Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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228404 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Turner 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 1990. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Erdington. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and an upstairs bathroom and a bedroom used for sleeping children. There is a fully enclosed garden 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 under eight years of age, all of whom attend part-time. The childminder walks to local play groups and schools to take and collect children. The family has a rabbit and a dog.

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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. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate practices and procedures. Children know they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. There

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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 are effective procedures in place to minimise the risk of cross-infection, for example, during nappy changing procedures and with the use of individual towels for children in the bathroom. Children wear slippers around the childminder's home as she is cautious about the possibility of cross- contamination with babies crawling on the floor. She also takes steps to ensure children's health is not put at risk from her dog, because she ensures the dog has the appropriate injections. 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 medication and accidents. However, the records held regarding accidents lack sufficient details which means parents are not fully informed.

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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 children. This includes a healthy snack such as fresh fruit. Parents are aware of the meals and snacks available and details of children's specific dietary needs are recorded where necessary and this forms part of the discussion with parents. Children are kept hydrated as the childminder reminds children about having a drink and she makes sure their cups are always accessible.

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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 enjoy playing in the garden, visiting a local farm and feeding the ducks at the park. 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 warmly welcomed into a child-friendly home where they have ample room to move around, relaxing in the lounge, depending on what activities they wish to participate in. The home is clean, safe and well maintained offering a family-focused environment where children can be at ease in the familiar routines. They have easy access to a wide range of resources and equipment. This encourages independence as they make choices about their play from resources that are clean, safe and suitable for their ages and stages of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Regular checks are carried out around the home to minimise risk and hazards to children. Safety gates and cupboard locks are in place to significantly reduce the risk of injury. Children are becoming aware of their own safety as the childminder takes time to explain why they need to wear the correct restraints in the car and take care when crossing the road. Emergency evacuation procedures are carried out with the children and particularly when a new child starts and the childminder records when she has tested the smoke alarms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded as the childminder is fully aware of child protection issues. Having attended training she is aware of the signs and symptoms that may give cause for concern and ensures that parents are informed of her duty of care to act in the best interest of the child at all times. However, her policy has not been updated with the current guidance in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy. They develop their play and learning because they are cared for in a child-centred environment. The childminder has a good understanding of child

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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 development and she knows the children well. Children are able to make decisions about their play, select activities and develop their interests. Children are given time to play and learn independently and benefit from being able to take part in a wide range of worthwhile and interesting activities. They enjoy activities which contribute to their creativity such as painting, drawing or using their imagination to play with dressing up costumes, or small world play figures in the dolls house or Thomas the train set.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's self-esteem and confidence are effectively promoted because the childminder encourages children to take part in activities in a safe and supportive environment. Children are well supported because the childminder’s interaction with them is very good; she has a warm rapport with them and a calm, gentle approach. She is very reassuring to children, listens carefully to what they are saying and shows interest in what they are doing. The childminder helps children distinguish between right and wrong by encouraging them to share and take turns. This helps children make positive relationships. Children’s activities and achievements are shared with parents.

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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. Their care needs are discussed with parents and routines and preferences are followed, this helps children to settle in and feel comfortable. Children are confident in stating their preferences and the childminder encourages them to make choices and take responsibility for their own decisions. Children learn about diversity through discussions and the use of resources reflecting positive images, such as, small world figures, books, dolls depicting different ethnic groups, as well as, dressing up clothes. The childminder is sensitive towards inclusion and has a special needs statement which she shares with parents. She recognises the importance of continuing discussions with parents and support from other agencies to ensure any child in her care with learning difficulties and or

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Helping children make a positive contribution

disabilities receives appropriate level of support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop an understanding of responsible behaviour because the childminder encourages them to behave well, to share and take turns. Her behaviour policy is shared with parents to ensure that they know the strategies she uses to reinforce positive behaviour with children. The childminder is a positive role model to children, she is polite, friendly and courteous. Children develop an understanding of the need for simple rules, and gentle reminders and discussions help children know what is expected from them. The childminder has a warm rapport with the children and they all benefit from plenty of attention and caring interactions. Children's conversations are listened to and valued, and each child is praised for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. This has a positive impact on the children's well-being. Information is shared daily and parents are kept informed about their child's day, care and routine. In addition parents are provided with a helpful range of policy documents about the provision. Although she ensures parents are aware of the regulators contact details, she has not maintained a complaints log in line current guidance. Good settling-in procedures are designed to help children settle more easily, as well as, to ensure the childminder is aware of their needs and care routines.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced through the effective organisation of space and resources. The childminder makes good use of space to ensure all children have the opportunity to complete activities, relax, play or talk about their day. Children are confident in moving around the premises and are able to initiate and develop their own play and learning. This is because they feel at home and at ease with the well-organised family environment. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children as she ensures that anyone who have significant contact with them are appropriately vetted.

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Organisation

Children's good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement are promoted effectively through the use of policies and procedures which work in practice. This ensures children are cared for in a consistent and positive environment. All documentation is stored securely and organised to maintain confidentiality. Overall, children's need are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to maintain accurate records of the children's attendance. She now records the times children arrive and depart each day. She has extended the range of activities to promote children's learning and development. This ensures that children's play opportunities are promoted effectively.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 accident records include details of the area of injury • update the child protection procedures in line with the current Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures • maintain a complaints log.

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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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