Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227666 Inspection date 15 July 2005 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

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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 satisfactory. 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 a registered childminder since 1997. She lives with her family in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham, within walking distance of shops, public transport and local schools. The whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder currently cares for 4 children of which 1 is under 5 years old. Children can be taken to and from the local schools. The family has a dog and a rabbit.

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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 satisfactory. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of good hygiene practices and independence, with gentle reminders about what good practice is. There are good standards of hygiene within the home and garden which ensure children's general good health. The childminder has a dog and a rabbit and maintains good practice regarding their care and hygiene ensuring that all areas the animals and children share are clean and safe. The childminder has an appropriately stocked first aid kit ensuring, she can respond appropriately to any accidents the children might have however, she does need to up date her first aid certificate. All medication and accident records are up to date and completed correctly, ensuring parents are fully aware of any accidents and if appropriate medication has been administered. Written consent to seek emergency medical treatment needs to be obtained from parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy access to a wide range of outdoor toys and activities which contribute to their physical development and independence. The childminder's understanding of the physical needs of young children enables her to provide suitable and appropriate activities to support children's development. Children can be taken swimming or to other settings outside of the home, with parental consent, enabling them to benefit from additional physical activities. Children's individual feeding and sleeping routines, as agreed with parents, are maintained this enables children to follow the same routines as when at home. Older children help themselves to a variety of drinks and the youngest child is offered drinks on a regular basis. At present parents supply all food for the baby and in agreement with parents the childminder provides snacks for the school aged children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and child centred home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently. Children are beginning to understand about safety and risks as the childminder always gives explanations and talks through issues. Children choose their own activities from a wide range of toys and equipment that the childminder ensures are safe, in good condition and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. The childminder has the majority of required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has clear plans for fire evacuation and these are practised with the children regularly but not recorded. Outings are planned to ensure the safety of children and parental consents are in place for outings and transport.

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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 Children have access to a large area in which to play. To ensure their well being half of the garden has been protected to ensure children are not exposed to the sun and can play outside even in the hottest weather. Toys and equipment are checked daily when in use and children enjoy washing and sorting toys and equipment, especially using water in the hottest weather. A visual risk assessment is undertaken regularly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They relate to each other and the childminder very well. They are very 'at home' and express this by making personal choices, requesting and receiving attention, cuddles and laughter. Their emotional well being is fostered well. The childminder displays her knowledge and understanding of children's development with careful and consistent management. This enables children to develop appropriate strategies for sharing and playing together. To provide additional experiences for the children they attend activities outside of the home, for example: swimming, the local nature centre and leisure centre. The childminder encourages children to fully express themselves and she responds well to children's requests for interactive play. She also encourages the baby's developing verbal and physical skills. This enables children to develop independence and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

self-esteem. There is outside storage for equipment and older children are encouraged to choose their own activities. The baby is provided with a box of appropriate toys which are changed regularly. Planned activities are also provided for example: cooking; art, craft and the celebration of festivals. The childminder keeps a photographic record of children's activities which is shared with parents. A parent was present during part of the inspection and she expressed her pleasure in her child's care, the amount of activities offered and the obvious affection between the childminder and her child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made very welcome and their behaviour is good. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which helps the children learn to co-operate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions. The children's understanding of right and wrong is developing well due to the consistent behaviour management strategies used. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with parents. There are excellent partnerships with parents which contribute significantly to children's well being. Parents are provided with daily conversations and photographic evidence of children's activities ensuring they are aware of their child's day and reassured about their care. The parent present during part of the inspection expressed her happiness with her child's care and development. She felt 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 developed well and parents were made welcome and put at ease. Children's independence is encouraged enabling them to develop a sense of self-esteem and belonging. The childminder is aware of individual needs and ensures these are met, enabling children to develop at their own rate, whilst ensuring activities include some degree of challenge. There is a good range of toys and equipment to support equal opportunities and open discussion is encouraged enabling children to develop a balanced view of the world around them.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming, and child centred environment. They have good access to resources and are provided with a wide range of experiences which keeps them motivated and interested in what is available. Space is well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they are confident in accessing all toys and equipment and requesting attention. The garden is well organised to encourage outdoor play all year. All documentation and daily activities are shared with parents and this helps parents gain a good insight into the type of service provided for their children. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend. Vetting procedures need to be undertaken in relation to another adult who now spends time at the childminder's home. The childminder's certificate of registration needs to be displayed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to increase the range of toys and equipment to support equal opportunities. There is now a good range of toys and equipment to support equal opportunities.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received since the last inspection.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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 a first aid course is undertaken and, permission to seek emergency medical treatment is obtained from parents. • ensure vetting procedures are completed for all adults within the household.

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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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