Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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405337 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2007 Inspection date Samantha Jayne Taylor 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 lives with her husband and daughter aged six years in the New Oscott area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a designated playroom. There is a fully enclosed garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children. She minds with a co-childminder, and together they may care for a maximum of 11 children. Currently they are caring for six children between them, whose ages are seven months, twelve months, two years and three children aged three years. The admission policy allows for children over the age of eight years to attend. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a qualification in early years. Children are taken to and collected from local schools and a nursery. The childminder also takes younger children to a local mother and toddler group.

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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. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, which is maintained to a high standard. They are learning the importance of good personal care. Older children use the toilet independently and wash their hands through the childminder's consistent practise in encouraging this. The childminder interacts positively with younger children, talking to them as she completes their nappy change. Children are made comfortable and their personal needs are met. The childminder responds appropriately to the change in weather as children play outdoors by placing a blanket in a younger child's pushchair to keep the child warm .

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good knowledge of nutrition and plans with her co-minder a varied menu for the children, which is both healthy and appetising. Children are given healthy meals which are appealing and appetising. Individual cups for drinks are always available and easily accessible, encouraging children's overall independence. During warm weather, lunch is eaten together outdoors where children have great fun as they sit for a picnic and they enjoy the relaxed social interactions which take place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are gaining good control of their bodies. They are beginning to learn about the benefits of exercise by attendance at local groups, for example, at indoor activity centres. Children are involved in good spontaneous activities that promote physical health, such as walks in their local community. There are many accessible outdoor resources which also promote children's physical skills. Children play on swings and small slides and especially doll buggies to push. The childminder places importance upon daily exercise and good use is made of activities within the garden area, which is readily accessible to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and secure environment. The rooms used by children are bright and attractive with displays of children’s work. There is a room designated for children's play where children are able to access many toys and play materials from the colourful child- height storage units. A wide selection of activities are accessible to children; resources and equipment are in good condition and meet the relevant safety standards. These are well- organised and are mostly available to children for choice. This helps to develop children's independence skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk assessments are undertaken but not all risks are identified. The childminder regularly tests the smoke detectors within the setting and she regularly practises fire procedures. However, a fire exit in the garden area is not always kept clear. This means children's safety is potentially compromised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and local procedures. Current information is shared with parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder is skilled at planning a broad range of stimulating and challenging activities based on children’s interests and their stages of development. Children benefit from a wide range of meaningful fun activities offered daily, which are varied to sustain their interest and provide appropriate challenge. There is a good balance of structured play, where the childminder interacts well with the children to extend their learning, for example during painting activities. The children respond well to the childminder’s enthusiasm and motivation and as a consequence they make good progress in their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have very good relationships with the childminder, they are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in the childminder's home. Young children gain in personal confidence through the high levels of attention they receive and the support given throughout the day from both the childminder and her co-minder. The childminder knows individual children very well. Their individual needs are met as the childminder establishes daily routines around these, for example, when a child is tired, quieter activities are offered. There are a wide range of books to read and share with the childminder and comfortable areas to sit quietly together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world; discussions with the childminder and resources available enable children to gain an understanding of gender, culture and disability. Children have a variety of equipment to choose from. However, there are limited accessible resources which promote positive imagery of disabilities to extend children's understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children's individual needs well, for example, children are toilet trained according to their needs. Children play harmoniously together and they are praised often for effort and achievement. Behaviour management techniques are appropriate and children behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely and cooperatively with parents, sharing information verbally on a daily basis. There is a parent's notice board where information is displayed of forthcoming events and topics of interest in early years childcare. Parents compliment the childminder on the care and support offered to their children. There is a complaints procedure which is readily accessible to parents and reassures them of the care which is offered. This helps to establish positive relationships between the home and the setting and promotes continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder holds an appropriate early year's qualification and has put her skills and knowledge thoughtfully into practice to provide a high standard of care. She is interested in further training which will influence her continuing practice for the benefit of the children. The childminder shares her skills and knowledge with her co-childminder. As a result, children benefit from the continuity of care offered and up-to-date practice.

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Organisation

The childminder carefully considers how many children she minds at any one time so that she can give them plenty of care and attention. She works well with her co-minder and they have defined roles and responsibilities. Their routines are consistent yet flexible so that children can

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 feel secure and confident and begin to understand what comes next in their day. Children use the space within the home well and with confidence. Good organisation prior to children arriving ensures their environment is ready and welcoming, which contributes to them adjusting to a different setting quickly and engaging in exciting, age appropriate play activities. Children are well supervised and supported in the setting.

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Organisation

The childminder takes overall responsibility for maintaining appropriate records. The required documentation is in place and is appropriately maintained with up-to-date information. 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 two recommendations were raised. The childminder was asked to continue to develop information and a portfolio for parents. Within the setting there is a designated playroom for childminding where there is up-to-date information to share with parents. The childminder also has a detailed portfolio to share with parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to increase her knowledge of children with special needs. Whilst the childminder does not care for any children who have learning difficulties and/ or disabilities, she is knowledgeable through her training in early years and she is keen to attend further training.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • improve further upon risk assessments to minimise risks to children • extend positive imagery resources of disability.

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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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