Buttery Joanne

Inspection report for early years provision

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250195 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2007 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 was registered in 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13-years-old. The childminder has an assistant who works with her on occasions to provide emergency cover. They live in Solihull which is within walking distance of local shops, schools, parks and public transport. The whole of the ground floor together with the first floor bathroom and front bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding two children of whom one is under five-years-old. The family have three pet dogs. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also takes children on regular outings to playgroups and the local shops.

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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 possible spread of infection because the childminder has satisfactory hygiene routines in place. She talks to children about washing their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Children are protected against any health risks from the pets because there are satisfactory procedures in place. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder can respond to accidents appropriately because she has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be physically active and have regular access to the garden where they enjoy playing with the skipping ropes and ball games. They are also taken for daily walks to school, which ensures they get plenty of fresh air. Babies benefit from flexible daily routines and are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are adequately nourished and provided with regular drinks of water. They are learning about healthy eating, but often bring in snacks such as crisps and chocolate to eat after school which does not promote a healthy lifestyle. Although the childminder does not provide food for children in her care, she does record their individual dietary and specific requirements to promote their welfare.

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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 in the home have been identified and appropriate safety equipment such as socket covers, smoke alarms and stair-gates are in place. Children are learning about road safety through discussions, older children are aware it is safe to cross at a zebra crossing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to access a suitable range of toys and equipment which is well maintained and appropriate for the children being cared for. Babies safely access a range of colourful toys such as activity centres, musical mobiles and rattles. However, children do not have access to toys which reflect equality of opportunity which means they are not learning about diversity. 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 contact numbers for Social Services in place to promote children's welfare. Information is shared with parents to keep them well-informed of the childminder's responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a satisfactory range of knowledge and skills because they have access to a range of play opportunities. They enjoy regular outings to the pre-school group where they are able to socialise with other children. Daily walks to and from school ensure that children are able to exercise and have the opportunity to talk about their environment.

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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 interacts in a gentle and caring manner with the children. Babies in her care respond to her with smiles and gurgles as she talks and plays with them. Children are developing their independence as the childminder ensures that toys can be accessed freely and are stored in clear plastic boxes. Older children enjoy playing with board games and with the play station. They also enjoy having picnics in the front garden with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder ensures that they are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Children do not have sufficient opportunities to become aware of the wider world because there are no toys or resources to support equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has a satisfactory practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to understand right from wrong through discussions and basic house rules. They are encouraged to take turns and play well together. Their efforts and achievements are praised and valued by the childminder. She also uses appropriate methods to encourage positive behaviour, such as distraction techniques for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well with parents to ensure their children's needs are met. She takes children to clinic appointments if requested of her. The childminder spends time talking to parents on a daily basis about their children's day both at school and with her. Daily verbal feedback is given to parents to ensure continuity of care for children. The childminder has a complaints log in place which is accessible to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder makes good use of space, time and resources to ensure that children are well cared for and enjoy a stimulating day with her. She ensures that children are protected by ensuring that all adults who come into regular contact with the them are suitably vetted.

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Organisation

Daily routines are flexible taking into account the children's individual needs and activities inside and outside the home. Children's welfare is promoted through satisfactory policies and procedures, which are shared with parents to keep them informed of her service. All the required documentation is available and retained for inspection. It is well organised to maintain confidentiality.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop fire safety precautions within the home. For example, by ensuring that smoke detectors are regularly checked and that children are made aware of the emergency evacuation procedures and to ensure the complaints procedure is fully implemented in line with the revised National Standards criteria of October 2005. She was also asked to obtain a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee Guidance. Children are protected in the home because the childminder has fire safety equipment which is regularly maintained and children are learning about emergency evacuation procedures. Children's welfare

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Improvements 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 is promoted because the childminder has a complaints log in place and has the recent guidance on child protection.

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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

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): • ensure children are provided with nutritious snacks to promote a healthy lifestyle • provide an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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