Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY342475 Unique Reference Number 10 April 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Turner Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered in 2006. She lives in the Great Barr area of Birmingham with her adult son and two children age three and four years. The premises is within walking distance of local amenities and transport links into Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the property is be used for childminding, with children having access to a designated playroom. On the first floor children have access to the bathroom and the use a bedroom identified for overnight care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years and one child under eight years overnight. She is currently caring for three children under eight years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a clean and well-maintained environment where they learn about good hygiene routines from everyday planned activities. For example, they are encouraged to

p.2

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 wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet or outdoor play. The childminder talks to them about blowing their noses, when needed, and supports them in learning this skill. This helps to establish a good routine for their personal needs as they become more independent. The childminder's good practices around the care of children who are unwell or infectious, helps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. She has a detailed sick child policy which she shares with parents at the start of the placement so that they are clear that she would contact them if a child became unwell whilst in her care. However, the well-being of children is compromised in the event that they require emergency medical treatment because parents have not signed the relevant consent.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to experience physical exercise and fresh air as they access the garden daily for outdoor play. They enjoy regular ball games, riding bikes and scooters or playing on larger equipment in the local parks. All this helps to promote their gross motor skills and hand and eye co-ordination.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, provided by the childminder. Snack and meal times are sociable occasions where children sit together eating and talking, thus promoting their social and language skills. Drinks are available all day as the childminder places jugs of juice and water on the table where the children are able to help themselves. This helps to ensure their fluid levels are maintained and assists children to become responsible for their own needs. Any specific dietary requirements are recorded to ensure food offered is appropriate for the children present.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is generally reduced because the childminder has an awareness of potential hazards within the home and takes appropriate steps to address these, for example, sockets are covered around the house and children are supervised well. However, hazardous substance and sharp implements are stored where children can access to them, hence their welfare is not fully safeguarded. Children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks about issues with them. For example, they know not to run in the house and learn about road safety when out walking.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Supervision of children is good. The childminder is aware of what they are doing at all times as she watches them playing outdoors. Children play with toys and resources that are in a good state of repair and suitable for the age of the child using them. Resources are checked regularly for any safety issues and cleaned as and when needed. Children use the whole of the ground floor to play, rest and eat in. This includes a designated play room where have access to storage boxes containing a wide range of resources for them to use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Emergency evacuation of the property is undertaken regularly and recorded. Children know that they must walk out in an orderly fashion. This is very good practice and helps to ensure children have a good knowledge of the procedure in case of a real emergency. The advise of the fire officer is followed for the evacuation of children who stay overnight and the childminder ensures that her keys are easily accessible.

p.3

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 her responsibilities in this area. She has a procedure relating to child protection and ensures parents are made aware of this. The latest guidance is readily available for reference.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident. They enjoy a good relationship with the childminder who constantly talks to them, offering encouragement. She explains activities to the children with great patience and detail, before starting. This helps children to play with a purpose and promotes their understanding of what is expected of them. Children play well together and independently. They particularly enjoy playing ball games outdoors or riding bikes. Children learn independence through being allowed to select their own activities or try out different tasks. They enjoy tidying up after playing, which provides them with a sense of responsibility.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show interest in their activities and have good concentration spans. The childminder plans the activities that promote their mathematical thinking and imagination. For example, older children learn to identify a half or a quarter of something or how to write simple sentence structures. Children's self-esteem and confidence are effectively promoted because the childminder encourages them to take part in activities in a supportive environment designated for them to play in. The childminder's interaction with them is good; she has a warm rapport with them and a calm, gentle approach.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy respect from the childminder and consequently learn to respect others. They say 'please' and 'thank you' with no prompting. The childminder listens to children and finds out about their likes and dislikes. Children are introduced to visitors, such as the inspector. All this shows them they are valued. Children learn about diversity from the range of resources available to them. The childminder also talks about differences with the children. This helps them to accept and respect others who are different from them. The childminder welcomes all children into her service and is happy to work with parents and other agencies in order to support children's learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good and they develop an understanding of responsible behaviour because the childminder encourages them to behave well, to share and take turns. This is influenced by the childminder's calm approach and the fact that they are well occupied. The childminder is a positive role model to children, she is polite, friendly and courteous. Children develop an understanding of the need for simple rules, and gentle reminders and discussions help children know what is expected from them. The childminder has a warm rapport with the children and they all benefit from plenty of attention her caring interactions and her knowledge gained through training. Children's conversations are listened to and valued and each child is praised for their achievements.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and this has a positive impact on the children's well-being. Information is shared daily and parents are kept informed about their child's day, care and routine. In addition, parents are provided with a helpful range of policy documents about the provision. Good settling in procedures are designed to help children settle more easily, and to ensure the childminder is aware of their needs and care routines. Children have their own daily diaries in which the childminder records their activities each day and older children have their own folders which contains samples of their work.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in this well-organised environment where good use is made of space and children comfortably and safely move around choosing their activities. The childminder maintains all required training such as first aid. The childminder is willing to attend any relevant training that enhances and develops her professional practices. For example, she will be attending a course on Birth to three matters and Basic food hygiene. All this helps to provide an environment that promotes children's welfare, care and learning.

p.5

Organisation

All required records are in place. The childminder has devised policies, procedures and records to ensure she is able to care for the children in accordance with the wishes of parents. This helps to underpin the smooth running of the service. Overall children’s needs are met.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain parents consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment • ensure children are unable to access hazardous substances and implements.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5