Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY103212 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Lisa Jeffries 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two young children in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham. A variety of shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, with the exception of the office area. There is a bedroom used by the children for sleeping and the bathroom is located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, three under the age of two, one four year old and two children of school age. All are part-time arrangements. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and immaculate home where they become increasingly independent in their personal care. They learn to understand the importance of good hygiene practices and wash their hands prior to eating, after using the toilet and after playing outdoors. The childminder adheres to consistent hygiene routines to ensure that the children in her care remain healthy. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder can respond to accidents or illness appropriately as a current first aid certificate is maintained, the first aid box is fully-stocked, up to date and easily accessible and accidents are clearly recorded and acknowledged by parents. Children's individual care needs are successfully met because the childminder obtains medical information, consent for medical treatment, daily routines and details of any allergies at registration. The childminder recognises that meeting children's

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Helping children to be healthy

physical needs is fundamental to their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted because the childminder provides nutritious snacks and complies with their individual dietary requirements. Children eat meals provided by parents and mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions when they all sit together around the table and discuss the benefits of healthy eating. Children are offered drinks regularly throughout the day to ensure that they are comfortable and well hydrated. The childminder supports parents in weaning babies and she supplements their diets with mashed banana, cooked apple and carrot sticks. Older children help to prepare food and they tip yoghurt and honey onto fruit and pour their own drinks, promoting their independence. The childminder is committed to following children's personal routines in relation to food, sleep, likes and dislikes. She understands that children who are well nourished, alert and comfortable have the energy and enthusiasm to benefit from the

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Helping children to be healthy

activities on offer and enjoy the company of others.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to participate in physical play outdoors. Older children are athletic and take pleasure in races, team games and badminton. Children have access to pop-up tents, tunnels and a trampoline with a safety surround. They also enjoy regular trips to local parks where they develop spatial awareness and coordination on the large play apparatus. During winter months, children continue to acquire physical skills through dancing, hopscotch and balancing competitions indoors. As a result, children benefit from plenty of exercise and fresh air and they become skilful in a range of movements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well cared for in premises that are secure, child-friendly and fit for their purpose. The childminder ensures that the environment gives children easy access to a comprehensive range of facilities that successfully promote their development in all areas. Children are able to move around the ground floor of the childminder's home freely as the childminder has considerable awareness of safety and has precautions in place such as cupboard locks and socket covers and there is a safety gate at the bottom of the stairs preventing children from having unsupervised access. Consequently children discover boundaries and limits, learn about rules and are protected whilst being active.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is effectively promoted because the childminder takes positive steps both within the home and during outings to minimise risks to children. Constant adaptations are

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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 made to meet the growing needs of babies and young children and the childminder is proactive in identifying hazards and raising children's awareness by discussing safe practices with them. Resources are of high-quality, are frequently checked and securely stored. An extensive range of equipment such as high chairs, pushchairs and car-seats are available to meet the needs of all children. The childminder conducts regular visual assessments to ensure that children are continually kept safe. Outdoors, the childminder talks to the children about road safety. As a result children learn to keep themselves safe and are fully protected from harm. There are efficient arrangements in place for sleeping children, who are monitored regularly. Excellent supervision ensures that the risk of accidents is significantly reduced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are unreservedly safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of her role in child protection and is confident to implement local procedures. She is vigilant, is aware of how to seek advice and children feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Parents are aware of the childminder's procedures and the action she intends to take should she have any cause for concern. Children know when and how to ask for help and the childminder is knowledgeable about the children in her care. This supports children's welfare, promotes their emotional stability and enables them to develop healthy dependence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. All children are extraordinarily happy and settled in the childminder's care. Close and caring relationships increase children's sense of trust and enable them to develop strong feelings of self-worth. Children's play and learning is inspired by the childminder's high-quality interaction with them and they develop confidence through encouragement and an exceptional level of support. The childminder's forward-thinking and dedicated attitude ensures that children's welfare is actively promoted. Children benefit from her enthusiasm in her role as childminder and they unmistakably enjoy their time at her home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to an extensive range of resources, encouraging their autonomy and helping them to achieve in all areas. Toys are versatile, fun and offer sufficient challenge. Children engage in a rich and stimulating variety of activities and experiences that excite and captivate them. These include messy play, experimenting with musical instruments, sculpting faces and monsters out of dough, art and craft activities and trips to local parks, the cinema and the zoo. The childminder's imaginative and resourceful approach enables children to develop competence and creativity. Children are able to explore the environment during nature walks, where they collect pine cones, leaves and pebbles and other items of interest. This provides children with first-hand opportunities to develop curiosity. The childminder implements activities to promote children's independent thinking and imagination such as 'charades' and 'hide and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

