Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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550021 Unique Reference Number 10 October 2006 Inspection date Kashma Patel 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 satisfactory. 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 in the Maypole area of Birmingham with her two children aged 19 months and seven years old. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is no access to the first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children and is currently minding two children under five years. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends a number of carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She also drives and walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders 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 satisfactory. Children are being protected against the spread of infection because the childminder has satisfactory routines in place, such as hand washing. Children are learning to clean their hands before food and after playing outside. Children are provided with a range of healthy snacks and drinks which meets individual dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children have regular drinks throughout the day by re-filling their beakers with water or juice. This keeps them well hydrated. Children enjoy snacks of fruit which is age and stage appropriate and contributes to a healthy life style.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy physical play activities at the local toddler group, in the park and in the rear garden. They are given the necessary support to develop skills such as pushing and pulling wheeled toys. They are also learning about keeping fit through regular walks to local shops and the school. Children benefit from flexible daily routines and are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment where they feel secure and part of the family. Potentials risks to children have been identified and appropriate safety equipment such as safety covers and locks are in place in the kitchen and lounge. Children's welfare is promoted on outings because the childminder has written consent to transport children in the car and has appropriate documents, such as car insurance, in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use an acceptable range of safe and appropriate resources that are easily accessible to encourage independence. Toys and equipment is changed frequently to ensure children are kept busy and occupied. The childminder carries out regular checks on toys and equipment to ensure they are safe for children to use and conform to safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has satisfactory knowledge of child protection. She is aware of who to contact if she has any concerns and has appropriate numbers in place to promotes children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and making suitable progress in their development. They move freely around the home and select from a satisfactory range of resources. They are developing their confidence and self esteem because the childminder spends time talking and playing with them. She offers help and support to extend their play, for example, children were encouraged to put their dolls in the pram before they started to push them. Children interact well with visitors, they were observed smiling and bringing up toys.

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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 The childminder cares for younger children but has not attended the 'Birth to three matters' training and therefore has limited knowledge and understanding of the under three's.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their independence and make their needs known, they were observed pointing at toys and making sounds to get what they want. Children have regular opportunities to develop their creativity. They enjoy cooking activities and playing with musical instruments such as drums and shakers. The childminder knows the children well and what they require, she settled them down for a rest after they were crying and getting upset.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Children are learning about diversity through a range of resources such as books, puzzles and small world toys which promotes their understanding of race, culture and disability. The childminder is part of the Inclusion Project and has a sound awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to manage their own behaviour, they are encouraged to share and tidy up toys when they have taken too many out so they can play safely. The childminder has a consistent approach and was firm when a child was observed throwing and snatching toys from other children. Children are praised and rewarded for good behaviour, for example, they enjoy listening to their favourite story.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's routines and their preferences are discussed with parents to ensure their needs are met. The childminder spends time talking to them on a daily basis about their children's day. Daily verbal feedback is given to parents to ensure continuity of care for children. The childminder is unaware that a log for complaints is required and that she may be responsible for investigating some complaints about her. This means that parents are not kept fully informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are being protected because the childminder ensures that persons who have contact with the children are suitable and where appropriate have been through the vetting procedure. The childminder ensures that ratios are met and maintained to allow children to receive appropriate individual attention. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and as a result they move around the room with ease, selecting toys of their choice.

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Organisation

Parents are kept well informed about children's daily routines and activities. Most documentation which contributes to children's well-being is available and retained for inspection. It is well-organised in maintaining security and confidentiality. The childminder compromises children's health because her first aid certificate is out of date and she has not renewed this qualification, this means that she cannot respond to accidents appropriately.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that all potential hazards in the garden and cleaning materials were inaccessible to children. Also, to share child protection procedures and information about the regulator with parents. The childminder has improved children's safety by removing all potential hazards inside and outside her home from children's access. All materials are safely locked away. She also now shares her child protection procedures and information about the regulator with parents should they wish to make a complaint; this promotes children's welfare.

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 outcomes for children under three's by using an approach in line with ‘Birth to three matters’ • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken. • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and children

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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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