Childminder in Sandwell

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292124 Inspection date 23 June 2005 Inspector Patricia Dawes

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and their children aged 2 and 3 years. They live in a house in Smethwick, on the outskirts of Bearwood close to local shops and schools. All areas of the property downstairs are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis.

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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 welcoming environment where their individual needs are met well. They are protected from illness by the childminders pro active approach to preventing cross contamination and infection through the use of good hygiene practices and consistent daily personal care routines, however parental consent for emergency treatment is not in place. Children understand from a very early age, why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating meals. Children benefit from healthy and nutritional meals and snacks which are well prepared and attractively presented to encourage children to eat a variety of different foods. Children enjoy mealtimes because time is given for them to enjoy their food and develop skills and social interaction. They are able to help themselves to drinks throughout the day and enjoy a range of fresh fruit, vegetables and finger foods at

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Helping children to be healthy

snack time. A broad range of activities and focused interaction between the childminder and children promotes their understanding of staying healthy. Children know when they need a drink or a rest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has an appropriate, sufficient understanding of creating a balance between encouraging children's freedom and setting limits to maintain their safety. The environment is homely and well maintained. Children are able to independently select resources and toys because they are made easily accessible and at their level. Resources are appropriate for the ages of the children, of good quality, and checked thoroughly to ensure they meet safety requirements. Children have a safe environment in which to play, where risks are minimised due to the childminder’s awareness and conducting daily visual risk assessments. Priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe; issues are regularly discussed and explained to the children such as road safety. Children are well protected by the childminder who has a clear and competent understanding of all aspects of child protection. Comprehensive and effective policies

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and procedures are in place to promote children's welfare. The childminder is keen to undertake any relevant training regarding health and safety to enhance her service.

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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 Children settle exceptionally well into the environment well and are happy, confident and eager to play and learn. They are involved in a stimulating range of activities which are interesting and fun and develop their curiosity, creativity and imagination. Children's regular use of creative materials enable them to develop a wealth of imaginative, exploratory and sensory experiences such as planting seeds, growing flowers, catching tadpoles and watching them mature. All areas of children's development are considerably improved by the quality of the childminder's interactions. Children are listened to and their communication skills are well promoted as the childminder positively responds to their questions. Their language, counting and number recognition are confidently promoted and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enthusiastically encouraged through the childminders daily routines. She has a very good understanding of how children learn; activities are adapted to ensure that all children can participate. Children experience a varied range of fun outdoor activities regularly as part of their weekly routine, such as visits to the shops local parks, activity centres and other pre-school groups. These contribute well to their progress, and learning: helping develop social skills

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made thoroughly welcome and the childminder has a high regard for each child's individual needs to ensure their time is spent purposefully. Children have choices in their play which ensures that they are interested in what they do. They are able to choose activities which promote their independence. Each child is valued and included in every aspect of the daily routine and activities are meaningful, stimulating and fun. Children have a wide range of opportunities to learn about themselves and others in the wider community. Imaginatively planned activities and visits to local places of interest help children gain a very good understanding of their environment. Children's behaviour is well managed due to the clear boundaries and positive role model set by the childminder. She has a written no smacking policy, and discusses strategies about child's behaviour management with parents to promote consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand the difference between right and wrong and this is continually reinforced through daily routines and practices such as showing care and consideration for others, and helping to tidy away toys after use. Child's individual needs are well met because the childminder has very good systems in place for sharing information with parents, and she actively encourages a positive, professional and friendly relationship with parents.

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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 The organisation is good. Children benefit from an effectively organised routine and varied programme of activities. Children are happy, comfortable and settled in a warm and caring environment where their individual needs are met. The children spend their time purposefully and all activities are planned to maximise play, learning and development opportunities for the children. Children benefit from the care of a childminder who is motivated and keen to increase her knowledge of good practice. Policies and procedures are in place which has a positive impact on children's safety and well-being. All documentation which is regularly reviewed and updated is shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service. Overall the needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first care inspection for this provider.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 1 2004 Ofsted have not received any complaints about this provider.

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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 from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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