Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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228378 Unique Reference Number 26 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and two children aged ten and 17 years in Sutton Coldfield. The ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for minding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The location is convenient for schools, pre-schools, parks 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 five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group and takes a collects children from the local school.

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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 home where they learn about hygiene routines and personal care. They are helped to understand that washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating keep them healthy. There are good procedures in place to care for children who are ill, which are shared and agreed with parents at registration. The childminder is trained in administering first aid and has the appropriate permission to seek emergency treatment. However, prior written permission to administer medication is not in place therefore, children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted by a wholesome, nutritious and balanced diet. Meals are freshly prepared and meal arrangements are discussed and agreed with parents. Children choose from a range of drinks available to them. The childminder is aware of each child's individual dietary needs and ensures these are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They are provided with plenty of opportunities for physical play, they have access to a good range of outdoor toys and equipment and regularly attend the local park to improve their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use a range of toys and equipment that are of good quality and safe. Equipment is regularly checked for safety and is kept clean. The children are able to access resources independently and the childminder supervises their choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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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. The childminder assesses potential risks to children and puts procedures and practices in place to minimise these at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including cupboard locks, stair gate and fire guard. There are clear procedures to ensure only authorised people collect children. The childminder ensures children are safe when on outings and takes appropriate information such as parent contact numbers in the case of an emergency. Fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. Children learn about fire safety and know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her role and responsibility to protect children and has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures, which are necessary to protect the welfare of children in her care.

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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 are happy, well settled and have formed good relationships with the childminder. This enables the children to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. The children are provided with a good range of activities and experiences that reflect their needs, interests and which help them to make progress in their development. The children are able to make decisions about their play as they choose from the various well-placed toys and resources. Toys are regularly rotated to ensure the children remain stimulated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the ‘Birth to three matters' framework and is a trained nursery nurse. The children play happily with the trains and track and their development is encouraged and promoted by the good level of support and interaction received from the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are helped to develop confidence and self-esteem through use of praise. Good behaviour is acknowledged and the childminder ensures that it is highlighted during daily discussions with parents.

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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 and figures provide positive images of different cultures and abilities within society. Close partnership with parents ensure the children's individual needs are met.

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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 confidently select what they want to play with and are encouraged to play harmoniously, share and to show care and consideration for each other. The children 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

Parents are provided with clear information about the service offered. The childminder exchanges verbal information with parents on a daily basis about their children's progress and a diary ensures they are kept informed of their children's daily activities. Relationships between the childminder and parents are honest, open and friendly. This helps ensure children are settled and secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures ratios are met to allow children to receive individual attention and to offer flexibility of care to suit parent’s needs. Children feel at ease in a homely environment. They use the ground floor of the premises to enjoy a variety of spontaneous activities. Regular visits outside the home contribute to children's 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 such as, autism awareness, information

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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 sharing, special educational needs and birth to three matters. The childminder uses this knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed, updated, and shared with parents. 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 ensure accident records are fully completed accurately. All records are now dated and countersigned by parents to ensure the children's health is well protected.

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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 to administer medication.

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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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