Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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405355 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Myra Lewis 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 September 2000 and works with an assistant on a part-time basis. She lives with her adult daughter, and son aged nine years, in Sutton Coldfield. The family have two pet cats. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home and two upstairs bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor 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 seven children, all of whom attend on a full- or part-time basis. The childminder walks to and from local schools to take and collect children. She is willing to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local childminding network 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. The good health of children is positively promoted because the childminder actively encourages children to learn the importance of hand washing after toileting and before eating through established everyday routines. Children's independence and self-help skills and very well supported. They are provided with individual flannels and towels which helps ensure the risks of cross-infection are minimised. Nappy changing procedures cater for children's individual requirements because the general routine is flexible and adaptable to cater for the needs of young children. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their specific requirements as discussed and agreed with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is further promoted because the childminder has a clear understanding of first aid and holds a relevant first aid qualification. All minor accident and medication records are in place and accurately maintained. A suitable, well-stocked first aid box is in place and its contents checked on a regular basis. A clear sickness policy is shared with all parents. Therefore, prompt attention is taken if children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to play outside in the garden with a good variety of suitable outdoor toys and resources to support their development. It also enables them to benefit from being outside in the fresh air and provides children with opportunities to observe their local surroundings as they walk to and from school each day. They are regularly taken to activities outside the home because the childminder makes full use of the local area. This provides children with a wide range of different play experiences. For example, visits to the Wacky Warehouse where children can develop their physical skills in a safe environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well-nourished through the regular provision of healthy meals, snacks and drinks. Children's individual dietary requirements are fully discussed with their parents and their wishes respected. Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks that take account of their individual likes, dislikes and preferences. The childminder talks to the children about making good food choices through general discussions and a variety of different play activities to promote healthy eating. Children enjoy sociable mealtimes that are flexible to accommodate children's individual routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a homely, caring environment. Children can move around freely, safely and independently because all necessary action has been taken to identify and minimise any potential hazards. They can access toys and resources easily from a good variety of good quality toys and resources which are suitable for their purpose, in good condition and well maintained. Toys are checked each time they are used and washed on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are effectively supervised by the childminder. They can play safely because she carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are suitable for their age and stage of development. The children are beginning to understand the boundaries in place to keep them safe through discussion and practise with the childminder. Clear contingency arrangements are in place to ensure children's overall well-being is maintained.

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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's welfare is fully protected because the childminder has a clear awareness of her responsibilities regarding child protection and knows who to contact, if she should be concerned. Children are only released into the care of other adults named by their parents. Therefore, children's safety is positively promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They are relaxed, confident and eager to participate in the many activities made available to them. Children receive individual support from the childminder and have easy access to a broad variety of suitable toys and resources. They can independently choose between a good variety of craft activities, games, books, construction toys and role play resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form strong and trusting relationships with the childminder who is extremely attentive to their individual needs. They are well occupied throughout the day because the childminder spends her time playing with them, talking and listening to what they have to say. They benefit from being taken out and about on a regular basis. They regularly attend local parent and toddler groups, where they can socialise with other children and adults. There are regular trips to the local park where they can play on the large static equipment and have plenty of space to run around and exercise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and ensures younger children receive effective support and guidance in their play. Children's work is positively displayed around the playroom which helps build their self-esteem and confidence in their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made welcome and develop a good sense of belonging as they are relaxed and comfortable in their surroundings. They play happily and are fully included in all aspects of the day. Their interaction with the childminder is good. She knows the children very well and meets their individual needs attentively. All children have equal access to a good variety of toys and resources, some of which reflect positive images of diversity. The childminder has a strong commitment to inclusion and is part of the local authority childminder's inclusion scheme to support children with learning needs or disabilities in a homely environment. Their individual requirements are fully discussed in consultation with their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive behaviour is effectively promoted because the childminder actively encourages children to share, take turns and show consideration for each other. Firm boundaries and consistent strategies are used consistently to manage children's behaviour. Children are given clear explanations and reasons why for inappropriate behaviour which helps children understand right from wrong. They understand the house rules, respond well to praise and encouragement and behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Open and friendly partnerships with parents are well established. The childminder is supportive and flexible in meeting the needs of parents and children. Written and verbal daily contact ensures information is shared regarding their children's daily activities. Good lines of communication are established with parents to ensure messages to and from school are relayed appropriately. Therefore, parents are kept fully informed about their children's daily activities and routines which helps promotes children's overall well-being effectively.

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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 are very well cared for in this warm, child-friendly environment. The play space is well organised to accommodate the different needs of children in attendance. Children's sense of security and belonging is fostered through positive relationships with the childminder whose interaction is good. The daily routines are centred around the children's needs and offer them a good variety of different play opportunities. Children are able to initiate their own play activities and make independent choices about their play. Therefore, children are happy, at ease and enjoy their time spent with the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good range of detailed policies and procedures that are used to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, not all persons over the age of sixteen have been appropriately vetted which potentially compromises children well being. All legally required documentation is in place, well maintained and stored appropriately. The childminder provides both written and verbal information for parents on a daily basis. Therefore, parents are kept fully informed about the service provided and their children's daily activities. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to further training to develop her knowledge and skills in supporting children's play and learning whilst in her care.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to ensure a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN safety standards, is easily accessible in the kitchen, and to extend the range of positive images of diversity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

In response to the recommendations made the childminder has positioned the fire blanket in the kitchen so that it is easily accessible in the event of an emergency situation. Toys and resources that reflect positive images of diversity have been extended because the childminder has bought a selection of books, puzzles, small world figures and dressing up clothes that support children's understanding of different life styles and cultures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any further action to meet the national standards. 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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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

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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 all persons over the age of 16 living or working in the household are appropriately vetted.

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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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