Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227523 Inspection date 18 July 2005 Inspector Paula Hunt

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 8 and 6 years old. They live in a three bedroom semi-detached house in the Hall Green area of Birmingham within walking distance of local public transport and shops. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time

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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 and is currently minding three children under five, some on a part-time basis and three over five after school. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools, attend local playgroups and visit the local park, by arrangement with parents. The childminder is a member of the National and local Birmingham Childminding Association and has an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Child Care and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a warm and clean environment. Children's good health is well promoted with the premises and equipment kept very clean. Table tops where food is served are wiped with suitable spray to keep them hygienically clean. Children are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines, developing their independence and helping to prevent the spread of infection. This includes hand washing before meal times, using individual towels and tissues to wipe noses. The childminder maintains a current first aid certificate as required, keeping her knowledge up-to-date. Children are protected from illness and infection through a written sickness and exclusion policy. All medical records are maintained and shared with parents. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promote their physical well-being and develop their ability to control their bodies, for example riding bikes, climbing on

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Helping children to be healthy

appropriate equipment and digging in the sand. They regularly visit the local park and benefit from outdoor physical play within the secure garden. The childminder is developing her understanding of how children develop and encourages the children to try new experiences. Children benefit from being able to rest according to their needs. Children enjoy snacks that are healthy and take into account the specific dietary requests of the parents. Foods are presented attractively which encourages the children to complete their meals. Children's social skills are continually encouraged by sitting together at mealtimes, in a relaxed atmosphere.

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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 warm and welcoming home where they feel secure and confident. Space within the home, together with furniture and resources, is arranged to enable children to move around safely and to provide plenty of room for play. Children are provided with a wide range of good quality toys and equipment and the childminder makes use of local loan schemes to supplement and extend her current selection of resources. The majority of toys are stored at child height and in

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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 appropriately labelled boxes that are easily accessible to children, thus encouraging freedom of choice and independence. The childminder carries out daily visual checks on equipment and carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children and good safety and security precautions are in place, for example, a fireguard, socket covers, the garage is kept locked and doors are secure. However, further attention is needed to protect children from accessing potential hazardous substances. Children’s welfare in the case of an emergency is taken into consideration by carefully planned and regularly practised fire evacuation procedures and the organisation of emergency cover

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

arrangements are in place with another registered childminder. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures and she is well aware of her role and responsibilities in order to protect the welfare of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the home, relate well to each other and regularly socialise with other children at local groups. Children's independence is encouraged and they confidently make choices through play, accessing a wide range of toys, activities and equipment which are interesting and appropriate for their needs. Children thoroughly enjoy the individual time and attention which is given to them and enjoy a vast variety of activities such as sand, cooking, dressing up, construction and quieter time spent looking at books. Interaction between the children and childminder is very good and affection is given and warmly received. Children's development is supported well through the childminder's understanding of their individual abilities and her encouragement and support in everyday routines such as counting, looking at colours and the alphabet. Parents benefit from the time

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

afforded to them keeping them up to date on their child's development and achievements. The childminder continually updates her knowledge in child development through training. As part of her ongoing development she has identified a need to increase her knowledge of care of children under 3-years-old.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's organisation of activities to provide an inclusive provision for all. A good range of meaningful activities and resources promote a positive view of their wider environment and an understanding of others. Children are becoming aware of their local community through visiting local amenities.

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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 Children are learning to share and take turns and behaviour is excellent through the consistent, caring approach of the childminder. She is very responsive and receptive to their needs. Time is given to relaxation throughout the day. A clear policy shared with parents ensures they too are fully aware of the strategies in place throughout the day for dealing with behaviour. An incident record is yet to be developed. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child, to ensure their wishes are respected and the needs of their child are met effectively. Daily discussion between both parties ensures consistency of care and contributes to good partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and at home in the childminder's home. A good range of policies and procedures effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Daily information is exchanged with parents, for example, one child has a day book which records nappy changing, feeding, sleep, activities and outings. Older children also have a scrapbook of photographs, art and craft work. Regular shared information and the childminder's flexible routine positively contributes to the children's continuity of care. The childminder's practice is effective in meeting the children's individual needs. The childminder has all required information and consents from parents. All documentation is well maintained and up to date, although children's arrival and departure times need to be more accurately recorded. She provides a well designed prospectus for parents outlining her childminding practice and terms of business. The

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Organisation

childminder is keen to attend ongoing training which will enhance her childminding practice, particularly for birth to three and has attended several individual courses with the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and has achieved 'Quality First' accreditation through the National Childminding Association. She has also completed an NVQ 3 in Childcare and Education. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as there were no recommendations made at the last inspection.

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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

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 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 children do not have access to hazardous substances • develop procedures to record incidents • ensure daily attendance register shows times of children's arrival and departure.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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