Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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250510 Unique Reference Number 19 May 2006 Inspection date Myra Lewis 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 1998 and works with an assistant. She lives with her husband, adult son and two children aged eight months and fifteen years, in Kingshurst, Solihull. Local amenities and bus routes are within walking distance. All areas of the childminder's home is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks or drives to and from local schools to take and collect children, and attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding ten children, of whom five are under eight years. Children attend a variety of sessions. She holds a valid first aid certificate is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is an active member of the local childminding network and holds a relevant childcare qualification.

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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. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming home, where they learn good hygiene practices through everyday routines. They understand the importance of hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. Each child has their own individual flannel and use paper towels to dry their hands, which minimises the spread of infection. Children are actively encouraged to be independent and manage their self-care skills, with appropriate support from the childminder. Children's privacy needs are respected and met sensitively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is well-supported by the childminder's current knowledge of first aid and the routines in place to minimise the spread of infection. All minor accidents and medicines given to children are accurately recorded and prompt action is taken if children become unwell. A well stocked first aid box is maintained and its contents checked on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children walk to and from school each day and have good opportunities to observe and learn about their local surroundings. The childminder actively supports children's physical development. For example, children have regular visits to the park, where they have space to run around or use the large play apparatus, they also visit the local toddler group where they have access to a variety of wheeled toys. During school holidays children enjoy a variety of planned outings with the childminder, such as, visits to see Shetland ponies or to enjoy a teddy bears picnic in the park. Younger children are able to rest or sleep according to their respective needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual meals are currently provided by their parents and take account of their specific dietary requirements. All aspects of children's individual dietary needs are discussed with parents and their wishes respected. Children are actively encouraged to make healthy food choices and parents are asked to provide healthy foods in their children's lunch boxes. They have access to drinks throughout the day and enjoy sociable mealtimes together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled, as the childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for children. They are able to move around the home confidently and have easy access to a good variety of toys and resources, which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Toys and equipment are well maintained and conform to safety standards. Toys are regularly checked to ensure they are safe for children to use and any broken toys are discarded. Therefore children's risk of accidental injury is minimised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of how to keep themselves safe. The childminder explains safe practices with the children. For example, children practice road safety and learn about fire safety through discussion with the childminder. They are encouraged to pick up toys off the floor to avoid accidents. Although the childminder has taken necessary action to make the home safe and secure, there are minor aspects of safety that need attention.

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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 Children are further protected as the childminder understands her responsibilities regarding child protection. She understands her role in sharing and recording any concerns she may have and knows who to contact if she should be concerned. There are appropriate systems in place for the safe arrival and collection of children. Therefore children's welfare is promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder, they are happy, settled and confident within their environment. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are eager to play and learn and have easy access to a broad range of toys and resources. Children become independent as they choose between a good selection of books, puzzles, small world figures, construction toys, cars and home play resources. They enjoy various creative activities, such as play dough, sand play, and making pictures using different materials. Children enjoy helping the childminder make scrap books about places they have visited. This positively builds children's self-esteem and sense of belonging effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is well supported as the childminder knows the children very well and is aware of their individual needs. She provides a good balance of free play and structured activities that ensure children's interests are taken into account and children are purposefully occupied. There are regular trips to the park and other places of interest, giving children plenty of opportunities to develop their physical skills and learn about their local surroundings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children receive good support from the childminder. Their communication skills are developing well as the childminder talks to them and listens to what they have to say as they are playing. She encourages children to learn through everyday play situations. Older children are also well supported by the childminder who helps them with their homework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and have equal access to all toys and resources. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed and agreed with their parents. Children make themselves at home and are learning to play together well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of different cultures is positively promoted through discussion with the childminder. They have access to a variety of resources that reflect diversity and the wider world. The childminder has a good practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with specific needs. Any special requirements or information are discussed and communicated effectively with parents, to ensure the special needs of children are recognised and met sensitively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to praise and encouragement from the childminder, who uses effective strategies to manage children's behaviour and encourage positive behaviour. Children learn to

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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 share, take turns and become sensitive to the needs of others. Children are therefore beginning to understand right from wrong and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is very good, which helps children settle well and play happily. Children's care needs are clearly documented. The childminder has some well-documented policies and procedures. However, the complaints procedure does not reflect the recent changes in procedures, in line with the revised national standards. The childminder has open and friendly relationships with parents, so that children's individual needs are clearly identified and their parents wishes respected. Parents are made very welcome and the childminder makes time to discuss all aspects of their children's day to keep them well informed. Parents say they are happy with the care provided for their children. Therefore children feel secure and develop a good sense of belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at ease within this child-friendly home. Space is organised to enable children to play freely and to initiate their own play and learning. Therefore they are happy and secure in their surroundings. The flexible daily routines provide children with a good variety of different play experiences, both inside and outside the home. The childminder takes into account children's individual needs when planning activities and organising ratios. Children have direct access to toys and activities, which encourages them to be independent and make choices about their play. They receive good individual support from the childminder and play happily.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the care of an experienced childminder, who has a good understanding of how children play and learn. The childminder has attended a variety of relevant training, in order to keep up-to-date with current information, improve her practice and in doing so benefit the children in her care.

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Organisation

All required paperwork is in place and stored securely. The childminder makes time available each day to talk to parents about their children's daily activities and routines. She has some well written policies and procedures that are shared with all parents.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure all incidents are recorded and shared with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now uses appropriate incident records which are shared with all parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been two complaints. These related to concerns regarding the number of children being cared for, risk to children from unnamed persons, aspects of safety regarding building work and redecoration. Following investigation there was no evidence of a risk to children and four actions were set to address the other concerns. The childminder

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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 has carried out the four actions set to ensure she meets the requirements of the National Standards and remains qualified for registration.

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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 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): • make sure the kitchen flooring is safe in all areas accessed by children • ensure the complaints procedure is updated in line with the revised national standards.

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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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