Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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250392 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2006 Inspection date Teresa Marie 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 has been registered since 1988. She lives with her family in a four bedroom detached house in Solihull. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a secure, enclosed garden for children to play in. The garden contains a pond which is suitably covered.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder works with an assistant and they are currently caring for 18 children. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder, and/or one of her assistants, drives children to and from local nursery classes, pre-school groups and on outings. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and those with disabilities.

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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. To ensure children's good health the childminder has routines in place both for the house and garden. Hygiene routines and the reasons for them, are discussed with the children enabling them to understand why they should wash their hands. The childminder, assistants and family members all hold current first aid certificates and, first aid kits are carried in all vehicles that children travel in. This ensures that appropriate care can be given if an accident occurs.

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Helping children to be healthy

To support children's physical development and co-ordination the childminder ensures children can access the garden and use the outdoor play equipment. She ensures the garden is secure and the pond is safe so that children can play in a safe environment. Children also attend a variety of physical play areas and different groups ensuring that physical play opportunities are available on a daily basis all year round. The childminder and her assistant have completed 'Birth to three matters' training and implement it into their practice ensuring even the youngest children are provided with positive experiences and opportunities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents supply all meals and the childminder has a separate fridge for children's food. This ensures that the food provided is kept appropriately and children are not exposed to the risk of food born contamination. Drinks are always freely available and appropriate containers are provided. The childminder and her assistants have completed a food hygiene course and they ensure all meals are prepared to meet food hygiene regulations and parental requests.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder ensures her home is welcoming and that children are provided with sufficient space to explore and play. She regularly checks toys and equipment to make sure that children are safe and would come to no harm due to faulty equipment. The childminder discusses safety issues with the children ensuring they understand why there are basic rules in place regarding play and the use of toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are well organised and appropriate storage ensures children can access all the toys and equipment safely. All safety equipment is in place and is regularly checked. A visual risk assessment is undertaken daily and any damaged items are removed. This ensures children are safe when playing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder, and her assistants, have undertaken child protection training and have the most up to date information on protecting children. Child protection information is shared with parents and the childminder is clear on recording concerns, sharing them with parents and requesting further advice from social services should it be required. This ensures that children are well protected from harm.

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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 good. Children have a wide range of both indoor and outdoor activities to choose from. The childminder prepares planned activities to stimulate and encourage the children but, children are free to choose their own activities. This enables children to make decisions and develop their self-esteem. Their independence is actively encouraged and their decisions valued.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

To extend children's social skills and knowledge base they are taken to local places of interest including, parks, pre-school groups, and local events. The childminder has a large selection of books in different languages and encourages children from an early age to develop an interest in books and reading. Stories are read on request at any time of the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The appropriate storage of equipment enables children to safely access all of the available toys and equipment. The childminder has sorted all toys and equipment into labelled storage boxes and children can use any items at any time. Children enjoyed dressing up and children's imagination, language and conversation were extended as the childminder and assistant asked who they were today and, encouraged them to discuss what it was like to be, whoever they had chosen to dress as.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs and ensures that all children and families are treated with equal concern and respect. She has a good understanding of equal opportunities and ensures that her practice reflects the world in which we live. Children have access to a range of toys, equipment and activities to support equal opportunities and extend children's knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The majority of children's behaviour is good because the childminder provides clear and consistent management whereby the children know what is expected of them. She takes children to one side and explains gently why their behaviour is not acceptable. Continuing poor behaviour is discussed with parents but, agreements on individual management are not recorded. All other agreements with parents are recorded and all agreements are acted upon. Parents made very positive written comments on the care their children are offered and their satisfaction with the childminder overall.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that all information on children is readily available to parents and she regularly updates her information. Parents are provided with an extensive portfolio of information, policies and procedures and, daily diaries for all under two year olds, detailing how their child's day has been. There are also two notice boards containing information and the daily routine which parents can check daily if they wish. This ensures that parents are clear on what is happening each day and have a clear understanding of how the childminder operates. This provides reassurance for parents and consistency for the children.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has appropriate clearances in place for all adults in the household and her assistants. She ensures that all visitors are supervised and do not have access to the children. This ensures that children are protected. Children have the use of all of the ground floor and the garden and are encouraged to make good use of the space. Toys are available in all areas including the garden and children's independence is encouraged.

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Organisation

All of the childminder's documentation is completed and regularly updated. This ensures that all parental requests and children's individual needs are appropriately recorded, current and acted upon. Several policies and procedures are displayed for parent's quick reference including the grievance/complaints policy and Ofsted's contact details.

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Organisation

The childminder and her assistants continue to undertake training courses to increase their knowledge and improve their work practice. Daily activities are recorded to ensure children are having access to the full range of toys and equipment and highlights any areas that need improving. This provides children with additional experiences and learning opportunities. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to ensure that routines in the kitchen protected children from hazards and risks, ensure consent for emergency medical treatment, permission to administer medication and medication given were recorded and, ensure each child received appropriate support and attention. All consents are now recorded and all hazards and possible risks in the kitchen have been dealt with appropriately. This ensures children's health and safety are protected. The childminder now works with an assistant at all times so all children receive suitable and appropriate support and attention.

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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.

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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): • consider recording the risk assessments currently undertaken • ensure any concerns, discussed with parents, regarding children's behaviour are recorded.

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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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