Childminder in Sandwell

Inspection report for early years provision

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255065 Unique Reference Number 14 September 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 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 15 years in Great Barr, Birmingham. The location is convenient for schools, pre-schools, park and shops. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. 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 six children under the age of eight and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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. The childminder takes steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping her home clean. Children are helped to understand that washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating helps keep them healthy. They are well cared for in the event of illness for example, parents are made aware of the sickness policy, which states that children who are ill must be excluded or collected as soon as possible. All relevant documentation regarding accidents and medication is in place and shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with regular healthy snacks throughout the day. Drinks are readily available, particularly for the younger children to ensure that they do not become thirsty. Food provided by parents is stored appropriately. Children's individual needs are well met and information is frequently shared with parents to ensure that their wishes are being respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self-confidence in their physical skills as they use a range of indoor and outdoor toys when visiting the local park and toddler group.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play, eat and sleep in a safe well-maintained environment 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. They are able to access available resources from boxes at child height, which helps to create a stimulating learning environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe environment as most safety precautions are in place to minimise risks. For example, appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including, safety gates, cupboard locks, fire guard and socket covers. However, children's safety is being compromised as there is no smoke alarm located on the first floor of the property and the children are not made aware of emergency evacuation procedures to ensure they know where to go to stay safe. Thorough procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when on outings. The childminder takes appropriate information with her including parents contact numbers in the case of an accident or emergency.

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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 procedures and of her role and responsibility to protect children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, well settled and have formed good relationships with each other and the childminder. They are provided with a good range of activities and experiences that reflect

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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 their needs, interests, and which help them to make progress in their development. The childminder provides learning and play opportunities through everyday experiences such as, visits to the local toddler group, park and by allowing the children freedom to initiate and choose their own activities. For example, they eagerly participate in imaginative play using dolls and props, watch the television and competently build using a variety of construction objects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for as individuals with different needs. The childminder ensures that they are provided with activities that are adapted for different stages of development and rotates the toys on a regular basis to ensure that their needs are being met. The children are helped to develop confidence and self-esteem through the use of praise and good behaviour is acknowledged, which the childminder ensures is highlighted during daily discussions with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are given equal access to a range of toys and resources that raise an awareness of diversity for example books, dolls and puzzles. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder meets their needs well through daily routines, which are discussed and agreed with parents. The childminder would care for any child as long as she could meet their needs and endeavours to work in partnership with parents to ensure the children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play happily and are confident, sociable and secure. They respond positively to the childminder who ensures that behaviour is managed with use of praise, explanation and distraction. Children are well behaved and are encouraged to share, take turns and show consideration for others. Children are listened to and the childminder values what they say, which helps them to feel good about themselves.

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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 well-informed of their child's daily events and progress. Good settling in procedures are designed to help children settle more easily, and to ensure the childminder is aware of their needs and care routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced through the effective organisation of space and resources. The childminder makes good use of space to ensure all children have the opportunity to play eat and rest in comfort. Children benefit from well-established routines which have a good regard for their individual routines. Children are confident and feel at home and at ease within this family environment.

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Organisation

Children's good health and welfare is promoted effectively through the use of recording procedures which are shared with parents. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and understanding of childcare practices by attending relevant training. For example, child protection, first aid and she holds a National Vocational level three qualification in childcare

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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 and education. All documentation is stored securely and organised to maintain confidentiality. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to carry out and maintain a written record of risk assessments. Devise an evacuation plan and maintain a record of fire evacuation practices carried out with minded children and keep a detailed record of significant issues and share this with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Through observation and discussion the childminder demonstrated how children are cared for in a safe environment. She has identified any risks and put safety precautions in place to minimise risks. A written evacuation procedure is in place however, children's safety is being compromised because they are not made aware of emergency evacuation procedures to ensure they know where to go to stay safe. Therefore, as a result of this inspection this as been carried forward as a recommendation to improve practice. The childminder has implemented an incident recording procedure to ensure that any significant issues are shared with parents.

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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 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): • develop fire safety precautions within the home, for example, by ensuring that children fully understand and practise the emergency escape plan and ensure smoke alarms are provided at every level of the house.

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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 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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