Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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228304 Unique Reference Number 27 October 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 has been registered since 1991. She lives with her husband and five children in the Great Barr area of Birmingham. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding, with the main minding area being the kitchen/diner. There is a large fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The location is convenient for schools, parks, pre-schools and shops.

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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 seven children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis with the exception of one, who attends full-time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends carer and toddler groups on a regular basis and takes and collects children from the local school. She is a member of 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's health is promoted by the childminder recognising and reducing possible risks. For example, the children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about hygiene routines and personal care. They are helped to understand that washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet helps to keep them healthy. There are good arrangements in place to care for children who are ill. The sickness procedure is shared with parents which ensures 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 has appropriate permission in place regarding the administration of medication to children. However, written permission is not obtained from parents to seek emergency treatment, therefore children's well-being is not fully safeguarded. Accident and medication records are clear and are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered snacks and drinks regularly throughout the day. Mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions when the children and the childminder's family sit together to enjoy their food and each other's company. The children’s individual needs are respected and information is regularly shared with parents to ensure that their wishes are being respected. Written records are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that the needs of the children are being met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of outdoor activities on a regular basis to help them develop their physical skills. They frequently use the well-equipped garden to develop their physical skills and have access to a tree house and slide, bikes, push-a-longs, footballs and an army den.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a comfortable home where space is organised to allow them to move around freely and safely. They use a range of good quality toys and resources which ensures that their needs are well met. Children access resources independently. Furniture and equipment is safe, kept in good condition and is regularly checked for safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a home where their needs are given priority. They are well protected from hazards by the secure measures which have been put in place. For example, children are within sight, or close enough that they can be heard by the childminder at all times, including when playing in the garden. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including safety catches, bark chippings and stair gate. There are clear procedures to ensure children are collected only by authorised people. Thorough procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when on outings. The childminder takes appropriate information with her including parent contact numbers in the case of an emergency. The children learn about fire safety. They know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency and the childminder ensures that she regularly practises this with them. Appropriate fire

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors 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

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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good range of resources, which cover all areas of development. They are interested and absorbed in their play as they access the varied range of programmable toys and role play items. The children are relaxed and settled and have formed good relationships with each other and the childminder. This enables them to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a well-equipped garden which encourages them to develop their physical and imagination skills and enjoy using the tree house and army den. They also benefit from a range of activities outside the childminder's home. They go for walks to the shops, local park and regularly visit the toddler group. The children's self-esteem and confidence is promoted with the use of praise and the childminder acknowledges good behaviour, which she ensures is highlighted during daily discussions with parents. The childminder takes into account parents' wishes and as a result, children are content and receive care consistent with home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued, respected as individuals and have equal access to a good range of resources and activities that help them to appreciate the wider world. For example, books, figures and dolls provide positive images of different cultures and abilities within society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are well met, they follow their normal daily routine as discussed and agreed with parents to ensure continuity of care. They are encouraged to share and be kind to each other. They respond positively to the childminder who ensures that behaviour is managed with the use of praise, explanation and distraction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in close partnership with parents and ensures their wishes are respected. She talks to them on a daily basis to ensure children benefit from a two-way sharing of information and regularly shares written information with them to ensure they are fully aware of the service offered. This helps ensure children are settled and secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in a homely environment. They use the ground floor of the premises to enjoy a variety of spontaneous activities. Space is well organised to ensure children can play, rest and eat comfortably. Regular visits outside the home contribute to their learning and enjoyment of the local environment. The childminder shows commitment towards her own personal development and improves her knowledge by attending relevant courses and workshops

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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 such as behaviour management, food hygiene, equal opportunities and fire safety. She uses this knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences.

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Organisation

There is a full range of policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed, updated, and shared with parents. These are used well to support the care of the children. Records are clear, easily accessible and stored securely. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was requested to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, is accessible in the kitchen. Children's safety is now well protected because the fire blanket is displayed in the kitchen.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency treatment.

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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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