seek'. They play card games and matching games together and there is a selection of other games to help children learn about letters, animals, shapes and numbers. The childminder balances her time effectively, responding to children's interests and modelling positive language, listening and reacting appropriately. Children are valued as changing, sleeping and eating routines are personal.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual needs are fully addressed as the childminder has an excellent understanding of their backgrounds, developmental stages and future learning needs. The childminder uses her secure knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance her practice and to ensure that babies and young children thrive in her care. Babies are encouraged to crawl in a safe and supportive environment and there is a basket of vibrant toys and materials to heighten their sensory development and discovery. Older children have regular opportunities to extend

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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 their learning through everyday routines. They enjoy baking banana cake and bread rolls, taking turns to measure ingredients, mix, wash-up and serve, whilst talking about textures and tastes. This encourages children to cooperate and they learn early concepts of science. Children sing counting rhymes and their mathematical development is endorsed through carefully selected resources such as fridge magnets and construction toys. When they are out walking, children count cars and estimate how much further they have to go. Children are constantly motivated and interested. They accomplish new skills, respect the feelings of others and flourish in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are highly valued because the childminder ensures, through regular discussion and precise written information from parents, that she is fully aware of the level of care each child requires. The childminder recognises that children have specific needs and different personalities and treats them as individuals, with equal concern. Professional, friendly and open relationships with parents ensures optimum continuity of care. The childminder is dedicated to providing an all-inclusive environment and currently minds a child who speaks English as an additional language. She has an excellent practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a calm and sympathetic approach and learn right from wrong through careful explanation, reasoning and consistency. They understand responsible behaviour and respect the needs of others. Praise and support helps children to develop self-esteem and the childminder talks to them, acknowledges their feelings and works with them to try to find constructive solutions. Children are encouraged to play together, take turns and share. They behave extremely well, are polite and form positive relationships. Babies are content, gain attention from older children and develop self-assurance through close relationships with the childminder. Children enjoy being with familiar and trusted others and acquire social confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Through discussion and observation when they are walking in the local neighbourhood, children develop considerable awareness of the wider world and the diversity of adults and children. This is supported in the children's play at the childminder's home as there are wide-ranging resources to help them learn about a diverse society. Children make choices and decisions about their care and play activities, which promotes their self-confidence and enables them to develop a strong sense of belonging.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are exceptionally well looked after in a setting where the childminder's top priority is the children's good health, learning, safety and enjoyment. Careful consideration has been given to the areas of the home that are used for childminding and this ensures that children have the space and freedom to initiate and extend their play. Children are actively protected from harm as the childminder is aware of the importance of ensuring that children are consistently supervised and are not left unattended. Space and resources are used creatively and effectively to ensure that children have a stimulating day. They benefit from the systematic organisation of the setting. Comprehensive policies and procedures protect children and are successfully implemented to promote all outcomes for children. Accurate, cohesive records are

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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 maintained, shared with parents and retained for inspection. Overall children's needs are extremely well met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that all documentation and records are in place and to ensure that Ofsted are informed of any changes to circumstances.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder maintains all necessary documentation and records, which are accessible and stored securely. Records are shared with parents and the childminder respects confidentiality. This has had a positive impact upon the quality of care as it ensures the efficient and safe management of the provision and promotes the welfare of children. The childminder understands the importance of notifying Ofsted of any significant changes or events and understands that this means anything which may affect the safety and welfare of any child in her care.

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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 cab 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): • introduce the use of individually identifiable hand towels to help prevent the spread of infection.

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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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