Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341210 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2007 Inspection date Samantha Jayne Taylor 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 17, 14 and eight years. They live in a house in Ward End, Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding and there is a rear garden for outdoor play. The family have four dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. She currently has two part-time children on roll aged eight months and eight years old.

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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. Effective hygiene practice in place helps to minimise risks such as cross-infection to children, for example the childminder provides children with individual towels for hand drying facilities. The childminder is well informed with regards to accident and medication procedure, for example, what to do in the event of an accident and she has supporting documentation in place. The childminder is knowledgeable of childhood illnesses and communicable illnesses and she is aware of the revised procedure to follow in the event of any concerns. This helps to support children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good variety of outdoor play which includes activities such as walking to the local school to collect older children and outings to the local playgroup. Children practise and refine skills such as pedalling when riding bicycles. They are well supervised and they have the freedom to play and exercise in large areas of outdoor space in the nearby field. As a consequence children's physical development is well progressed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder consults with parents with regards to children's dietary arrangements and meeting individual needs; through request parents mainly provide meals for their children. She is knowledgeable in promoting good health through safe food storage, for example, perishable items are stored within the refrigerator. Snacks such as fruit and yoghurts are enjoyed by the children and they freely access drinks such as diluted squash and water. This means that children learn to understand the importance of a balanced diet and how water is important to maintain good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children and families are welcomed into a caring, family environment. Support is offered to families, for example the childminder is flexible with her childminding arrangements. She spends time and shows interest in the children's daily news from school or home. As a result, positive relationships are established and children are eager to attend the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children freely access toys and resources which are set out at their level for play. Equipment is safe and of good quality. Resources are age appropriate and meets children's age and stage of development. As a result children comfortably explore their environment and develop good self-help skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks to children are mostly identified but not all are minimised to keep children safe, for example, the low level glass in the patio doors. The childminder is knowledgeable of precautions for children's security on outings, for example written parental consent is sought. Furthermore, written information is discreetly attached to children detailing the contact telephone number of the childminder. This is an additional form of security in the event of children becoming separated from the childminder or an emergency occurring. The childminder takes responsibility

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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 for fire safety, for example, by ensuring that smoke detectors which are in place are maintained and in good working condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is knowledgeable in identifying potential indicators of child abuse and the procedure to follow in the event of any concerns. She holds current information which is shared with parents and she is confident in her responsibilities to protect children. This helps to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences, which helps them to make progress in all areas of their development. They enjoy the individual attention and support given to them as the childminder shows interest in their play and shows them how toys work. The childminder has some knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and she is keen to attend any training available in this area to extend children's learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's social skills and language development are excellently promoted by the childminder who sings and talks with the children. The childminder encourages younger children to interact, for example she sits at their level to play. Younger children copy the childminder's actions and learn to develop skills as they model what they have been shown and as a result they become confident as they explore their surroundings and toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder builds good relationships with children. She is a positive role model who knows the children and their interests very well. She encourages children to thrive through giving praise, time and attention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides opportunities which increase children's knowledge and understanding of the world. For example through use of books and jigsaws which represent positive images of disability, gender and ethnicity. Activities are accessible to all, which helps to promote inclusion. The childminder has some knowledge and experience of children with learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's self-esteem is promoted by the childminder giving praise, time and support which allows them to explore and become confident in their surroundings. They have a clear understanding of the boundaries within the home and respond well to the childminder. Children behave well because the childminder spends time playing with and listening to the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder discusses with parents the activities undertaken that day by their children which helps to reassure parents. The setting has a complaints policy, which is understood by the childminder and she is knowledgeable of the procedure to follow. As a consequence, continuity of care is well promoted and excellent relationships are established.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's experience and knowledge of child development helps to promote and progress children's all round development. Children are settled in the care of the childminder. Space is effectively organised and children are well supported by the childminder who joins in with their games. As a consequence children thrive and have fun.

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Organisation

Secure procedures for vetting individuals by the childminder ensures that children are protected. Good attention is paid to visitors to the setting, for example identity is checked, which helps to promote children's welfare.

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Organisation

Documentation is maintained, well presented and is stored confidentially. However, some written procedures lack sufficient detail. This means children’s welfare is mostly promoted. Detailed attendance records are kept, which are stored in a confidential and appropriate manner. The home is well organised to meet the children's needs, to develop their independence and confidence. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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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 low level glass is made safe or inaccessible to children • further improve documentation, which is required for the efficient and safe management of the provision.

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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 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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