Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227565 Inspection date 06 June 2005 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 1980. She lives with her husband and adult son in the Quinton area of Birmingham. The whole of ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children.

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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 National Childminding Association, (NCMA) and Birmingham Childminding Association (BCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and very welcoming environment where they consistently learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines such as, hand washing. Most procedures for first aid and administering medication are effective and the childminder acts in the children's best interests if they become ill. However, written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment has not been obtained for all children. Children frequently enjoy physical and outdoor activities as part of their daily routines. They are learning the advantages of exercise and enjoy playing in a safe and stimulating garden. Children enjoy a healthy diet which includes plenty of nutritious, well balanced meals and snacks within a sociable environment. Children’s health, religious and dietary requirements are well met because the childminder takes account of the wishes of parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children regularly learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe and avoid accidents because they are made aware of dangers such as, toys on the floor. They understand that resources need to be used safely. Toys and equipment are safe and in very good condition and children can reach them easily. Children are learning about fire safety through regular drills and a “Fireman Sam” video. Outdoor space is used creatively and children enjoy playing in a “playhouse” in the garden. They can play safely in the garden because risks have been assessed by the childminder, such as poisonous plants. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder is very safety conscious and vigilant and discusses potential hazards with them. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is clear about her role and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibility to protect children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, play well together and have a very good relationship with the childminder. They feel safe, secure and demonstrate a sense of trust because

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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 the childminder responds enthusiastically to children's requests and comments during activities. Children have good opportunities to have fun and enjoy the variety of activities provided such as puzzles and outside play. Children develop their independence successfully by choosing activities and playing with toys and equipment at their own pace. Resources are easily accessible and meet all aspects of children's development. Children are very confident speakers because they are encouraged to communicate during their play. They ask questions, comment on differences and make comparisons whilst completing a jigsaw puzzle. Children are frequently taken to different groups which effectively helps with their social skills and provides a different range of play opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are effectively learning to appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences. They relate very well to the childminder and each other. Their individuality is valued as the childminder is aware of children’s likes and dislikes and their needs are met as their records contain all relevant information. Children feel a sense of belonging because of the familiar daily routine and the childminder is flexible in her approach to children's sleep and dietary needs. Children are learning about other cultures and the wider world through books and resources. All children have access to toys and resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged by the childminder who is calm and patient in her approach to the children. Children’s level of maturity and understanding is taken into account when dealing with situations and children are encouraged to be

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Helping children make a positive contribution

friends with each other. They play very well together and are tolerant of each other’s needs. Children's achievements and daily routines are discussed with parents and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure children’s needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting is organised and very homely. Children are well cared for and entertained because the childminder has made very good use of space and resources which helps them to develop their independence. The childminder has varied experience of working with children and has completed first aid training, "Makaton" sign language and inclusion training which helps to ensure she can provide good quality care for all children.

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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 All the required documentation is in place and stored confidentially. This helps to ensure that parents are well informed about their child’s achievement and progress. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good progress since the last inspection. She had two recommendations to address; to attend more training courses and to obtain CRB clearances for all adults in the household. The childminder has been very proactive in attending training courses. She has completed courses in First aid, "Makaton" sign language and Special needs Inclusion. This helps the childminder to meet children's individual needs. All criminal records checks (CRB) have been completed on all persons over sixteen within the household which demonstrates that the childminder has suitable arrangements in place to protect children from persons who are not vetted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised regarding breeches of confidentiality. This relates to national Standard 12: Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers. We asked the provider to investigate and report back to Ofsted within 10 working days. The childminder reported that she fully understood the National Standards in relation to Standard 12 and was unaware of any breech in confidentiality. 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): • ensure that written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment is obtained for all children

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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