Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY102703 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2006 Inspection date Jennifer Turner 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 10 years. They live in the Great Barr area of Birmingham within walking distance to local schools, parks and shops. The whole ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden area available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years and is currently caring for five children all of whom attend part-time. She attends local playgroups and toddler groups on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 are cared for in a warm, clean and very well maintained environment. They are actively and consistently learning about the importance of good hygiene practices through well established daily routines. For example, children understand why they must wash their hands after playing in the garden, before meals and after using the toilet and they are provided with paper towels for drying their hands to reduce the risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to good range of stimulating activities which contributes to their good health and well-being and have excellent opportunities to develop their physical skills through regular access to outdoor play. For example, as they play in the garden with the wheeled toys and visit the local park where they have access to swings, a slide and climbing equipment. Children enjoy the fresh air and explore their local environment as they take regular walks to the nearby nature centre with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder having a good knowledge of first aid, although her first aid box is not fully stocked. Children's health needs are supported because the childminder is fully aware of the children's individual needs and has procedures in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately should they be taken ill. Children's accident, medication and emergency consent forms are in place and are well maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through regular discussions with the childminder and are beginning to make healthy choices for themselves. For example, as they are encouraged to have fruits at snack-time and after their lunch. Children have access to drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around very safely and freely as identified risks and hazards have been minimised. Children are extremely well protected from fire within the home as the childminder has appropriate precautions in place, such as a fire blanket, smoke detectors and an evacuation procedure. Children are made aware of the emergency escape procedures and have practised the fire drill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe whilst out walking or when taking part in outings because the childminder has procedures in place. Children are encouraged to follow the green cross code, hold hands, and learn about hazards on the road. For example, children listen carefully to instructions from the childminder and older children know not to walk too far where they can not be seen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a good range of suitable and safe equipment which is regularly checked to ensure it is safe for the children to use. Children are very carefully supervised at all times. For example,

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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 as they play with toys and equipment both in and outside of the home. Children are becoming more aware of the dangers of leaving too many toys on the floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her care. She is fully aware of the child protection procedures and knows who to contact should she be concerned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy. They develop their play and learning because they are cared for in a designated and child-centred environment, where they can access toys independently. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she knows the children well. Children attending after school are able to make decisions about their play, select activities and develop their interests. Children are given time to play and learn independently and benefit from being able to take part in a wide range of worthwhile and interesting activities. They enjoy activities which contribute to their creativity and imagination, for example, they enjoy using Duplo play figures to create pretend houses and figures. Children are developing their skills as they match pictures and number cards. "Can you find the number two"? the childminder asks as the child searches the floor until she finds the correct card.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's self-esteem and confidence are effectively promoted because the childminder encourages children to take part in activities in a safe and supportive environment. Children are well supported because the childminder’s interaction with them is very good; she has a warm rapport with them and a calm, gentle approach. She is very reassuring to children, listens carefully to what they are saying and shows interest in what they are doing. The childminder helps children distinguish between right and wrong by encouraging them to share and take turns. This helps children make positive relationships. Children’s activities and achievements are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in this very welcoming environment. They are encouraged to make decisions about their own play and actively engage in a wide range of activities which are equally adult-led and child-initiated. Children are valued as individuals and their needs are skilfully supported by the childminder. For example, as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with the parents on admission.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children choose from a very good range of toys and resources which promote positive imagery of gender, culture and ethnicity, however disability is not reflected sufficiently to ensure children have a balanced view of the wider world. Children's awareness of different cultures is further promoted through discussion with the childminder and her equal opportunity policy states that children will be treated as individuals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of the house rules and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions, consequently their behaviour is very good. Children's understanding of right and wrong

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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 is further developed as children respond positively to gentle reminders from the childminder, to care for the toys and each other as they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes to the children's individual needs being supported at all times and are fully discussed with parents before the child starts. Children's daily activities and achievements are shared with parents each day ensuring parents are kept fully informed,

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's individual needs are very well supported in this welcoming, stimulating and child friendly environment. Children are happy, settled, motivated and interested in the exciting range of toys and activities that are made available to them.

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Organisation

Children benefit from well established routines which have a good regard for their individual needs. The childminder makes effective use of her home, the garden and the facilities within the local community.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation is in place. Documentation is stored securely and confidentiality is respected at all times.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to keep the attendance register accurate and up-to-date. This has been addressed and she now ensures that the register is completed each day and that it includes the children's arrival and departure times. She has made some progress to address the lack of resources reflecting positive imagery of culture and ethnicity through the purchase of books and play figures. However, children are not given sufficient opportunities to raise their awareness of disability because of the lack of resources reflecting this area.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • ensure the first aid box is stocked appropriately • increase the range of resources to reflect positive images of disability

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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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