Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

250210 Unique Reference Number 11 April 2007 Inspection date Diane Ashplant Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1997. She lives with her husband and six children, two aged four and 10 years and the others who are teenagers. They live in Shirley close to local shops, schools and other amenities. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently looking after three children under five on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to several different toddler groups in the local area and collects from the local pre-school.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted through regular opportunities for physical play outside. Children walk daily to and from school and play regularly in a spacious garden where there is a good range of equipment for encouraging co-ordination skills such as pedalling and climbing. Children also benefit from the use of different physical opportunities at the toddler groups they attend, many of which also have outdoor facilities. The childminder is aware of the need

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to promote children's health by maintaining an hygienic environment and has clear procedures for nappy changes and cleaning toys. Children are learning the importance of washing hands before meals and after playing outside and have easy access to washing facilities. The childminder has a good understanding of first aid as she regularly renews this, which ensures she has the current information to act appropriately in the event of a child having an accident or being ill. She has two appropriately stocked first aid kits for use in the house and on outings and is fully aware of the procedures for recording accidents and medication.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Although the childminder does not provide children with food as this is done by parents, she is fully aware of the importance of promoting their health by encouraging healthy diets. She is very supportive of the healthy choices children are now given at the toddler groups they attend and shares any information gained to support weaning and healthy diets with parents. She is aware of the importance of respecting any individual dietary needs and routines which she discusses carefully with parents at registration.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to the ground floor and garden of this family home which is organised to ensure they can move around safely. The childminder is generally aware of potential risks to children and takes appropriate action to protect them in most areas, although the insecure toilet door and overloaded sockets may pose a risk to children's safety. She regularly conducts a visual risk assessment to ensure the areas children use are safe and takes appropriate precautions when they are out walking or driving in the car. Children are made aware of the guidelines there to protect them, and the childminder successfully balances this with some degree of independence appropriate to their age, such as when walking to and from school. Children are well protected in the event of a fire as there is a clear evacuation procedure which the childminder practises with the children so they know how to act promptly and safely. All

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

policies are in place to protect children at all times, such as safe collection and on outings. Equipment and resources are chosen with regard to safety and suitability and stored in named boxes and children can access some of these independently.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well safeguarded as the childminder is fully aware of her role and responsibilities as regards child protection and shares this effectively with parents. She has all the appropriate documentation and keeps her knowledge up-to-date through training and current information.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a wide range of opportunities to keep them engaged and interested when in the care of the childminder who has a good knowledge of how young children learn and develop. There is a variety of play and learning resources available to them both inside and out and these are selected and rotated according to the age of the child. Children are involved in choosing what they would like to do and the busy daily routine is adapted according to their individual needs. Children also use the outdoor area regularly to enjoy physical play activities or draw and paint as they use their imagination to play schools in the playhouse. The childminder demonstrates a very warm and attentive response to the young child present and regularly talks to him so he feels happy and content. Children attend several different toddler groups where they have lots of social interaction and benefit from a range of different toys and activities

p.3

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 to engage and interest them. The childminder uses the everyday routine to develop their general understanding, such as talking about what they see when they walk to and from school. She is aware of how to adapt play sessions according to the age of the child, so she appropriately extends the more able and older ones while all enjoy the planned activity, such exploring different fruits.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed as individuals and settle comfortably into this warm family home as the childminder takes time to get to know them so they feel content and secure. All necessary information about individual details and routines is exchanged at registration. Children have many opportunities to develop their social skills and learn about their local community as they visit such places as the library and attend a variety of pre-school groups where they mix with different children and adults. Children are able to choose freely from a range of toys which include some which reflect the wider world and engage in activities around different celebrations and festivals. The childminder is aware that some children have specific needs and understands the benefits of liaising with parents and accessing different support to ensure they are fully included. She responds to children's questions in an open and honest way and uses resources

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

to extend their understanding and develop positive attitudes. This helps them develop a balanced view of the world around them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well as they feel valued by the childminder who gives them individual encouragement and attention and responds positively to their questions. Children are aware of the boundaries they need to respect and are given appropriate opportunities to develop their independence. Older children are learning to understand and protect the needs of the younger children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents works well as the childminder liaises with them and encourages open dialogue and exchange of ideas as they work together to support the child. All information about her childminding business is explained in a collection of policies which she shares with parents at registration, and regular discussion with parents ensures they are informed of what their child has done.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by an experienced childminder who organises her day effectively around their needs, and offers them a range of different play and learning opportunities both at home and through attending other pre-school groups in the community. The childminder is committed to developing her childcare knowledge and practice by attending regular training sessions. She also has a strong involvement with the local childminders and this, along with access to the internet ensures she keeps informed of any amendments to procedure, such as the complaints and child protection policies. The childminder limits the number of minded children she cares for in order to effectively balance her business with the needs of her own family. However, Ofsted are not effectively informed of all significant changes which may compromise the welfare of children cared for. All the necessary documentation for the safe and efficient management

p.4

Organisation

of the childminding business is in place and is generally well maintained and up-to-date. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her understanding of special needs. Her knowledge has been increased through her studies at college and also through experience and her own research.

p.5

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.

p.5

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 log may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 children's safety by reviewing the risks to children posed by insecure doors and electrical cables • ensure Ofsted are informed of all significant changes.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5