Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222982 Unique Reference Number 04 May 2007 Inspection date Esther Gray 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 1994. She lives with her partner and two children aged 17 and 15 in Rednal, Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 at any one time and is currently minding two children, one under five and one over eight, before and after nursery and school. The childminder drives to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She 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 good. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures are taken when children are injured or ill so that health needs are met. The childminder maintains a paediatric first aid qualification, which ensures sick or injured children are well cared for. Children’s health is effectively promoted as the childminder takes positive steps to promote children’s good health by encouraging them to wash their hands before meals and after toileting. She ensures the environment for children is clean and well prepared before they arrive, for example, by lifting pet food as soon as the cat has eaten.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy some good opportunities to experience physical activity and develop their skills. They enjoy trips to the Lickey Country Park where there is an adventure play ground designed for children. They also access a range of activities within the home to promote early writing skills, such as, art, craft and construction play. As a result, children develop their fine motor skills and control over pencils and crayons. The needs of younger children are well met because the childminder provides appropriate activities and resources to support children’s physical and emotional development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. They have good opportunities to learn about healthy eating because the childminder provides children with regular drinks and food that are nutritious and comply with their dietary and religious needs. Parents are supplied with a sample menu. Children are learning about healthy living through a range of good activities that encourage them to learn about a healthy diet. During snack times a good range of fruit is offered. Once a month the childminder offers children a chance to try a different or unusual fruit that they have never tried before, to encourage them to try new tastes, textures and smells. As a result, children are developing an awareness of factors which influence good outcomes for a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected from harm because the childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection. She is able to put appropriate procedures into practice. She has also developed a policy statement informing parents and carers of her role and responsibility in safeguarding children’s welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is well promoted because the childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings. The provider ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents and minimise identified risks to children. She has developed a full written risk assessment of the property which she updates regularly. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. They begin to understand about safety issues both within the setting, outside and during planned and spontaneous activities. They are, for example, encouraged to tidy up activities before getting something else out, so as not to cause trip hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and are very well cared for in premises that are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. This is because the childminder ensures that the environment gives children access to a good range of facilities that successfully promote children’s development. Younger children are able to investigate and explore their surroundings safely. They begin to understand

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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 there are rules and boundaries that keep them safe. Children use appropriate and safe equipment and they are encouraged to become aware of their own safety and that of others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, independent and are developing their self-esteem. They ask questions and respond to new challenges by questioning and using their own initiative. Some planned activities are offered to provide children with interesting experiences. For example, tasting different foods and developing their skills and knowledge of shape by creating pictures using shapes. However, plans have not been sufficiently developed to provide activities and play opportunities that help children achieve in all areas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a good range of resources which children can easily access as they are rotated and children are able to choose from the storage area. However, independent choice is limited for younger children as only a restricted amount of toys and resources are available in the areas used for play. All children enjoy and share stories and there is a good selection of books which children can use to reference information or simply enjoy a well remembered story from the pictures. The childminder is actively engaged in children’s play and reads stories to children on request.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are consistent boundaries and good adult support which helps children to develop appropriate skills. Children begin to distinguish right from wrong and form positive relationships. Younger children are suitably encouraged to develop their communication through language and gestures. They are happy and settled as a result of good communication with parents and carers and because good details of children’s individual needs are recorded at the outset.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are well met because the childminder works closely with parents and carers to develop effective partnerships so that all children achieve their full potential. Children are welcomed and are given sufficient time to settle into the setting so they feel a sense of belonging. They benefit from a calm and supportive approach and learn right from wrong through careful explanation and consistency. Praise and support helps them start to develop some self-esteem. Children behave very well in proportion to their level of understanding and maturity because the childminder creates an environment that encourages children to respect boundaries and begin to control their own behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good arrangements are made to ensure all children are included. The childminder has planned activities to help children learn about a diverse society through their play. She has identified some imaginative ways of providing children with opportunities to learn about the wider world. For example, the adoption of a child in India or Africa, supporting communities abroad with the provision of fresh water. She also engages children in activities which provide information about some of the most commonly celebrated festivals. This means children have a balanced view about the wider world. All children are valued as individuals which actively promotes inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Written policies are well worded and inclusive; they are made available to parents. Children are becoming aware of their own needs and respect the needs of others. They make some choices and decisions about their care and play activities which develops their self confidence. The

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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 childminder talks to children about people in the community in relation to disabilities and provides sensitive care for children with any difficulties. Good, appropriate, liaison with parents ensures children are well cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good organisation of the setting. It ensures that children’s health, safety and well-being are met. Children are cared for around the times they attend school or nursery and some routines include trips to school and nursery to take or collect children. The childminder makes best use of these times to visit local parks to allow children fresh air and exercise as she has restricted use of the garden temporarily whilst it is made safe. Children are well cared for in a setting where the childminder is suitably qualified and experienced to meet the needs of all children. She is committed to continue to update her skills and knowledge by attending training, having a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to continual improvement.

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Organisation

Children are protected from harm as the childminder is aware of the importance of ensuring that all unvetted visitors are suitable and are not left unattended with children in the setting or whilst on outings. She has developed a portfolio of information, gathering all her policies and procedures together to share with parents. These procedures protect children sufficiently and are effectively implemented to promote all the outcomes for children. Records are available and retained for inspection. They are well-organised and kept confidential. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop a complaints procedure and ensure all parents are informed of this. She also agreed to include details of strategies used to manage unwanted behaviour, in her behaviour management policy, and include information about reflecting our diverse community in resources, in the equal opportunities policy.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has a comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures to share with parents and carers and has enhanced these documents to ensure all parents are informed of the agreed strategies used to manage unacceptable behaviour. This also includes the strategies used to achieve a good outcome, using a positive approach, promoting good behaviour and celebrating achievement. All policies and procedures reflect equality of opportunity and there is a complaints procedure which includes sufficient detail to ensure any concerns can be dealt with appropriately. As a result, parents are fully appraised of all practices and procedures which are in place, used by the childminder at this setting.

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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

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

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): • further extend the range of planned activities and experiences for children, appropriate for their stages of development and based on their individual needs.

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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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