Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347096 Unique Reference Number 06 September 2007 Inspection date Carol Johnson 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 in Solihull with her husband and two children aged seven and three years. The whole of the childminder’s home, with the exception of the master bedroom, is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children. Both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder occasionally works with her husband who is her assistant. The family has two rabbits.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is protected because they are cared for in a clean and tidy environment and through discussion the childminder demonstrates a suitable knowledge of appropriate health

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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 and hygiene procedures. For example, cleaning routines are thorough and health and safety routines regarding family pets are suitable. Children are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices through following established daily routines and following her good example. They are encouraged to wash hands before meals and after visiting the toilet or playing outside.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes sound measures to ensure that children's best interests are served should they become ill or have an accident. She maintains well stocked first aid supplies and clearly explains that she will not accept children who are clearly unwell and may pose a potential health risk to others. Required paperwork to ensure children’s health is appropriately maintained and the childminder is fully aware of any medical conditions relating to children in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are suitably met. Food for main mealtimes is provided by parents and meets their children's individual needs and preferences. The childminder provides healthy snacks, for example, fruit and cereal bars. Children are not at risk from dehydration as the childminder offers regular drinks, for example, water, milk and diluted fruit juice. The childminder explains how she helps children to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through encouraging good food habits, alongside everyday activities and discussions. Children have helped to grow strawberries and potatoes in the childminder's garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a suitable range of activities that help to contribute to their physical development. They enjoy regular exercise through walks in the local environment and playing outside in the childminder's garden. They are able to access a wide variety of physical play equipment, including a swing, climbing frame, large trampoline and a selection of wheeled toys. Indoors, children have plenty of clear floor space to move about and they dance and join in with action songs. Consequently, children are able to participate in a variety of opportunities to develop their physical skills and confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and homely environment that is suitable for its purpose. They have plenty of space to play and rest and a selection of toys and equipment are safely stored to encourage children's independence and freedom of choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is considered through the use of a range of safety measures. For example, emergency escape plans are practised with the children, safety catches are fitted to low level cupboards in the kitchen and a through written risk assessment has been drawn up in respect of the large trampoline in the childminder's garden. Also, children are well supervised and a baby monitor is used to listen to children who are upstairs. However, children's safety is at potential risk because some risks to children have not been effectively minimised. For example, the key to a large opening window in her older child's bedroom is easily accessible to children, there are some areas where water has been allowed to collect in the garden and construction toys with small parts are accessible on the floor in the conservatory.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety on outings is assured because the childminder is vigilant and takes precautions to minimise possible risks. For example, she promotes road safety through discussion and role modelling and she ensures that her car is appropriately maintained and suitable car safety seats used. However, she does not have parental permission for children to be transported in a vehicle and as a result parental wishes are unclear and children's welfare compromised.

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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 Children's safety with regards to child protection is suitably safeguarded as the childminder has a sound knowledge of relevant issues. She is aware of recording and reporting procedures and the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows that her first priority is to protect the welfare of the children in her care and they are not left with persons who have not been suitably vetted, for example, visitors or workmen.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They are at ease with the childminder and her family. Children are given plenty of time and space to learn, refine and practise skills. The childminder supports their development and learning through being actively involved in their play and motivating them. For example, a child learning to walk was encouraged by the childminder who offered lots of praise and placed toys just out of the child's reach, motivating him to try and move towards them. Young children’s communication skills are constantly being developed because the childminder uses gestures and body language to reinforce the spoken word and she encourages them to join in with action songs and investigate sensory toys. Children regularly socialise with other adults and children and as a result are confident and secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are given access to a wide variety of activities that help them to develop in all areas of learning. For example, they enjoy craft activities, sharing books and going on outings. The childminder flexibly plans her daily routine. Sessions include a mixture of planned and spontaneous play and they reflect children’s interests and individual needs. The childminder informally plans activities during school holidays and recently the theme, 'Planets' was used to stimulate a variety of art activities for older children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can choose from a good range of quality resources that help to extend and support their learning and play experiences. The variety and range of resources enables children to participate in a wide variety of challenging and stimulating activities both indoors and outside. For example, children can self select from range of construction toys, outdoor toys, puzzles and books. A selection of toys for younger children are placed in boxes on the floor where they can access them with ease. Further resources are stored in various places throughout the childminder's home. Consequently, there are some opportunities for children to develop their independence, make choices and to use their own initiative.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed as individuals and have settled well into the childminder's warm family home. The childminder talks to their parents to find out about individual comfort items and home routines and this ensures consistency of care. Children have limited opportunities to learn about diversity in society as there are very few resources that help promote equality of opportunity. Children's television programmes and everyday experiences are used to promote discussion about the wider community and to help children appreciate similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but she displays a positive attitude towards doing so if asked. She is aware of local support mechanisms and would seek additional support and advice if necessary. Also, she is aware of children's developmental stages and would not hesitate to approach existing parents should she have any concerns about children's progress.

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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 behave because the childminder appropriately uses a range of positive strategies to manage their behaviour. For example, she uses distraction and explanation and a high priority is given to the use of manners and showing respect for others. Strategies used take into account children's different ages and levels of understanding. Behaviour management methods are discussed and agreed with parents to ensure consistency. Children's good behaviour and effort is rewarded, for example, through praise or a special treat.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is enhanced because the childminder maintains regular communication with parents. Most information is shared verbally and they regularly chat about individual children's care, behaviour and routines. Good quality written information, including details of her policies and procedures, is available to parents and this helps to keep them informed and provide consistency for their children. Parental wishes are noted and respected. Confidentiality for children and their families is assured because the childminder ensures that all documents are securely stored and care is taken to ensure that personal information is not shared.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely and welcoming environment. They receive a good level of support and attention and the childminder provides a flexible service to meet the needs of families. Ofsted training requirements are met. Children are able to eat, rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder liaises with parents and organises her daily routine to suit individual requirements. Consequently, children are able to predict what is likely to happen throughout the day and they receive consistency of care.

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Organisation

Children's care and welfare is suitably promoted as the childminder has most documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision. She maintains a selection of well-written policies and procedures to support children's care and these are shared with parents. However, children's welfare is potentially compromised as not all permissions have been obtained and her daily record of children's attendance is not always completed as and when they arrive or depart. Overall children's needs are met.

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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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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 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): • obtain written parental permission to transport children in a vehicle • ensure that potential hazards to children on the premises are minimised, this specifically refers to the accessibility of window lock keys, the safety of areas where water can collect in the garden and the accessibility, to young children, of toys that have small parts • ensure that all children have access to a range of activities and resources, which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • ensure that the daily record of attendance is maintained accurately.

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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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