Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY262238 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2006 Inspection date Karen Cooper 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 eight and four years. They live in Great Barr, Birmingham. The ground floor of the property 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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under the age of eight and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. However, there were no children present at the time of inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminder Association and holds an NVQ 3 in Childcare and Education. She offers a collection service for children attending local schools.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and warm home. There are effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. For example, the childminder has systems in place which ensures children learn about the importance of hand washing during daily routines such as, before eating and after toileting. There are suitable arrangements in place to care for children who are ill. Sickness procedures are shared with parents to ensure that they are aware that children will not be cared for when they have any infectious illness. The childminder is trained in administering first aid and through discussion demonstrated her understanding of recording procedures for accident and medication and stated that all information would be shared with parents. However consent to seek emergency treatment is not obtained from parents, therefore children's welfare is not fully protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

From discussion the childminder demonstrated how children are well nourished and how any special dietary requirements are taken into account. The children are offered regular drinks and food which include lunch, tea and snacks and parents' wishes are followed to ensure the children's needs are being met. Children develop their physical skills when accessing the outdoor toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to the necessary facilities to ensure that they are able to eat and sleep comfortably. The environment is welcoming and space is organised so children can play without restriction but within boundaries, for example, the stairs and kitchen are gated to prevent access. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The toys and equipment are checked on a regular basis and most are placed at low-level so the children can access them independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her responsibility to keep children safe and through observation and discussion she demonstrated how the children stay safe. The childminder has assessed potential risks to children and put procedures in place to minimise these at all times. For example cupboard locks, fire guard and socket covers. Through discussion the children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire and are made aware of where to go to stay safe. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and alarms are provided and are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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

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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 have access to a suitable range of toys and resources to help them make progress in their development. They have regular opportunities to participate in more energetic play when accessing the garden. Play resources are organised in a manner which helps to promote children's free choice. They are sufficient in quality and easily accessible. The childminder stated that children are encouraged to express their imagination and creativity through music, art and craft and role-play. Children also benefit from a range of activities outside the home. They go for walks to the shops, park and visit soft play centres, the library and local toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended 'Birth to three matters' training and uses this knowledge to involve children and further their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder demonstrated how children's needs are appropriately met. For example, the children follow their normal daily routine as discussed and agreed with parents to ensure continuity of care. This helps ensure children are settled and secure. Children are treated with equal concern and their individuality is respected. The children have access to a range of toys that provide positive images of the wider world and that helps them to increase their awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. Behaviour strategies are fair, consistent and appropriate to the children's level of understanding, which ensure that the children learn to distinguish right from wrong from an early age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

From discussion the childminder indicates how she promotes effective partnerships with parents. She stated that relationships are encouraged by being open, honest and friendly. She clearly demonstrated through discussion and documentation how parents' wishes are respected and stated that daily discussions ensure children benefit from a two way sharing of information.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The environment is organised to ensure children feel at home. They use the ground floor of the premises to enjoy a variety of spontaneous activities and from discussion the childminder demonstrated how regular visits outside the home contribute to their learning and enjoyment of the local environment.

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Organisation

There were no children present for inspection, however, evidence suggests that the needs of all children would be met. Most of the documentation which contributes to the children's health, well-being and safety is in place. Although, children's attendance is not accurately recorded therefore children's welfare is not fully protected. Through discussion the childminder

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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 demonstrated her understanding of the need to regularly review and update documentation to ensure the needs of both the parent and child are being met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to extend the range of activities and resources that promote positive images of disability. The childminder has purchased several books, figures and dolls that promote positive images of people of the wider world and that help to increase the children's awareness of similarities and differences of others.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure children's attendance records are accurately maintained.

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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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