Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271457 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2006 Inspection date Angela Dyer 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 2003. She lives with her partner and four year old child in Yardley Wood, Birmingham. The house is within walking distance of shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and children have access to the upstairs toilet and wash basin. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, some of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a rabbit, fish, two birds and two hamsters.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 are learning the importance of good hygiene through their daily routines, as they are encouraged and reminded by the childminder to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Effective procedures are in place to minimise the possible spread of infections, including anti-bacterial spray being used to clean changing mats and children being provided with paper towels for hand drying.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to play outside in the garden where they are able to use the trampoline, bikes or play in the sand pit. Children are also beginning to learn about the importance of physical exercise as they engage in other fun activities including walking to the park to feed the ducks and visiting local playgroups where they are able to play in the ball pool and participate in the 'Lets get physical' group. Children are able to have quiet time for sleeping or relaxing throughout the day and benefit from the childminder's flexible daily routines, which ensures that their individual needs are met appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a professional understanding of the required documentation in the event of administering medication or first aid. Parents are kept informed of their child's health and of all accidents involving their children. However, parents have not given written consent for her to request emergency medical treatment for their child, therefore, children's health and safety may be compromised in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and the childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's individual dietary needs. Drinks are provided at regular intervals throughout the day and children are able to independently access drinking water if they become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has a good understanding of health and safety. Most potential risks to children have been identified and appropriate safety measures put in place including cupboard locks and socket covers, however, the gas fire is unguarded which presents a potential risk to children's safety. The childminder has recently invited the fire service into her home to carry out a fire risk assessment and she is confident about the evacuation procedure in the event of an emergency, children have also practised this so that they are familiar with the routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources that are easily accessible to encourage their independence. The childminder carries out regular checks on items of equipment used to ensure they are suitable for children to use safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a professional understanding of the child protection procedures. She is fully aware of her role and responsibility to protect the

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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 in her care and is confident about the referral process. Parents have been made aware of the procedures so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns about their children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. Throughout activities and routines, the childminder interacts with the children playing, listening and talking to them. The childminder enjoys the company of children and they benefit from her caring nature. Children also have opportunities to socialise with other children during their frequent visits to local toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the differing needs of children according to their age and planning is very flexible as she responds daily to the children’s moods and individual requests for their favourite activities and toys. The childminder has a suitable range of resources and storage arrangements allowing children to independently select activities of their choice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in a wide range of creative activities including play-dough, painting, chalking and sand play. Children take pride in their artwork and this is reinforced by consistent praise from the childminder and artwork being proudly presented in the form of photographs and wall displays.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them as they have access to an appropriate range of equipment that reflects positive images of culture, race and disability. Children's understanding of diversity is also increased as they have opportunities to engage in activities relating to different festivals and have attended a cultural awareness event where they were able to watch Indian dancers. The childminder has previous experience of caring for children with special needs and is part of an inclusion scheme. She understands the importance of working collaboratively with parents and other professionals to ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a suitable range of strategies in place to deal with behaviour, including distraction, praise and encouragement. Children receive gentle reminders of the 'house rules' and are praised when they respond positively to the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship that exists between the childminder and parents. Children's needs are established through discussion with parents and are met as the childminder follows their daily routines. Parents are kept informed about the childminder's practices and the progress their children are making, through daily verbal feedback. However, they do not have access to a complaints log to inform them of previous complaints.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All children's information and records are maintained appropriately and regularly reviewed. Confidentiality is rigorously maintained, while ensuring that parents are well informed. The childminder has developed a comprehensive folder of well-written policies, to help parents understand her practice. However, the certificate of registration is not displayed for parents information.

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Organisation

The childminder has high regard for the well-being of the children in her care and has ensured that all adults in the household have been suitably checked. She is enthusiastic about the role she plays in children's lives and they benefit from her interest and enjoyment in providing a range of stimulating and positive play experiences. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to practise the fire procedure with children and keep records of the drills. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder is confident about the procedures in the event of a fire and records show that children practise the drill monthly.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to 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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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 that the gas fire does not pose a hazard to children • maintain a record of all complaints made by parents, which they can see on request • obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment

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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 • display the certificate of registration for parents information.

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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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