Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267691 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2006 Inspection date Carol Johnson 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and eleven years in Solihull. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home, together with two bedrooms upstairs, is used for minding purposes. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also provides an out of school collection service. The family has a hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a committee member for the National Childminding Association.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder takes thorough steps to prevent the spread of infection. She has attended food hygiene training and this is reflected in her everyday practice. Her home is clean and good nappy changing procedures are followed. Children are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices through well-established daily routines and following her good example. They are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after visiting the toilet or messy play. Older children visit the toilet independently and are learning to take responsibility for their own personal care. Signs displayed in the bathroom and on the wall by the stairs remind children to wash their hands.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good arrangements in place to protect children from becoming ill. The childminder has a clear written sickness policy that she shares with parents. She shares information regarding infectious diseases and their incubation times and symptoms. Parents are asked not to send children who are clearly unwell and could pose a health risk to others. The childminder discusses and records children’s individual needs, with parents, before children start and she is fully aware of any medical conditions. She maintains well-stocked medical supplies and ensures that parents' emergency contact numbers are always close at hand. Consequently, she would be able to act promptly and effectively in the event of an accident or illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are well met because they are provided with a range of healthy meals and snacks. For example, at snack time children are offered healthy snacks such as raisins, fruit and carrot sticks. Food for main mealtimes is provided by parents and the childminder liaises with them about the content to ensure that all minded children receive similar food and enjoy a balanced and nutritious diet. Children are helped to learn about the benefits of a healthy diet through everyday activities and discussions with the childminder. As part of a topic on fruit and vegetables children visited a local supermarket, tasted a variety of unusual fruit and vegetables and planted tomatoes in the childminder's garden. The childminder talks to parents about any individual dietary needs and she records and respects individual requirements. Consequently, food is inline with their wishes and children’s preferences. Children are not at

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Helping children to be healthy

risk from dehydration as drinks are freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development. They go for lots of walks and visit local parks and soft play centres. Children have regular access to the childminder's garden where they can enjoy play with a variety of equipment including climbing equipment, a sandpit, balls and wheeled toys. This helps to develop their physical skills, balance and co-ordination. Indoors, children dance, join in with action songs and play with a variety of equipment that encourages hand to eye co-ordination and develops their fine muscles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to eat, rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder talks to parents about their children’s routines at home and she gets to know individual requirements. Daily routines are flexibly organised to reflect those needs. Consequently, children are able to predict what is likely to happen throughout the day and they receive consistency of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children’s safety is well protected because the childminder has taken extensive steps to identify and minimise potential risks to children. She has attended training to improve her knowledge of relevant issues and this is reflected in her everyday practice. Extensive safety and security precautions are in place. For example, resources are clean and appropriate for the age and stage of the children in her care, safety gates prevent young children's unsupervised access to hazardous areas and unused electric plug sockets are covered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have plenty of space for play. Two upstairs bedrooms are included in the childminder's conditions of registration so that she can offer additional play space for older children. The childminder is aware of safety issues, for example, supervision and accessible items that are unsuitable for children aged under three years and she will not be using these rooms for younger children. However, children's safety in the event of a fire is at potential risk because the childminder has not fully considered the implications of evacuating these areas in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe by following rules and safe practices. Road safety is discussed and practised whilst out and about in the local environment and house rules are clearly explained to prevent accidents within the home. For example, children know that they must not run in the house in case they should fall and hurt themselves or others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare with regards to child protection is effectively safeguarded as the childminder has a good knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Her written child protection policy is shared with parents and they know that she will ask about and record the details of any existing injuries to minded children. She is aware of local child protection referral procedures and knows that her first priority is the welfare of the children in her care. Children are only released into the care of known individuals and they are never left alone with persons who have not been vetted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy. They are at ease to go to the childminder for comfort and reassurance and enjoy good relationships with their peers. Children happily play both with and alongside each other and they are interested in their play and the activities offered. Children are well nurtured because the childminder accurately responds to and anticipates their needs, for example, she recognises when they are tired or hungry. Children's independence is promoted because the childminder encourages them to make choices, for example, about what they would like to eat or play with. Also, she gives them time and support to practise personal care skills including, doing up shoes and washing hands.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with an exciting and stimulating range of activities, both indoors and outside the home, that help them to develop in all areas of learning. Toys and equipment are plentiful. The childminder swaps items with friends and borrows additional resources from local libraries and loan schemes to add interest and variety to children's play. Resources are stored in various places throughout the childminder's home and a selection of toys is put out, on a

