Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342795 Unique Reference Number 23 May 2007 Inspection date Karen Cooper 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three older children in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. The location is convenient for shops, parks, schools and public transport. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children at any one time and is currently minding two children, one on a full-time basis and one part-time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 about hygiene routines and personal care. They are helped to understand that washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating keeps them healthy. There are good procedures in place to care for children who are ill, which are shared and agreed with parents at registration. The childminder is trained

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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 in administering first aid and has appropriate permissions and records in place regarding the administration of medication and accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted by a wholesome, nutritious and balanced diet. Meals are freshly prepared using fresh fruit and vegetables and information is regularly shared with parents to ensure they are well informed of their child’s food in take. Drinks are readily available which encourages children to have sufficient fluids. The childminder is aware of each child's individual dietary needs and ensures these are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They are provided with plenty of opportunities to develop their physical skills and have access to a good range of outdoor toys and equipment. Children also benefit from a range of activities outside the setting. They go for walks to the shops, library or local park to feed the ducks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children use a varied range of toys and equipment that are of good quality and safe. Equipment is regularly checked and is well-maintained. The children are able to access resources independently and the childminder supervises their choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Indoor and outdoor space is organised effectively, creating a child-friendly environment which enables the children to play, eat, and rest in comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a home where their needs are given priority. The childminder assesses potential risks to children and puts procedures and practices in place to minimise these at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including safety gates, socket covers and a fireguard. There are clear procedures to ensure only authorised people collect children. For example, passwords are used for extra protection. The childminder ensures children are safe when on outings and takes appropriate information, such as parent contact numbers, in case of an emergency. However, children’s welfare is potentially compromised because written consent is not obtained from parents for outings. Fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. Children learn about fire safety and know the procedure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of her role and responsibility to protect children and has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures, which are necessary to protect the welfare of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and have formed good relationships with the childminder and her family. This enables the children to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. The children are provided with a good range of activities and experiences that reflect their needs and interests and which help them to make progress in their development. For example construction, role play, books, puzzles and craft activities. The childminder is aware of the ‘Birth to three matters' framework and adapts activities to promote the children's learning.

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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 children are keen to learn and encouraged to try out new skills. This supports their developing independence and self-motivation. For example, they enthusiastically participate in a craft activity making marks on paper using easy paints. They receive lots of praise for their efforts from the childminder and family members which helps them to feel good about themselves. Good behaviour is acknowledged and the childminder ensures that it is highlighted during daily discussions with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and the childminder encourages non-stereotypical play. However, the children’s knowledge and understanding of diversity is limited because of the lack of resources that provide positive images of the wider world. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities and demonstrates a positive attitude. As a result parents can expect any requests for care to be carefully considered and support sought if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children make themselves at home, are relaxed and well-settled. They respond positively to the childminder who ensures that behaviour is managed with use of praise, explanation and distraction. Children are well behaved and are encouraged to share, take turns and show consideration for others. They are listened to and the childminder values what they say, which helps them to feel good about themselves.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder talks to parents on a daily basis to ensure children benefit from a two way sharing of information. Parents are given the opportunity to settle their child gradually into the childminder's home and are regularly consulted about their child's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in a well-organised, but still homely environment. They use the ground floor of the property to enjoy a wide variety of spontaneous and planned activities and independently select from a good range of quality toys and equipment provided for them daily. Regular visits outside of the home contribute to children's learning and enjoyment of the local environment. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse who offers flexibility of care to suit parents' needs.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures that are required for the efficient and safe management of the children are regularly reviewed and shared with parents. All documentation is stored securely and organised to maintain confidentiality. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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): • obtain written permission for taking children on outings • develop children's knowledge and understanding of diversity, for example, by increasing resources that reflect positive images of disability, gender and culture.

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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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