Childminder in Sandwell

Inspection report for early years provision

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255019 Unique Reference Number 08 October 2007 Inspection date Jackie Nation 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 1996. She lives with her partner and three children aged one, 12 and 15 years. They live in a house in Oldbury within walking distance of local schools, shops and parks. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. First floor rooms are not used, except for access to the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 minding four children under five years who attend on varied days. The childminder attends local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where effective hygiene procedures are followed. Children gain an understanding of the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are introduced to daily routines, for example, washing hands before and after meal times.

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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 Effective procedures are in place to reduce the risk of cross-infection, for example, during nappy changing routines. The childminder is trained to administer first aid and a first aid box is easily accessible. All the required documentation and formats are in place for accidents and medication. This information is shared with parents. Children are well cared for if they become unwell and parents are kept informed about their child's condition at all times. She has written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and this ensures children receive appropriate attention However, the childminder is not familiar with procedures for notifiable and communicable diseases which may compromise children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are effectively met as these are discussed with parents and details of specific dietary needs are recorded. Currently parents provide children's meals and these are stored at an appropriate temperature. The childminder has completed food hygiene training and this helps her keep up to date with food handling practices. Children are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, and have good access to drinks throughout the day. Children benefit from flexible daily routines which allow them to have a quiet time or sleep that reflects their individual requirements. Children sleep safely with close supervision by the childminder as regular checks are carried out.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical activities. Babies have space to move around, crawl and learn to walk. The childminder ensures children benefit from fresh air every day. They visit toddler groups, activity centres, play in the garden and local parks where older children use equipment to develop their physical skills and confidence. Children use a range of equipment in the garden, for example, bikes and balls and develop their imagination as they play in the playhouse.

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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 where they are well supervised. The childminder has instigated many safety precautions in the home to minimise potential risks to children. For example, by using a fireguard, safety gates, socket covers and finger guards. All aspects of fire safety are given good attention. The childminder has devised written fire evacuation procedures, smoke detectors are tested on a regular basis and a carbon monoxide detector is in place. Children are kept safe while on outings, she has written consent from parents to use the car and uses a range of safety seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. A wide range of good quality toys and resources are in baskets and boxes around the room so children can self-select the toys and resources they wish to play with. The toys, resources and equipment available are suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the use of toys to make sure they are used appropriately by the children. She has procedures in place to make sure they are kept clean and safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities and procedures to follow in the event of a concern or child protection issue. She ensures parents have good information about child protection issues and her responsibility towards children in her care. The written child protection policy 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 good. Children are secure and confident in the childminder's home. They develop their play and learning because they are contented and familiar with the surroundings and this helps develop their sense of belonging. Children are encouraged to try new activities in a supportive environment, for example, babies are able to crawl around, start to pull themselves up and walk. The childminder clearly enjoys their company and encourages conversation. Close interaction is demonstrated, for example, smiles and facial expressions are used to gain the child's attention and develop communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans and provides a range of valuable learning and play activities for children both inside and outside the home. They benefit from further play experiences as they regularly visit parks and places of interest. They are encouraged to interact and socialise with other children as they are taken to local toddler groups. This helps boost young children's independence, confidence and social skills. Children are involved in activities which support their language development. For example, the childminder responds to their gestures and sounds and she read stories and sings songs to them. Children are beginning to show initiative as they play with the resources located in easily accessible storage boxes. They enjoy selecting their toys independently, playing with puzzles and shape sorters. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder has a sound understanding of their developmental stages and this

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

ensures children are provided with play opportunities that help them make progress. Children's achievements are shared with parents. Children's care, learning and play are effectively supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the family orientated home, which ensures they settle well and feel comfortable. Their care needs are discussed with parents and routines and preferences are followed. The childminder shows a good understanding of equal opportunities and gives good consideration to children's individual needs. She has a written policy which promotes equality and this is shared with parents. Children learn about diversity as the childminder provides play materials which reflect positive images, such as play figures and books. This helps children develop an understanding of the wider world. The childminder has previous experience of caring for children with learning difficulties/disabilities and is confident to judge how well individual children's needs can be met within existing routines. This ensures children's welfare and development is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's sense of right and wrong is developed through the childminder's good understanding of behaviour management. The childminder has established clear and realistic boundaries and children begin to know what is expected from them. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged. Children are praised and rewarded for their achievements. This helps promote their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between their parents and the childminder. This helps them to settle in well, be confident and contributes to their well-being. She provides parents with feedback each day about their child's care, routines and activities. The childminder spends time with parents introducing them to her recording procedures and policy documents. Parents are made aware of the complaints procedure. This ensures parents are kept fully informed about the provision and the arrangements regarding their child's care.

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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 happy and settled in this organised and welcoming home because the childminder has made good use of space and resources. This helps children develop their independence and have fun. Children benefit from being cared for by an enthusiastic childminder, who clearly enjoys spending time interacting and supporting their individual needs. Children have the space to explore and develop their play. Children feel secure with consistent daily routines which support and promote their development and well-being.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The register of attendance is accurately maintained and the registration certificate is displayed for parents to see the conditions of registration. All the required documentation is in place and stored confidentially. The childminder has demonstrated her commitment to developing her skills by undertaking training. For example, 'Birth to three matters' framework, 'first aid' and 'food hygiene'.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that electric sockets in areas accessible to children are fitted with socket covers and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety in the setting and socket covers are fitted to electrical sockets to prevent children's access. This ensures children's safety. The childminder has obtained written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and this ensures children well-being in an emergency. Therefore, the action taken by the childminder with regard to the recommendations further improves outcomes for children in their health, well-being and safety.

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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): • develop further knowledge and understanding of the procedures related to notifiable and communicable diseases.

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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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