Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250307 Inspection date 30 June 2005 Inspector Diane Ashplant

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1995. She lives with her two sons aged 15 and 20 years in a semi-detached premises in Solihull. She is assisted by her eldest son who on occasions may have sole care. Children have access to all rooms on the ground floor and one rear bedroom and the bathroom located on the first floor. There is a large fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for five under fives and two school aged children. She also provides holiday care.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and also part of the approved Solihull Childminding Network. The childminder takes children to a variety of toddler groups and other pre-school and community activities and also takes and collects children from local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children walk daily to school which encourages healthy bodies and develops their physical skills. Children have regular access to a spacious garden where they enjoy playing outside in the open air with a good selection of appropriate equipment. Children's health is well protected by the childminders current knowledge of first aid and her clear awareness of the risk of infectious diseases. There are good standards of health and hygiene in the house which are maintained by an efficient daily cleaning programme. Children understand the importance of hygiene practices such as hand washing and having individual towels in promoting their health. Children are able to enjoy the close company of a family pet while thorough and well maintained pet routines minimise any risk to their health. Children are learning about healthy eating and discuss foods which are good for them. They have fresh fruit daily and enjoy the social experience of snack time where

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Helping children to be healthy

they talk together and learn from each other. Children bring their own food from home and are offered frequent drinks. Although the childminder understands the importance of safe food storage, the fridge, it is a little disorganised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a family home where their safety is given high priority both inside and out. Children have sufficient space which although limited is well organised so they can move around safely. Children are protected from all potential hazards and are encouraged to develop their own awareness of safety so they can act accordingly to protect themselves and others. The older children have a good understanding of the risk of fire and how to protect themselves from danger. They are given appropriate opportunities to act responsibly such as walking to and from school which increases their confidence and self esteem and helps them set good examples for younger children. Children have good access to a wide range of safe, good quality play and learning resources which are age appropriate and well organised to encourage safe and independent access. Children's welfare is very well protected by the childminder's total commitment to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

guaranteeing they are kept safe from harm in accordance with the Child Protection procedures. She has established her own systems for ensuring the children and herself are protected and parents are fully informed of the reasons for this.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well into this happy child orientated home due to the welcoming and friendly environment. They are eager to engage in a range of exciting play and learning opportunities. Children are able to choose from a good variety of resources and the balance of adult and child directed play is very good. Children receive appropriate guidance and encouragement and their efforts are always praised so they feel a sense of achievement and gain the confidence to make progress. Children benefit from play and learning opportunities inside and out and by visits to other groups where they enjoy different experiences and develop their social skills. Children learn about other aspects of community life and how to understand and respect people other than themselves. Children of all ages are encouraged to join in craft and other activities by the childminder's enthusiasm and they all learn to play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well together. Children are happy and sociable and able to engage freely in conversation with the childminder which helps stimulate their thoughts and words. Children have good relationships with the childminder and her sons and they benefit from interaction with different adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed here and are encouraged to get on well with each other by the positive example set by the childminder. Children are seen as individuals and regular conversation with parents ensures that their individual routines and particular preferences are followed as much as possible. Children understand to respect and learn from each other and develop skills which will assist them in later life. Children learn about other people in the community as they visit places like the local church luncheon club and enjoy getting to know the neighbours. Children are encouraged to talk about their own experiences and to learn to be sensitive to each others needs, including animals. Children understand what is expected of them and respect the guidelines set out by the childminder. They are encouraged to be honest and caring at all times and are able to discuss events in order to find the best solution. Children learn to respect the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

boundaries and each other and make good progress in relating to others. Partnership with parents is very good which enables children to settle down well and feel comfortable about engaging in all the opportunities available. Children benefit from a relaxed and open communication between parents who work effectively with the childminder in the best interests of the child. Parents are kept well informed both through written and verbal information.

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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 The organisation is good. Children benefit from the care of an experienced childminder who is committed to extending her practice and awareness so she can better meet the needs of the children she cares for. Although the daily programme is busy it is well organised so that children's individual needs are respected and there is time set aside for regular sessions at home. This means children settle in well and soon feel confident to engage in the opportunities provided and therefore make progress. Children also benefit from making relationships with other members of the family such the childminder's son who often assists. All the policies and procedures are in place to ensure the efficient management of the childminding service so that children are happy and developing. The needs of the children are a priority and in order to meet

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Organisation

these the childminder effectively organises additional support to help provide children with good care. However Ofsted are not always kept informed of such significant changes. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to inform parents that she was using her son as her assistant. This is now explained in writing along with written consent. Parents are also given more written information about the daily programme as policies and details of the childminding day are now in writing. The childminder was also asked to get written consent for ointment and there are suitable written procedures in place for consent to administer and records of any medication used.

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Complaints since the last inspection

As part of the inspection Ofsted investigated a complaint concerning hygiene issues. Observations and discussion confirmed that Standard 7 was being met and no further action was taken. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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): • improve procedures for the storage of children's food and milk.

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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 • ensure Ofsted are kept informed of any significant changes.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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