Childminder in Walsall

Inspection report for early years provision

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255329 Unique Reference Number 16 May 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Turner 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 1987. She lives with her two adult sons in the Great Barr area of Birmingham, within walking distance to local schools, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and the bathroom located on the first floor. 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 and is currently caring for three children during the day and three children over five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local childminder support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in a range of routines and positive practices that promotes their good health effectively. They are independent in their access to the facilities in place for their personal care. The younger children have appropriate provision for nappy changing and to promote toilet

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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 training. Children are aware of the importance of washing their hands throughout the day, especially after using the toilet, activities, and before eating. There are appropriate arrangements regarding the care of sick children and she discusses with parents the importance of keeping children who are unwell at home. This ensure positive steps are taken to minimise cross infection. If the children sustain an injury following an accident or arrive with an existing injury, parents are notified, details are recorded and she is able to treat them effectively because she has completed a first aid course.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's meals are provided by their parents. The children have regular snacks, which are well presented and promote healthy options. They have different fruits for their snacks and the childminder encourages them to eat their main meal first. Dietary needs are discussed with parents and recorded; ensuring that any allergies are monitored effectively. Regular drinks are provided for the children throughout the day and younger children's beakers are placed where they can access it independently.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children have good space to move around and develop their physical skills. They visit other facilities in the area, which enhances their physical skills and they enjoy their time in the garden playing ball games such as basket ball or using the climbing frame. Children use the local park that has good space for them to play with a range of equipment both large and small.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children arrive into a welcoming environment where toys are easily accessible in the play room and there are facilities available for them to rest and sleep according to their needs. Older children can safely access toilet facilities, thus helping to promote their independence. Children's safety is promoted because they use equipment and resources that are safe and suitable for their age and ability.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has a good awareness of potential hazards in and outside the home. For example, she ensures cleaning fluids are stored inaccessibly to children, and a fireguard if fitted. Children learn to keep themselves safe when they are out with her and they know that they should find a safe place when crossing the road and not talk to strangers. Younger children wear reins and they know to hold the childminder's hand or side of the push chair when out walking. The childminder practises the emergency escape plan with the children and she keeps a record when she has carried them out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and of her responsibilities in this area. She is aware of the possible signs of abuse and know that if she is concerned she must report it. She gives parents a copy of the guidelines for reference and she keeps relevant telephone numbers accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house, they are confident and fully involved in their play. Warm and caring relationships are apparent between the childminder and children; contributing to a child's sense of belonging. Their self-esteem is well developed through the childminder's effective use of praise and support and her positive interaction as she joins in their play.

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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 Children play happily with each other. For example, they enjoy playing with the magnetic numbers as they learn to do simple additions or recognise the numbers. They become independent as they are able to choose from the good range of toys, books and creative activities and their art work is displayed in the play room. Children are able to develop their creativity through activities such as painting, drawing and sticking and their art work is displayed in the designated play room.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of children's needs and plans a wide range of activities to promote their development. She is beginning to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to observe and record children's progress and development to share with parents. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play, for example older children spend a long period of time playing with the small world figures, whilst younger children enjoy doing jigsaw with the childminder or playing with the dolls and other imaginative play resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are included and valued by the childminder. They learn about each other's differences and similarities because the childminder talks to them about situations as they occur and uses books and resources to explore different cultures. The childminder ensures that she is aware of and addresses children's individual needs through discussions with parents. Although the childminder has never cared for children with a disability and/or learning difficulties she welcomes them into her home and recognises the need to work closely with parents and other agencies to support children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. They are aware of the unwritten ground rules of the childminder's home and require minimal reminding of these. The childminder informs children and parents of strategies that apply during their play and obtains their agreement to these. For example, she reminds children that they must share and take turns with the toys. This further positively influences children's behaviour. They learn right from wrong because the childminder explains the consequences of their actions on others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. A good exchange of verbal information between parents and the childminder helps to ensure appropriate care is given to children. For example, she tells parents what their children have done during the day and how they are developing in the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's routines and activities and they have the contact details of the regulator in the event that they wish to make a complaint. However, the childminder has not maintained a complaints log.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a organised and efficient management of the care and provision provided and because the childminder enjoys her role. They have access to a secure and well maintained outdoor play area. Children are confident and feel at home and at ease with the well-organised environment where they are able to self select and make decisions about what they do, which promotes their personal development very well.

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Organisation

Most of the required documents and records are in place, however due to the lack of written policies and procedures parents are not fully aware of the ethos of her service. Documentation

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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 such as contracts are reviewed and kept up to date by the childminder and stored appropriately. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good progress to address the recommendations made at the previous inspection. She now holds the appropriate records and consents for administering medication and permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is also held. This ensures parents are fully informed to enable all to work together to support the children’s well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there has been one complaint made that required Ofsted to take action in order for the childminder to meet the National Standards. Ofsted received information relating to National Standards 1 (Suitable Person), 2 (Organisation) and 6 (Safety) alleging that the childminder exceeded her registered numbers. Ofsted issued the childminder with regulatory actions in the form of a Notice of Failure to Comply, requiring the childminder to ensure that registered numbers are never exceeded. The provider 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): • devise a complaints log • develop policies and procedures to ensure parents are fully aware of the ethos of the provision.

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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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