Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285107 Unique Reference Number 11 October 2007 Inspection date Teresa Marie Taylor 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her family in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham. The whole of the house is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for three children, of which two are under five. Children can be taken to and collected from, local pre-school groups, nursery classes and schools. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's understanding of good hygiene practices are actively encouraged as the childminder has good routines in place which are shared with the children. She explains to the children, despite their young age, why she is wiping their nose or why she is washing their hands before they have meals. So children are learning good hygiene through consistent routines. There are good standards of hygiene within the main play area which keeps children safe from

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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 cross-infection. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has an appropriately stocked first aid kit ensuring she is able to respond appropriately to any accidents children might have. However, she does not have current accident or medication records and was unable to locate parents permission for her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This could possibly put children at risk should a serious accident or allergic reaction occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy access to a range of indoor toys and activities and regular outdoor opportunities at the park, on walks and at pre-school groups, which contribute to their physical development and independence. The childminder's understanding of the physical needs of young children enables her to provide suitable activities, both indoors and outdoors, to support children's development and co-ordination. The garden is not being used at present, as the dog pen has not been erected due to the childminder's recent house move. The garden is cleaned regularly throughout the day and will shortly be available for the children to use. These precautions keep the children safe from the possibility of injury or infection from the dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual feeding and sleeping routines are agreed with parents, recorded and supported by the childminder enabling children to rest or sleep when they are tired. Children have their own travel cots and bedding which keeps them safe from cross-infection. Children can help themselves to drinks which are easily accessible to them, ensuring they remain hydrated at all times. The childminder provides meals as agreed with the parents, ensuring they meet the children's religious, cultural and dietary needs. Mealtimes are social occasions. The children's understanding of healthy eating is actively promoted because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. She discuss why they should eat healthy foods and how they helped their muscle development and growth. As the children become older they are taken to the local nature centre and city farm where they learn things like where milk comes from. This

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Helping children to be healthy

gives children a understanding of nature and where their food comes from.

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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 and child-centred home where most risks are identified and minimised. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently inside the home. However, the childminder does not carry appropriate car insurance and has not ensured children's safety regarding the use of the trampoline. Car seats are checked to ensure they are suitable for the children's size and age and appropriate low seats, harness and pushchairs are available to ensure children's general safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The youngest children choose their own activities from the range of toys and equipment that the childminder sets out. She ensures they are safe, in good condition and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. A visual risk assessment and a regular cleaning schedule are completed and daily checks on toys are carried out. This ensures that children are safe from injury from damaged toys or faulty equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has most of the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She holds a current first aid certificate and therefore children are safeguarded should they have an accident. The childminder has clear plans for fire evacuation and these are recorded, shared and practised with the children. The children are too young to exit the house alone but will develop their understanding through the regular routine practised. However, there is no smoke alarm on the first floor. Should older children be minded they may have insufficient notice to exit the home promptly. Outings are planned to ensure the children's safety and all consents from the parents regarding outings

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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 and transport are recorded. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and a policy on keeping children safe is shared with parents. She is aware of who to contact and what is appropriate to record and observe or report immediately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house. Their emotional well-being is appropriately fostered. The childminder displays her understanding of children's development with careful and consistent management. This enables children to develop appropriate strategies for sharing and playing together as they developing their understanding of what is expected of them and what the boundaries are regarding behaviour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

To provide additional experiences for the children they attend activities outside of the home, for example; the local park, nature centres, music group and parent and toddler groups. The childminder encourages children to express themselves and she responds well to children's requests for interactive play or attention, so children are beginning to develop independence and self-esteem. The childminder changes toys and equipment daily as there is limited storage on the ground floor, but the choices for the youngest children are restricted. This reduces children's ability to explore or investigate. Although older children would be able to access the wealth of equipment stored in the bedrooms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans some activities around the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Plans are displayed for parents and evaluated. This provides some ideas to improve activities and broaden the play opportunities available for the children. Children are given regular praise and encouragement. This encourages the children's self-esteem and their development of self control.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made very welcome and their behaviour is appropriate for their age. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which helps the children's development in learning to co-operate and share. The childminder discusses behaviour issues with parents and agrees strategies. This ensures children are provided with consistency. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are good partnerships with parents which contribute significantly to children's well-being. Parents are provided with daily conversations about children's activities and daily diaries ensuring they are aware of their child's day and reassured about their care. Agreements with parents are recorded and acted upon. Children's developing independence is encouraged enabling them to develop a sense of self-esteem and belonging. The childminder provides a portfolio of information, policies and evidence of training, this allows parents to make an informed decision on whether a placement with her is appropriate for their child. The childminder also provides additional support for parents by caring for children at times other than those contracted for. This provides children with security and consistency of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware of individual needs and ensures these are met enabling children to develop at their own rate, whilst encouraging their understanding of others needs particularly the attention required by very young children. The childminder has no experience of caring for

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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 children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but would be willing to care for any child, if the parents thought a placement with her was suitable. Although the childminder has a good personal understanding of equal opportunities she does not provide sufficient resources to increase the children's understanding of equality and diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this child-centred environment. They have some free access to resources and are provided with a good range of other experiences which keep them motivated and stimulated for example; children are taken to local events, the park, nature and wildlife centres, parent and toddler and music groups. Toy and equipment storage is difficult for younger children, but older children do have free access to the large range available enabling them to self select play activities

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Organisation

Space is reasonably well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they become more confident. The childminder continues to undertake training to both improve her practice and extend the care and activities offered to the children. She ensures children's safety by not having any visitors during minding hours. Children receive good attention as the childminder is clear on maintaining ratios and understands why this is important.

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Organisation

All documentation, and daily activities are shared with parents and this help parents gain a good insight into the type of service provided for their children. Agreements with parents are recorded, with the exception of permission to seek emergency medical treatment and all are acted upon. This provides consistency for children and reassurance for parents. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 written records are kept of any accidents and medicines administered and that parents sign to acknowledge the entry • ensure written parental permission is requested to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure a smoke alarm is provided at every level of the house • ensure hazards to children outside are minimised with specific reference to the trampoline • ensure appropriate vehicle insurance is in place • increase the range of resources available to allow children to build on their natural curiosity as learners and use their imagination • ensure children have access to the appropriate range of resources and play opportunities which reflect diversity and show positive images including a variety of cultures and varying needs.

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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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