Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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228549 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2007 Inspection date Kashma Patel 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 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 was registered in 1997. She lives in Birmingham with her mother and three children aged nine, 15 and an adult daughter. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and 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 five children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five years and three over five years old. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is suitably promoted as they are cared for in a clean and welcoming home. They learn the importance of appropriate hygiene routines through discussions with the childminder, who reminds children to wash their hands before food and after using the toilet.

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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 Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder can respond to accidents appropriately because she has a current first aid certificate. However, she does not have written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, which means children's health is potentially compromised in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be physically active and have daily access to the garden where they enjoy playing on the climbing frame and in the sand pit. They also benefit from daily walks to local parks and schools, which ensures they get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and have their dietary needs met because the childminder works well with their parents to provide healthy snacks. They learn about exotic fruits such as mango, pomegranate and kiwi fruit through food tasting activities. They receive regular drinks of water and fruit squash to ensure they are well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe because the childminder ensures that visual checks are carried out in her home on a daily basis. Potential risks to children have been identified and appropriate safety equipment such as a stairgate is in place to ensure children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen. The outdoor area also has safety flooring where the large climbing frame is located. Children learn about fire safety through regular discussions with the childminder who has a written fire procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to access a wide variety of well-maintained toys which are appropriate to their age and abilities. The childminder purposefully arranges toys on the floor or low shelves to encourage independence and choice. Children help themselves to games, puzzles and role-play equipment. Daily checks on toys and equipment ensure that they are safe for children to access.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sufficient knowledge of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She is fully aware of the indicators of child abuse and is aware of who to contact should she have concerns about the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and making good progress in their development. They know their way around the childminder's home and help themselves to toys and equipment which interest and motivate them. They are confident in making their needs known, for example, they ask to play in the garden. They develop their large physical skills as they use the climbing apparatus with safety and confidence. Children benefit and enjoy the interaction with both the childminder and her daughters who take part in their play and talk to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from regular outings in their community where they are able to socialise with other children. Daily walks to and from school ensure that children are able to exercise and get lots of fresh air. Children develop their creativity as they access a range of messy play such as cornflour, sand and collage activities. They enjoy cooking activities where they bake cakes and pizza for their tea.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging because they are welcomed and enjoy the homely environment. They develop an understanding of the wider community through a good range of resources such dolls, puzzles and books. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is aware of the importance of working in partnership with parents to meet children's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to manage their own behaviour as they share and play together. They learn right from wrong through basic rules and consistent praise. Appropriate methods such as rewards, distraction and explanations are used to promote positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder spends time talking to parents on a daily basis about their children's progress which ensures that their needs are fully met. Letters were observed from parents commending the childminder's service. A written complaints policy is in place. However, details for Ofsted and a complaints log are not in place, therefore, parents wishing to make a complaint are not fully aware of how to make contact with the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that daily routines are flexible taking into account the children's individual needs and activities. She ensures children are able to play freely and make choices. They receive appropriate individual attention because ratios are kept low which promotes children's welfare. However, the childminder did not notify Ofsted of changes in her household when her daughter reached 16 years of age.

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Organisation

Some significant information is recorded, demonstrating to parents that the children are being provided with appropriate care. Documentation, such as children's records are in place. However, the childminder is unaware of changes in regulations with regard to a complaints log. Also accident and medication books were not available for inspection. The childminder is aware of the vetting procedure, however, she did not notify Ofsted of changes in her household. Consequently, this means children's well-being is compromised.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to make sure that the garden drain is inaccessible and to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's safety is promoted in the garden because all drains are protected with covers. However, the childminder still does not have written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, which means children's well-being is compromised. The childminder has agreed to address this and a further recommendation has been made.

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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 action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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 satisfactory. 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • improve knowledge and develop systems for the recording of complaints, in line with regulations • ensure Ofsted is kept informed of any significant changes and that all persons who are over the age of 16 have completed appropriate checks • make available all children's records for inspection.

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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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