Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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261026 Unique Reference Number 15 November 2007 Inspection date Lucy Showell 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 2001. She lives with her adult son and twins aged 11, in Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham. The whole 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 one child under five all day and four children over five before and after school on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local childminding/toddler groups. The family have a pet dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clean and hygienic environment. Their care is fostered well through the effective documentation in place such as an up to date first aid certificate and maintained records. Children enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle through the childminder’s proactive methods with regard to individual care routines. They rest and sleep according to their individual

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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 needs and enjoy effective physical activity through well-resourced and interactive play with the childminder. Children stay healthy because the childminder has good hygiene procedures. For example, children use individual towels and liquid soap in the bathroom and are encouraged to demonstrate good independent toileting skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder discusses individual needs with parents and their preferences are recognised. Children freely access individual drinks at all times throughout the day, and meals such as freshly prepared sandwiches are nutritious.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children’s welfare is promoted well through the childminder’s knowledge and proactive skills with regard to safety. Children are kept safe because safety equipment is in place such as smoke alarms and socket covers, and all cleaning products and hazardous items are stored out of reach and children are effectively supervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure, indoor and outdoor environment. Their safety is promoted well through the necessary documentation in place including consent forms, information records and well-written policies and procedures. The children are protected from harm through the childminder’s valuable knowledge with regard to child protection. Scenario questions are answered effectively and the information available is written in line with current guidance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about their own and other’s safety through gentle reminders during play. For example, they are encouraged to sit carefully at the table and walk slowly down the stairs. Children have free access to a good range of resources which are suitable for their age and developmental stages and comply with British Safety Standards. On outings children are encouraged to learn about road safety and risk assessments are carried out before equipment is used.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s opportunities are promoted by the good range of toys and equipment that are easily accessible. Their needs are met through diversified activities in line with individual enjoyment and abilities, and the childminder has attended relevant training to develop knowledge and understanding of child development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop good confidence and positive self-esteem through receiving plenty of praise and encouragement for efforts and achievements. Their independence is promoted well as they enjoy free choice play and lead in their own learning experiences. Children are building sound relationships with others through effective interaction as they play and respond well to the childminder. Older children enjoy choosing activities such as cooking and have made their own recipe book with details and pictures of all their creations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s care is promoted well through the childminder’s effective and friendly relationship with the parents. For example, daily verbal feedback informs parents of children’s progress and

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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 all necessary documents are shared at initial visits. Children’s sense of belonging is developed well through the warm and welcoming environment. They are comfortable, relaxed and familiar with their surroundings, and play well and work harmoniously with each other and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well-behaved and demonstrate some good awareness and respect for others and their individual needs. They learn about right and wrong through the childminder’s calm and encouraging manner and gentle reminders during play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s understanding of the wider community is adequately promoted. Use of resources which depict positive images and activities with regard to various festivals and celebrations develop children’s awareness of diversity. There are no children at the setting with learning difficulties and/or disabilities although the childminder has good awareness of individual needs and would adapt activities to meet individual requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s welfare is effectively promoted through the good policies and procedures that work well in practice and facilitate children’s good health, safety, enjoyment, achievements and ability to make a positive contribution. Children’s continuity of care is promoted well through the childminder’s respectful approach to confidentiality and effective practice with regard to reviewing of information and individual records. A good range of documentation is in place although there are no records of checks carried out on persons aged over sixteen years in the household.

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Organisation

Children learn and develop through the childminder’s good knowledge of child development and strong understanding of each child’s needs. Their activities and experiences at the setting are flexible and comply with the effective daily routines. They enjoy good access to a wide range of toys and equipment within the well-organised and child-friendly indoor and outdoor spaces. Overall, children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder received two recommendations.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The first asked the childminder to ensure that she requests written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and for administering medication to children. Parents complete all relevant information at initial visits and for medication as required.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The second asked the childminder to ensure children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. This has been addressed as there is an increase in the toys available and good use of resource centres.

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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. 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

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): • ensure that persons over the age of 16 years living or regularly present in the household when children are being minded undergo checks including a criminal records check.

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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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