in a safe and suitable environment. The childminder regularly exchanges information with parents to ensure that they are provided with a clear guidance as to the service and care provided. Documentation is regularly reviewed, easily accessible and stored securely. However, children's welfare is potentially compromised because their attendance is not accurately recorded. Parents share and contribute to written information about

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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 their child and complete a detailed form noting any particular needs. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency treatment and to administer medication • develop children's knowledge and understanding of diversity, for example, by increasing the resources to provide positive images of disability and culture • ensure children's attendance records are kept accurate and up to date.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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