Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342631 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2007 Inspection date Angela Dyer 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 satisfactory. 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and child aged three years in Sparkhill, Birmingham. The whole of the house, with the exception of the attic and front room, is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed garden available for outside play. There are shops, schools and parks within easy walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for one child.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn about the importance of simple health and hygiene practices through daily routines. Parents are informed if their child becomes unwell and appropriate

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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 records are maintained and shared in the event of an accident. The childminder has a first aid box and is in the process of completing a first aid certificate to enhance her knowledge of how to deal with minor accidents effectively. However, children's health is potentially compromised as parents have not given written consent for the childminder to seek medical advice or treatment in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to play in the childminder's secure paved garden and have regular opportunities to visit the local park where they are able to further develop their physical skills. Children also visit local playgroups on a regular basis where they are able to engage in physical activities including bike riding and ball games. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder discusses them with parents. The childminder has an appropriate knowledge of nutrition and encourages children to eat a varied diet. She ensures that children are offered regular drinks throughout their time in her care and drinks are accessible for children to help themselves to if they become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming homely environment which is secure. This ensures that children are unable to leave unsupervised. Most hazards within the home have been identified and safety equipment has been installed, including stairs gates, socket covers and smoke alarms. However, the gas fires in the living room and bedroom are currently unguarded and the low-level glass in the front door presents as a potential danger to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has invited the fire services into the home to carry out a risk assessment and is clear of the actions she would take in the event of a fire to keep children safe. The childminder ensures that all toys and resources are checked regularly to ensure they are safe and clean for children to play with, and monitors children's choice of activities to ensure they are suitable for their age and ability.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are adequately protected due to the childminder's satisfactory understanding of child protection issues. She ensures that parents are made aware of the procedures so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. Children form familiar relationships with the childminder due to the close attention they receive. Throughout activities and routines, the childminder interacts with the children playing and talking to them. Children benefit from the childminder's ability to speak in other languages. This enables her to converse confidently with children in their first language.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children regularly visit local playgroups where they are able to socialise with other children and enjoy creative activities including painting and colouring. At home the childminder provides children with an adequate range of toys, equipment and activities. However, the poor organisation and presentation of resources limits children's choice and does not promote their independence in selecting their own activities.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to share, take turns and have consideration for others. The childminder has an appropriate range of strategies in place to deal with behaviour, including distraction, praise and encouragement. Children are beginning to understand the childminder's expectations as they receive gentle reminders and regular praise when they respond positively to her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy a family atmosphere where their backgrounds are valued. They have access to a satisfactory range of resources that promote diversity and the childminder regularly takes children to the local shops, library and playgroups to further develop their awareness of the community that they live in. The childminder has some experience of providing care for children having identified disabilities and learning difficulties and is aware of the importance of working closely with parents to meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship that exists between the childminder and parents. Children's needs are established through discussion with parents and are met as the childminder follows their daily routines. Parents are kept informed about the progress their child is making through daily verbal feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most required documentation which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being, is in place. However, children's registers of attendance do not accurately reflect their actual hours of attendance. Children's records contain basic information about the children's needs which the childminder refers to to ensure that she offers consistent levels of care.

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Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they are settled and happy. The childminder has ensured that all adults in the household, including her husband, have been suitably checked. Overall children's needs are met.

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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.

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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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • ensure that resources are organised so that they are readily accessible to children • ensure that the register accurately reflects children's hours of attendance • ensure that hazards to children on the premises are minimised; this refers to the gas fires and low-level glass • request written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment.

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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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