Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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228158 Unique Reference Number 10 October 2006 Inspection date Samantha Jayne Taylor 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 1994. She lives with her husband and family. There are four children aged seventeen, fifteen, eleven and seven years old who live at the property. The family live in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. All facilities for childminding are on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder works with another registered childminder from the property. The childminder has overall responsibility for childminding practice. Her co-childminder works in a supportive role.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children. She works with a co-childminder, and together they may care for a maximum of nine children. There are currently five children on roll. The admissions policy allows for children over the age of eight years to attend.

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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 The childminder is a qualified Nursery Nurse (NNEB). She has also completed a course in British Sign Language and has experience of working with children with special needs. The childminder attends a local playgroup regularly and a monthly childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Effective hygiene practice in place helps to minimise risks to children, for example the childminder wears protective gloves during nappy changing procedures and the area used is cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes. The childminder is well informed with regards to accident and medication procedure, for example what to do in the event of an accident and she has documentation in place to support these. Whilst the childminder is knowledgeable of childhood illnesses and communicable illnesses she is not fully informed of the revised procedure to follow in the event of any concerns. As a result, children's health is mostly supported.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good variety of outdoor play which includes activities such as playing football within the back garden. Children practice and refine skills such as pedalling when riding bicycles. They fondly recall outings with the childminder, such as picnics in the local park. They are well supervised and they have the freedom to play in large areas of outdoor space. This helps children to explore their environment safely and their physical development is well progressed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder consults with parents with regards to children's dietary arrangements and meeting individual needs; through request parents mainly provide meals for their children. She is knowledgeable in promoting good health through safe food storage, for example perishable items are stored within the refrigerator. Snacks such as fruit and yoghurts are enjoyed by the children and they freely access drinks such as diluted squash and water. This means that children learn to understand the importance of a balanced diet and how water is important to maintain good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and families are welcomed into a caring, family environment. The childminder is comforting to children and she joins in with their games. Support is offered to families, for example she is flexible with childminding arrangements. She spends time and shows interest in the children's daily news from school or home. As a result, positive relationships are established and children are eager to attend the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children freely access toys and resources in the play room area. This means children are able to exercise choice and learn independence skills as they tidy toys away. Their work and models made are creatively displayed, for example plates designed for the childminder are proudly displayed within the family home. This helps children to recall the time they have spent in the childminders care. As a result, children feel valued and they develop 'a sense of belonging'.

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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 Risks to children are minimal due to the childminder's good understanding of health and safety. The childminder is knowledgeable of keeping children safe on outings, for example written parental consent is sought and they are also verbally informed of any planned outings. The childminders co-childminder takes responsibility for fire safety, for example by ensuring that smoke detectors which are in place are maintained and in good working condition. This helps to safeguard children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is knowledgeable in identifying potential indicators of child abuse and the procedure to follow in the event of any concerns. She has current information which is shared with parents and she regularly updates her knowledge of current practice. This helps to promote children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder spends time playing with children, for example as she shows younger children how an electronic shape sorter with toy telephone works. Children independently access toys of their choice as many are stored at low level within the play room. They enjoy a good range of activities such as painting, which relate to their age and stage of development. Furthermore, the childminder's knowledge of individual children and their interests helps to progress children's all round development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's social skills and language development are excellently promoted by the childminder. The childminder encourages younger children to interact, for example she sits at their level to play and she models how to build a tower of wooden bricks. Children copy the childminder's actions and learn to develop fine motor skills as they put the bricks on top of each other to form their tower. They laugh as it topples over and the bricks fall down. Descriptive words used by the childminder, such as how tall the tower is help to encourage children's language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder builds good relationships with children. She is a positive role model who shows interest in their games and values each child. She encourages children through giving praise, time and attention. They enjoy creative activities, such as role play where children dress up in different costumes and play imaginatively. As a consequence, children develop skills through play such as self-help as they dress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides opportunities which increase children's knowledge and understanding of the world. For example through use of play figurines, which represent positive images of disability, gender and ethnicity. Activities are accessible to all, which helps to promote inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is promoted by the childminder giving praise, time and support which allows them to explore and become confident in their surroundings. They have a clear understanding of the boundaries within the home and respond well to the childminder. Praise and encouragement given to children encourages good behaviour.

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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 The childminder spends time discussing with parents the activities undertaken by their children which helps to reassure parents. The setting has a complaints policy, which is understood by the childminder and she is knowledgeable of the procedure to follow. She childminder seeks parental views through discussion and questionnaires regarding the service offered and she welcomes feedback as she is keen to improve upon practice. As a consequence, continuity of care is well promoted and excellent relationships are established.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's knowledge of child development and commitment to ongoing training helps to promote and progress children's all round development. Children are very settled in the care of the childminder and her co-childminder and they are confident in their environment. Space is effectively organised with an area designated for play and as a consequence children are well supported.

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Organisation

Secure procedure for vetting individuals by the childminder ensures that children are protected. Contingency plans are readily in place as the childminder and her co-childminder are able to share care of the children, for example when transporting older children to and from school. This helps to safeguard children's welfare and to promote continuity of care.

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Organisation

Documentation is maintained, including detailed attendance records, which is stored in a confidential and appropriate manner. Detailed policies are available to share. As a result, information is readily available to share and support children and families. Through the range of experiences offered and the childminder's organisation, children make good progress in their development. The home is well organised to meet the children's needs, to develop their independence and confidence. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection two recommendations were made. The first was in relation to ensuring a fire blanket, which conforms to the relevant safety standards was accessible in the kitchen. This has now been addressed and a fire blanket is readily available within the kitchen area to help safeguard children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The second recommendation made was with regards to extending the range of activities and resources which promote anti-discriminatory practice. Children access a range of resources including dolls, figurines, books and posters which depict positive imagery of ethnicity, gender and disability. Activities are accessible to all children, which helps to promote inclusion.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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): • improve further upon knowledge held of notifiable illnesses by ensuring that the procedure complies with the revised guidance to the national standards.

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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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