Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227602 Inspection date 26 July 2005 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

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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 1981. She lives in a semi-detached house in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham. There are several shops in close proximity and good bus routes to and from the city. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a long, fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder currently cares for eight children of which five are under five years old. All children attend on a part time basis. The childminder has a cat, rabbit and guinea pig. Children can be taken to, and collected from, local schools, playgroups

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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 parent and toddler groups. The childminder regularly attends meetings for local childminders and their children and works closely with another childminder who lives close by.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to develop their understanding of good hygiene routines as the childminder provides appropriate items for hand washing and wiping noses and explains to children their use. There are good standards of hygiene within the house and garden. The childminder has a cat, rabbit and guinea pig and ensures children's general good health and understanding of pet care with careful explanations and supervision. Parents are asked about access to the animals and are reassured about hygiene practices to safeguard children's health. The childminder has completed a first aid course and has an appropriately stocked first aid kit ensuring she is able to respond appropriately to any accidents children might have. Children enjoy access to a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and activities which contribute to their physical development and independence. The childminder's

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Helping children to be healthy

understanding of the physical needs of young children enables her to provide suitable and appropriate activities to support children's development. Children also enjoy regular sessions at the local leisure centre's activities for young children and a large number of other activities outside of the home. Children's individual feeding and sleeping routines are agreed with parents and supported by the childminder enabling children to rest or sleep when they are tired. At present the parents supply all food for the children until weaned and the childminder provides meals for all other children. Drinks are freely available and set routines remind children to drink at regular intervals. There are recorded agreements to manage individual needs for example: teething and asthma management.

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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, welcoming and child centred home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they can move around freely, safely and independently. Children are beginning to understand about safety and risks as the childminder always gives explanations. Children fully understand the reasons for a fire drill and are able to discuss the routine involved. Children choose their own activities from a wide range of toys and equipment that the childminder ensures are safe, in good condition and appropriate for the children's ages and stages of development. Toys and equipment are organised to ensure the youngest children are not put at risk by being able to access toys that would present a danger for example, those with small parts.

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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 The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, except not all permissions for transport and outings are signed by parents. She holds a current first aid certificate. Outings are planned and a diary of outings is kept to share with parents to ensure they are aware of all aspects of their child's day and any areas of safety that have been addressed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's house. They relate to each other and the childminder very well. They are very 'at home' and express this by making personal choices, requesting and receiving attention, cuddles and expressing displeasure. Their emotional well-being is fostered very well. Children were able to discuss how they felt during the inspection and tell the inspector how it was to be a child in this setting. The childminder displays her knowledge and understanding of children's development with careful and consistent management. This enables children to develop appropriate strategies for sharing, playing together and asking for help. To further develop experiences for the children they attend activities outside of the home for example: the theatre, cinema, restaurants and the local leisure centre. The childminder encourages children to fully express themselves and responds well to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's requests for interactive play, attention or changes of toys. This enables children to develop independence and self-esteem. The appropriate storage of equipment allows children to safely access all toys and equipment. Children were happy to discuss activities available and outings they had had during the inspection. The childminder keeps a photographic record of children's activities which are shared with parents and children. The children enjoy looking at them and naming people and recalling events. This is encouraging the children to begin to learn about time, history and recall good experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made very welcome and their behaviour is very good. Children are constantly praised and encouraged. The childminder sets consistent boundaries which helps the children learn to co-operate, share and begin to take responsibility for their actions. They are encouraged to help each other and praised for their efforts. The children's understanding of right and wrong is developing well due to the consistent behaviour management strategies used. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met very well as they follow their normal daily routines, as discussed and agreed with parents. Not all of these agreements are recorded. There are excellent partnerships with parents which contribute significantly to children's well-being. Parents are provided with daily conversations and photographic evidence of children's activities ensuring they are aware of their child's day and

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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 reassured about their care. Parents are invited to join in on days out and several do. Children's independence is encouraged enabling them to develop a sense of self-esteem and belonging. The childminder is aware of individual needs and ensures these are met enabling children to develop at their own rate, whilst ensuring activities include some degree of challenge. The childminder's understanding of different strategies that could use is good and takes account of age, stage of development and other factors that might impact on children's behaviour for example, tired or teething. There are good procedures in place for the introduction of new children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming and child centred environment. They have good access to resources and are provided with a wide range of experiences which keeps them motivated and interested in what is available. Space is well organised enabling the children to move freely as their play develops and they are confident in accessing all toys and equipment and requesting attention. The majority of relevant documentation is in place and daily activities are shared with parents. This help parents gain a good insight into the type of service provided for their children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was requested to: increase the resources to promote equal opportunities, obtain a first aid certificate and ensure sharp objects were inaccessible to children. The childminder has increased the resources to support equal opportunities, undertaken a first aid course and ensured all kitchen cupboards now have cupboard catches fitted so that their contents are inaccessible to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints received since 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

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the

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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 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): • Consider recording the risk assessment and fire drills that are undertaken • Ensure that all consents are completed for all the children attending • consider extending the present portfolio for parents to include information presently exchanged verbally.

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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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