Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222453 Unique Reference Number 22 August 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 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 2002. She lives with her partner and two adult children in a Bungalow in Birmingham. Children have access to the lounge, playroom, kitchen and bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet dog.

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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 three children of whom two are under five years old. She is also registered for overnight care for one child under eight years old. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also takes children on regular outings to playgroups and the local shops. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are being protected against the spread of infection because the childminder has good hygiene routines in place. She talks to children about washing their hands before meals and after using the bathroom to help reduce the risk of cross infection. The childminder holds a

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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 current first aid certificate and has a professional understanding of the required documentation in the event of administering medication or first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a good range of physical activities. They have access to a wide range of outdoor play equipment in the garden, such as the trampoline, slide and wheeled toys. Children also enjoy regular outings to the shops and the library where they look at books with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Meals and snacks are varied and provided according to the needs of the children and parents' wishes. This includes plenty of fresh fruit, such as melon, apples and bananas. Children remain hydrated because they receive regular drinks of sugar-free squash and milk. Children with specific dietary needs are accommodated by working in partnership with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder organises her day flexibly to ensure that children have a balance of interesting and stimulating activities inside and outside the home. Children move safely in the home because identified risks and hazards have been minimised. They are protected from fire within the home as the childminder has appropriate safety equipment in place, such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources which are easily accessible to encourage their independence. They develop their imagination as they play with small world toys and read books with the childminder. A good range of baby toys are also available to interest and stimulate young children being cared for. Regular checks on toys and equipment ensure that they are safe and suitable for children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities. She has recently completed child protection training and is fully aware of who to contact should she be concerned 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. Older children enjoy cooking activities where they make fruit salad and bake cakes. This promotes their knowledge of healthy eating. Younger children benefit from messy play such as sand, water and paint, which develops their creativity and tactile skills. They benefit from regular attendance to the pre-school group and the play bus where they socialise with other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys and equipment are stored at children's level to promote choice and independence. They enjoy reading books with the childminder and ask for their favourites stories which promotes their imagination. Children develop good physical skills, such as pedalling, as they play with cars and bikes in the garden. They also like to jump and bounce on the trampoline.

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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 good. Children's individual needs are well supported because the childminder ensures that children are welcomed into her home and feel a sense of belonging. Their needs are discussed with parents to help children settle and feel comfortable. Children learn about diversity through discussions and the use of resources reflecting positive images. The childminder has an appropriate practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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. They are encouraged to understand right from wrong through basic rules, praise and age-appropriate methods, such as explanation and distraction techniques.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is promoted through good partnership with parents. Children's routines and their preferences are discussed with parents to ensure their needs are met. Daily verbal feedback is given to parents, to ensure continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They benefit from well established routines which have a good regard for their individual needs. The childminder makes good use of her home, the garden and the facilities within the local community. All adults who come into regular contact with the children are suitably vetted and are supervised at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that ratios are well met, so children receive individual attention and support. There is some documentation in place, such as children's record cards, accident and medication books, but the childminder does not keep an accurate register of children's attendance and this impacts on their welfare.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder now has written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for all the children in her care.

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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

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): • keep an accurate record of children's attendance.

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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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