Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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550024 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2007 Inspection date Carol Johnson 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband in Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding purposes, together with a bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children over eight years of age.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an early years qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are effectively protected from the risk of infection because they are cared for in a clean and tidy home where thorough hygiene procedures are followed and promoted. For

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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 example, children are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices through well-established daily routines and by following the childminder's good example. Children wash their hands before touching food and after messy play or visiting the toilet. Liquid soap and individual towels are available and outdoor shoes are not worn in the home.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes effective measures to ensure that children's best interests are served should they become ill or have an accident. First aid supplies are well stocked and emergency contact numbers are kept close at hand. The childminder’s written sickness policy makes it very clear to parents that they should not send children who are obviously unwell and could pose a potential health risk to others. She also shares useful information about common illnesses, for example, possible symptoms and incubation times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are well met because they are provided with a range of healthy meals and snacks. Food for main mealtimes is provided by parents. Consequently, it is line with their wishes and individual children’s preferences. The childminder offers snacks and these include fruit and toast. Sweets are reserved as a special treat and children are learning about the benefits of a healthy diet through everyday activities and discussions. Children are not at risk of dehydration as a range of drinks are freely available, for example, squash, water or milk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have easy access to a wide range of activities that help to contribute to their increased physical development. They enjoy regular outings in the local environment, along with visits to soft play centres and local community facilities. The childminder's well-maintained garden contains a wealth of physical play equipment and resources. For example, children can access sand and water, swings, balls and wheeled toys. Children are protected from the dangers of too much exposure to the sun when in the garden, as shade is available and children wear hats and sun screen when necessary. Indoors, children dance, play musical instruments and join in with action songs. They also take part in activities that help to develop their fine muscles and hand to eye co-ordination. For example, they play with jigsaw puzzles, dough and participate in a wide range of craft activities.

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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 very warm and homely environment. They can play and rest in safety and comfort because there is plenty of space and furniture and resources are thoughtfully arranged. A dedicated and child-friendly playroom is at the front of the home and this is brightly decorated with posters and examples of children's artwork. Resources are regularly checked for safety and suitability. The childminder carefully considers the implications of minding children of different ages and abilities. Through gentle reminders she makes sure that older children develop an awareness of safety issues regarding younger children. For example, they are reminded not to leave toys with small parts where they could pose a potential choking hazard to babies and toddlers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of safety issues and the thorough attention she gives to all aspects of safety inside and outside the home. The childminder visually checks her home and equipment on a daily basis and a variety of safety measures are in place to protect children. For example, safety catches are fitted to low-level cupboards and drawers in the kitchen and the radiator in the playroom is covered. Children are learning to keep themselves safe by following rules and safe practices. Road safety is practised whilst out and about in the local environment and children tidy away toys after use so that they do not pose a potential safety hazard. The childminder has devised and practised a clear

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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 emergency escape plan. Safety messages are constantly reinforced in a child friendly manner, by the childminder, through everyday play, discussion and sharing books and stories.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare with regards to child protection is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound knowledge of relevant issues. Children are only released into the care of known individuals and they are not left unsupervised with persons who have not been appropriately vetted, for example, workmen or visitors. The childminder ensures that parents are clear with regards to her responsibilities and she is confident of her ability to act appropriately, should it become necessary. However, in order to further improve children's welfare the childminder has identified a desire to gain increased knowledge in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and having fun. They are able to enjoy a wide range of activities that help them to develop in all areas of learning, for example, imaginary play, craft activities, music and physical play. Children regularly visit a variety of local groups where they have opportunities to enjoy an increased variety of activities and socialise with other adults and children. The childminder demonstrates through discussion and observation that she has a good knowledge and understanding of child development and how to provide an appropriate range of interesting and exciting experiences for all children. She offers children a good balance of both spontaneous and planned experiences and she positively encourages children's creativity and freedom of choice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good quality resources are plentiful and children are interested and engaged in their play. They happily play alongside each other and are learning to share and take turns. The childminder is able to offer children an appropriate level of attention and she carefully avoids interrupting their play unnecessarily and this allows them to negotiate and explore independently. Children are given plenty of time and space to learn, refine and practise skills and the childminder motivates them through lots of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a good relationship with the childminder; they are at ease to go to her for comfort, reassurance and support. They are well nurtured because the childminder appropriately responds to and anticipates their needs, for example, she recognises when they are tired or hungry. Children’s communication skills are constantly being developed and encouraged because the childminder chats to them, listens to what they have to say and encourages them to repeat words and join in with conversations. Developing friendships are evident between all the children and the older children enjoy playing with the younger ones and vice-versa. For example, they share books, sing together and chat happily.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. Their needs are acknowledged and consistency of care assured because the childminder takes time to listen to them and their parents. Children are learning about diversity through everyday activities and experiences. They talk about differences and similarities and young children attend sessions at local community groups where a range of cultural and religious festivals are covered through stories and craft activities. All children have access to a wide range of resources and activities that show positive images of diversity and promote a knowledge and understanding of the wider community. For example, children can choose from a selection of dolls, small world items, books and jigsaw puzzles.

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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 The childminder displays a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has some experience of catering for such needs and is registered with the 'Birmingham City Council Inclusion Scheme'. All children's individual requirements are discussed with parents in detail and the childminder is confident of her ability to approach parents should she have any concerns about their child's progress. Therefore, all parents can expect any requests for care to be carefully considered and appropriate support sought if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder provides them with a good role model and uses a range of positive and developmentally appropriate strategies to manage their behaviour. These strategies are shared with parents to ensure consistency and include being firm but fair and using distraction and explanation. The childminder provides children with a good role model and handles any disputes calmly and patiently. Children are never labelled as bad or naughty and their good behaviour and effort is promptly acknowledged and rewarded with generous praise. Consequently, children demonstrate good levels of self-esteem and they are motivated to behave appropriately and achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationship that exists between their parents and the childminder. Positive comments from parents praise the childminder's warm and caring manner and confirm how happy their children are in her care. Regular discussions, between parents and the childminder, ensure that important information is shared and a working partnership is developed. Parents are asked to pass on information about home routines and the childminder shares good quality written information about herself and how her business is run. This regular two-way communication ensures that children are secure and settled. However, confidentiality for children is not assured as records relating to individual accidents, incidents and medication are on the same page. Also, some entries within accident and incident records contain references to other children in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Parents and children benefit positively from the childminder’s experience, professional attitude and her willingness to work in partnership with parents and other professionals. This is reflected in the good level of care and service she provides. She has attended a wealth of additional training courses to improve her knowledge of related subjects and has achieved a level three quality assurance award.

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Organisation

Children’s welfare is positively supported in the event of an emergency situation as clear contingency arrangements are in place should cover for the childminder be needed. These are with an adult familiar to both children and their parents and this offers parents additional 'peace of mind'. Activities and experiences are carefully organised to meet children's individual needs and regular communication with their parents contributes to children's sense of security and well-being. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment and space, both inside and outside the home, is utilised well to ensure children's safety and comfort.

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Organisation

Children's care and welfare is actively promoted as the childminder has all documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision. The childminder maintains a range of written policies and procedures to support children's care which are shared with parents. Paperwork is well maintained and contains all the necessary detail to ensure that children are cared for appropriately. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, is fitted in the kitchen.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Satisfactory improvements to children's safety have been made as this is now in place and it is easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

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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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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): • develop knowledge of child protection issues • maintain confidentiality, this specifically refers to accident, incident and medication records.

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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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