Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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228450 Unique Reference Number 14 May 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 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 1990 and lives with her adult son in Birmingham. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor. Children also have access to one bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight and is currently caring for two children under five years old. She is also registered for overnight care for one child under eight years old. The family have a pet rabbit and a cockatiel.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has attended additional training courses, which have been relevant to child development. The childminder also has a Level 3 qualification in early years and is an active member of a local childminding group in the area.

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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 well cared for in a warm and clean environment where they gain a stong understanding of the importance of good hygiene routines. The childminder talks to children about washing their hands after using the bathroom and before meals, which helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children's welfare is promoted because all the required documentation and formats are in place for accidents and medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are well supported as they enjoy a wide range of activities, both inside and outside the home, which contribute to their good health. They enjoy playing in the garden where they develop large muscle skills by using the climbing equipment and riding on bikes. Children enjoy regular walks to the park and schools, which promotes a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks of fruit and vegetables as well as regular drinks of water, which ensure that they are well nourished and hydrated. Any specific dietary requirements are discussed with parents and carefully recorded to promote children's good health.

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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 homely environment where they feel secure and part of the family. Potential risks in the home have been identified and appropriate safety equipment such as safety gates, socket covers and smoke alarms are in place. Children are learning about keeping safe, through regular discussions. For example, they are aware that they have to wait for the 'green man' to cross the road. Children's welfare is well promoted because the childminder has the appropriate documentation and written consent to transport children in the vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources which are stored on low-level shelves to encourage their independence and choice. The childminder carries out regular checks on items of equipment to ensure they are suitable for children to use safely. Children enjoy looking at books and playing with small world toys with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and the referral process. The childminder has drawn up a written policy which is shared with parents to keep them informed of what action she will take if there are any concerns about their children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are developing positive relationships with each other and the childminder because she interacts well with them. She takes an active part in their play and encourages children to develop new skills. For example, children enjoy baking activities where they measure ingredients and count the baking cases. This promotes their development of early maths.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their creativity as they take part in a range of activities both inside and outside. For example, they paint the outside shed with water and play in the sand pit. They also enjoy playing with the train set and play people, which promotes their imagination. Children

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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 bring books of their choice up to the childminder and enjoy reading stories whilst sitting on her lap.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy regular outings to the library, visitor centres and the local toddler groups where they have opportunities to socialise with other children and learn about their community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider community through discussions and have access to a basic range of toys and equipment which promote equality of opportunity. The childminder has an appropriate 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. The childminder uses positive strategies to help children play together and they are encouraged to take turns and share toys and equipment. Children respond positively to the childminder's calm approach. She consistently praises them and their achievements are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder spends time talking to parents on a daily basis about their children's day both at school and with her. Written and verbal information is exchanged daily to ensure continuity of care. The childminder is aware of recent changes to recording complaints, but does not have a log in place. This means that parents are not kept well informed of changes to legislation.

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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 all adults who come into regular contact with the children are suitably vetted and would not leave children unattended with visitors. She has attended a broad range of courses to extend her knowledge and understanding of childcare-related issues and she holds a recognised childcare qualification.

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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 an appropriate range of written policies and procedures. However, parents are not kept fully informed of some regulatory changes to the National Standards. Most of the required documentation is available and retained for inspection. It is appropriately organised to maintain confidentiality.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: ensure that the shed was free from hazards; improve fire safety precautions by installing a smoke alarm; ensure all accidents and any existing injuries are recorded and that records contain sufficient detail; obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle; and improve knowledge of child protection procedures and Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) guidelines. The childminder has improved children's safety in her home by ensuring that the area by the garden shed is now safe and has installed a smoke alarm, which is regularly maintained, on the first floor . Children

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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 are safeguarded because the childminder has improved her knowledge of child protection procedures which are accessible to parents. She also promotes children's welfare by ensuring that all accidents and injuries are recorded accurately. The childminder has obtained written consent for transporting children in the car and therefore their well-being is fostered.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 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 system for recording complaints, which is in line with regulations • ensure parents are kept informed of regulatory changes to the 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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