Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY293244 Unique Reference Number 09 May 2007 Inspection date Jackie Nation 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 2004. She lives with her husband, two adult children and three children aged 15, five and four years. They live in Great Barr within walking distance of local amenities such as schools, shops and parks. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Upstairs rooms are not used, except for access to the bathroom. The childminder has a dog. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years and one child over five years before and after school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and she attends local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene. They know they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Children stay healthy

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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 because the childminder follows current and appropriate practices and procedures. There are effective procedures in place to minimise the risk of cross-infection, for example, during nappy changing and by using anti-bacterial spray to clean the high chair, work surfaces and table. The childminder is trained to administer first aid, a first aid box is easily accessible together with all the required documentation and formats for recording accidents and administering medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder plans and provides a range of nutritious food for them. This includes a healthy snack such as fresh fruit or yogurt. Parents are kept informed about the range of meals provided and the childminder has devised a menu plan. Children are continually refreshed with drinks of water or sugar free juice which are available to them at all times. Children's specific dietary needs are recorded where necessary and this forms part of the discussion with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are well supported and children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They have the opportunity to engage in physical play as they enjoy playing in the garden, visiting a local park and toddler group. A range of play equipment is available in the garden, this helps all children develop confidence. Young children are provided with sufficient indoor space to explore and move around safely. This helps promote their physical development and good health. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and the daily routine allows time for active play and relaxing activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a family-orientated environment where they feel at home and secure. Children are provided with a suitable range of toys and resources, which are safe, clean and appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys and books are easily accessible to children and this enables them to make choices and promote independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a range of safety measures already in place to minimise hazards. For example, safety gates prevent children's access to the stairs and hazardous substances are stored out of children's reach. However, there is a potential hazard to younger children in the garden, this is with regard to their access to the steps leading to the lower garden. Consequently, children's safety may be compromised. The emergency escape plan is clear and simple, smoke detectors are fitted in appropriate locations and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. Good priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, older children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures and the rules of road safety. The childminder makes sure children are protected while on an outing, for example, younger children are kept safe by being securely strapped in a pushchair.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in child protection. She has a copy of the local child protection procedures and a written child protection policy which is shared with parents. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has the knowledge and understanding of how to implement the procedures should any issues arise. Consequently, children's welfare is effectively protected.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home and they have developed a caring relationship with her. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she knows the children well. She plans and provides activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Children benefit from a flexible routine, which provides a good balance of play and learning opportunities, both in the home and outside the childminding setting; promoting their confidence and social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given time to play and benefit from being able to take part in a wide range of worthwhile and interesting activities. The childminder ensures children have a varied day, they go to toddler groups and local parks. Children enjoy story time, singing, dressing up and playing with musical instruments. They are able to draw, colour, make models and manipulate play dough. The childminder has attended training for the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She has given consideration to implementing the components of the framework to ensure children's care, learning and play are effectively supported.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from good interactions with the childminder and this increases their sense of well-being. She listens to what children are saying, gives reassurance and supports their learning and play by helping them to complete more difficult tasks and acquire new skills. The childminder encourages children to get on well together, share and take turns. This helps children to make positive relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder makes sure children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. She recognises the importance of treating children as individuals and with equal concern. Children's care needs are discussed with parents and relevant information is recorded, this ensures their needs are met and their welfare promoted. Children learn about the community through visits to local parks, toddler groups and walks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is positive about inclusion and although she has no experience of providing care for children having identified special educational needs, she is aware of children's developmental stages. Consequently, she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and meet any specific needs. She is a member of the Birmingham Social Care and Health Inclusion Scheme.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed in a way which promotes their welfare and development. Children's sense of right and wrong is developed through the childminder's understanding of behaviour management. She is able to manage a wide range of behaviour, which helps children work harmoniously with others and begin to understand responsible behaviour. This helps develop good self-esteem and respect for others. She encourages good behaviour by setting a good example, encouraging children to share and readily praising and rewarding children in their achievements. A written policy for behaviour management is shared with parents and there is a system in place for recording significant incidents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and this has a positive impact on the children's well-being. There are good procedures in place for keeping parents informed about their children.

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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 Information is shared each day using a daily diary which details each child's routine, activities, meals and sleep. This ensures continuity of care. A comprehensive portfolio of documents, including certificates of attendance at training and policy information is available for parents to see during the initial visit. This keeps parents well informed about the provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met effectively. The childminder is well-organised and provides a good range of play opportunities for all children in her care. Space is organised to allow children to select their own resources and play independently. This positively supports children's care, learning and play.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The register of attendance is accurately maintained and the registration certificate and complaints information is displayed for parents. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and skills of childcare practices by completing and implementing relevant training. For example, 'Birth to three matters' framework. All documentation is stored securely and organised effectively to maintain confidentiality.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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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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 hazards to children in the garden are minimised, this is with reference to children's access to the steps which lead to the lower area of the garden.

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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 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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