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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 daily basis, for children to choose from. They are confident to help themselves from the selection available and they know what is stored elsewhere. Children ask for items that they want, but cannot see or reach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder flexibly plans a range of activities loosely based around themes, for example, 'People who help us' and 'Jungle animals'. These themes are then used to inspire children's learning, for example, children take part in related craft activities, small world play and share books and stories. Sessions include opportunities for free play and activities are appropriately adapted to take into account children's various stages of development. Children's social skills are increased through regularly mixing with other adults and children. They go on lots of outings and attend local community groups on a regular basis. Parents are informed of plans through daily discussions, newsletters and a notice displayed in the hall. Consequently, they know what their children will be doing and can share ideas and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and treated as individuals. Their needs are acknowledged because the childminder takes time to listen to them and she provides care and activities that help to increase their self-esteem and sense of security. She liaises with parents regarding any special requirements and demonstrates a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has limited experience of providing such care but is willing to work in partnership with parents and outside agencies to try and meet any additional needs. She is aware of children's developmental stages and is confident of her ability to approach existing parents if she had any concerns about their child's progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through access to a wide range of resources and activities that promote a knowledge and understanding of diversity. Non-stereotypical play is encouraged and children can access a variety of resources that show positive images of disability, race and culture. For example, they can choose from a selection of dolls, small world figures, books, puzzles and role play items. Children are also learning about the wider world through everyday discussions, activities and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about what is acceptable behaviour because the childminder offers them a positive role model and handles any incidents calmly and appropriately. She effectively uses a range of positive strategies to manage their behaviour, for example, distraction or ignoring unwanted behaviour, if safe to do so. Methods are shared and agreed with parents to ensure that children receive consistency of care. Children receive gentle reminders of the childminder's rules and boundaries and their good behaviour and effort is rewarded with generous praise and frequent encouragement. Consequently, children feel good about themselves and they are encouraged to co-operate and achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Documentation that enhances the childminder’s relationship with parents and children's welfare is in place. Communication between the childminder and parents is good. They chat on a daily basis, three-monthly newsletters are sent out and a daily diary is maintained for children under the age of three years. Children regularly take home examples of their artwork and this shows parents what their child has been doing and adds to their children's self-esteem. The childminder

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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 has created and shared, with parents, a folder of useful information and they have seen her comprehensive policies and procedures. Consequently, children receive consistency, their individual needs are met and parents receive clear guidance as to the level of care and service they and their child can expect to receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming family home where they have plenty of space to play and rest. They have access to a good variety of safe resources and equipment and a selection of toys are accessible to encourage children to make some independent choices about their play and learning. Routines and activities are flexibly planned to accommodate children's individual needs and interests. Children’s welfare is positively supported by the childminder who ensures that all children receive a suitable level of attention and supervision. She has carefully considered children's well-being by making contingency arrangements, with persons known to children and their parents, to cover any occasions when she would not be able to provide care, for example, illness or emergencies.

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Organisation

Parents and children benefit from the childminder's professional attitude and her commitment to improving the good level of care and service that she already provides. She is an active member of the local childminding group and has attended further training to improve her knowledge and understanding of childcare related issues. For example, she has attended sessions on child protection and health and safety. All required documentation to ensure the safe and effective management of the setting is in place and it is well-maintained. Confidentiality for children and their parents is respected and personal information is kept secure. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to increase her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. In response to this the provider has attended a relevant training course. Consequently, satisfactory steps have been made to enhance children's safety and welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • review fire procedures to include the use of the upstairs of the premises.

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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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