Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347083 Unique Reference Number 02 July 2007 Inspection date Susan Rogers 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 11 in Solihull, West Midlands. There are local shops, schools and a park nearby. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Children have access to the bathroom and toilet which is situated on the first floor.

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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 caring for one child who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well protected if there is an accident or if there are concerns regarding their health as the childminder has a current paediatric first aid certificate. Most of the documentation protects children against illness and infection. For example, the sick child policy encourages parents to care for their child at home if their child is ill and medication is administered only

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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 with parents prior written consent. However, children's welfare is compromised as emergency medical consent has not been obtained from parents. The effective routines protect children from illness and infection; children wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals and all areas of the home kept clean.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's varied dietary requirements are met as they are provided with food that meets with their specific requirements. Their welfare is maintained as there is effective liaison with parents regarding younger children's dietary changes. They are well hydrated enjoying frequent drinks of water or sugar free squash, for example, the childminder ensures that children are provided with drinks whilst on outings and when they wake. Their physical health is promoted as they have sufficient space where they can explore and furniture is strategically arranged encouraging younger children to practice their walking skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well protected if there are any concerns regarding their care as the childminder has good awareness of aspects of care that would concern her and has discussed her obligations with parents. Most areas of the home are safe, however, some of the larger play equipment in the rear garden has not been fully risk assessed and compromises children's safety. The premises are welcoming and well-suited to children's play activities. The toys and activities are suitable and promote children's specific needs. For example, there are activity toys that promote cause and effect and there are specific areas for younger children to explore which keeps them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children sleep in safety and comfort as the childminder ensures that younger children sleep in a travel cot and, therefore, have a restful sleep. They are well monitored whilst they sleep and play as the childminder always remains in close proximity. They travel in safety and comfort in the childminder's car as she ensures that they have the correct restraints and travel seats. The toys are suitable for the age and ability of the children and all comply with British Standards and, therefore, promote children's welfare. Children are mostly protected against the dangers of fire since the childminder has devised a suitable escape plan and there are smoke alarms positioned on each floor of the premises, however, their safety is compromised as the fire blanket is not correctly positioned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy positive self-esteem as they are frequently comforted by the childminder enjoying hugs and cuddles. The childminder has assessed children's individual needs and ensures that the activities are specific to their stages of development. For example, children who have recently become mobile have activity toys placed strategically so that they are encouraged to access these by moving. Cosy play areas are created for younger children which promotes their sense of well-being. Children's learning is encouraged as the childminder frequently supports their play and encourages children to investigate and explore. For example, the childminder gets on the floor with younger children and stimulates their play by demonstrating how the toys can be used. Therefore, children are encouraged to investigate sounds and movement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are encouraged by the childminder who forms words for them and encourages their understanding. Children respond and are learning to express themselves by making noises and gestures. Their learning is promoted as they are given opportunities to investigate and discover different experiences. They are encouraged to play independently and

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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 to enjoy the social interaction that is offered by other children and adults. Therefore, children are becoming skilled communicators using non-verbal skills and enjoying the company of other adults and children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good levels of concentration; they enjoy their activities and their learning is promoted by consistently supported play by the childminder. Their learning is encouraged as the childminder demonstrates a relaxed and calm demeanour and demonstrates high commitment towards providing children with a learning environment that is stimulating. Children's continuity of care is protected as the childminder ensures that she has sufficient information regarding the care of the child prior to the placement commencing. Children's development is promoted as she has an accurate knowledge of children's individual capabilities and matches the play activities to their developmental stages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's positive behaviour is encouraged by the childminder praising their activities and distracting children where necessary. Their energies are consistently directed into meaningful play opportunities which promotes their positive behaviour. Their self-esteem is promoted as the childminder supports their play and places high priority on their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's continuity of care is protected as records of their daily care is recorded in a diary format and is shared with parents. Their welfare is protected as the childminder follows parents individual requests in respect of the care of their child. Effective strategies that enable the childminder and parents to share information on their child's progress protects children's well-being. For example, children's individual needs and welfare is regularly discussed with their parents at the beginning and end of each session. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that the care she provides closely matches the needs of the children. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities have suitable care as the childminder is aware of current legislation and is able to work with other agencies to promote the welfare of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive explanations promote children's understanding of different traditions, cultures and, therefore, their comprehension of the wider world. However, there are no examples of toys and equipment that give positive representation of the wider world which compromises children's development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are well protected as they are always cared for by a vetted adult and there are suitable contingency plans in place that have been approved by parents. Children's development is promoted as the childminder has attended training that is relevant to her role and, therefore, has developed her own professional practice. Children's routines are well-organised which protects their welfare. For example, children have specific times for meals and sleep and their individual routines are discussed with parents before their placement commences. Children's learning is promoted as the childminder makes sure she has specific equipment in place that meets the needs of all the children.

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Organisation

The documentation protects children's welfare as is this regularly shared with parents, for example there is a up-to-date attendance register and children's contracts are regularly updated.

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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 However, their welfare is compromised as a complaints procedure has not been implemented. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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. 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): • provide a range of activities and play images that actively promote equality of opportunity • obtain written parental permission so that medical advice may be sought in case of emergency • review the risk assessments to include the trampoline and ensure that the fire blanket is correctly positioned • provide a format that allows parents to record complaints.

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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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