Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

228403 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2006 Inspection date Karen Cooper Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2000. She lives with her husband and seven month old child. They live in Great Barr, Birmingham. The ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for minding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The location is convenient for schools, pre-schools and shops.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight and is currently minding six children, one of whom attends on full-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have three cats. The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes and collects children from the local school.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well-organised routines. The childminder raises children's awareness of hygiene practices by talking to them about hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. The children stay healthy because the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, toys and surfaces are regularly cleaned and parents are made aware that in the event of illness their child will not be cared for and must be collected as soon as possible. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has the appropriate permissions and records in place regarding the administration of medication to children. All relevant documentation regarding accidents is in place and shared with parents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children individual dietary needs are catered for and the children benefit from a nutritional lunch. They are provided with regular healthy snacks throughout the day and drinks are readily available. Children's individual needs are well met and information is frequently shared with parents to ensure that their wishes are being respected.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with plenty of opportunities for physical play. They enjoy a good range of activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self-confidence in their physical skills as they use a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and equipment such as, push-a-longs, slide, wheeled toys and climbing equipment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play, eat and sleep in a clean, secure premises and benefit from a range of good quality toys, furniture and resources, which are safety-checked prior to use. The organisation of toys and activities means children can move around safely and independently.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe environment as all reasonable steps are taken to reduce the risk of an accident. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including socket covers and safety gate. Children learn about what is dangerous and how to keep themselves safe. For example, they know that they are not allowed to walk around the home holding a drink and know where to go to stay safe in the event of an emergency because the childminder regularly practices the evacuation procedures with them. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are provided and regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. There are thorough procedures in place to ensure children are safe when on outings. Appropriate information is taken including parent contact numbers in the case of an emergency or accident and written consent is obtained from

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

parents to transport their children in a vehicle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected through the childminder's appropriate knowledge of child protection issues and of the procedures to follow should she have a concern about a child.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure in the childminders home. They enjoy themselves and are helped to achieve. Good warm and caring relationships between the childminder and the children are evident. The children move freely around the available space and select from a good range of resources independently. The children competently complete multi cultural puzzles, play card games such as 'snap' and look at books. Older children confidently read stories to the younger children. The children's development is encouraged and promoted by the good level of support and interaction received from the childminder. Good use is made of the well-equipped outdoor space for more active play and exercise.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 park.

p.4

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. They have equal access to a good range of resources and activities that help them to appreciate the wider world. For example, books, puzzles and dolls provide positive images of different cultures and abilities within society. The childminder also makes good use of the local toy library to borrow further resources.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play happily, are sociable and secure. They benefit from the childminder's use of a range of positive and appropriate methods of managing behaviour, which includes explanation, time out and praise. The children are also made aware of the rules and boundaries within the home to ensure their safety.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in accordance with parent's wishes and information is shared on a regular basis to ensure that they are informed of their child's daily events and progress.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is well supported as a result of being cared for in a secure and safe family environment. The childminder ensures ratios are well met and that her day is organised to offer children a good level of attention and supervision. Children have sufficient space, activities and resources to provide for their needs. The childminder's home is adequately organised to enable children to play and relax in comfortable and homely surroundings.

p.4

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 The childminder works in partnership with parents and regularly shares written and verbal information. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated. Children's records are clear, easily accessible and stored securely. Overall, children's needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was requested to ensure the records for administering medication are fully completed and that the handling of children's behaviour is developmentally appropriate, respecting individual children's level of understanding and maturity.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder takes appropriate measures to ensure that children's best interests are served should they become ill. Any medication administered is recorded and shared with parents. Children benefit from the childminder's use of a range of positive and appropriate methods of managing behaviour, which includes explanation, time out and praise. The children are also made aware of the rules and boundaries within the home to ensure their safety.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint made to Ofsted 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.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted received a complaint about behaviour management which raised concerns in relation to National Standards 1(Suitable person) and 11(Behaviour). Ofsted conducted a visit on 09 February 2006 to investigate these concerns. Ofsted found no evidence of a breach of the National Standards. Ofsted issued the following recommendation to the provider:

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Standard 11 - ensure that handling children's behaviour is developmentally appropriate, respecting individual children's level of understanding and maturity

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted will review the recommendation at the next inspection. Ofsted is satisfied that the provider remains qualified for registration.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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):

p.5

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 • develop your partnership with the parents by ensuring that they are made aware of what to do if they have a complaint.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6