Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227593 Inspection date 08 September 2005 Inspector Anne Felicity 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 1997. She lives with her husband and four children aged twelve, nine and six years and sixteen weeks. They live in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. One minded child was present during the inspection.

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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 The family keep no pets. The childminder attends toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop a good understanding of personal hygiene routines and the importance of hand washing, before eating, after using the toilet and after garden play. The childminder is a good role model for the children when she changes the nappies of younger children, for example, each child has their own changing mat. Good procedures are followed for the disposal of nappies. Children are cared for very well if they become ill or have an accident. All the required records are in place and maintained well, ensuring parents are always fully informed, for example, daily medication records. All individual records are kept confidential to the parents. The childminder has current first aid training and a fully-stocked first aid box. Children benefit from regular healthy drinks, meals and snacks. The childminder offers breakfast, lunch and regular snacks. Children follow a healthy eating plan with

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Helping children to be healthy

freshly prepared meals and snacks including lots of fruit. Dietary needs and parental preferences are always met well. Drinks are available at all times. A wide variety of physical activities form part of the daily routine, contributing effectively to the children's development and enjoyment. They walk to and from school, visit the park and enjoy garden play. Babies and children rest and sleep quietly and are well monitored with the arrangements put in place by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play, eat and sleep in the childminder's lounge/dining room. They benefit from the welcoming child-friendly environment and the easy access to the outdoor garden area. Children are cared for in areas which are secure and generally safe. The childminder ensures appropriate measures to minimise risk are in place, for example, supervised access to the kitchen. Some parts of the house are cluttered and plastic carrier bags are used inappropriately for the storage of play equipment and for gardening activities; this creates safety risks for the children. Older children are aware of the 'rules' when they are out and about and learn road safety procedures. Younger children are kept safe, for example, by the use of reins and wrist straps. Fire safety measures in place lessen the risks to children, for example, smoke alarms are sited correctly and checked regularly. Children carry out

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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 play with a variety of appropriate toys and books that are clean and in good condition. They enjoy easy access to some toys and books. Children's welfare is the childminder's priority and she has a sound understanding of the local child protection policies and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They benefit from lots of individual loving care and attention and chat freely to the childminder, developing their language and listening skills. Children anticipate a nursery visit with great excitement. They plan the next collage they will complete as part of their 'seaside' theme, maybe a bucket and spade. Older children contribute to the informal planning during the holidays, making suggestions about what they would like to do, for example, a trip to the park. Younger children benefit from lots of good opportunities to socialise at toddler group and with other childminders, and develop strong relationships amongst themselves. Children are proud of their achievements as they build a tower with bricks. Older children play happily alongside younger friends, enjoying and helping each other. Children are well-supported by the childminder as they do some cookery or listen to a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

story. Children are offered a varied programme of outdoor activities, contributing well to their physical development and their natural curiosity. They use local parks regularly, running and playing games and looking at changes to the natural environment. They develop their skills well during garden play, playing ball games and using bikes and fixed equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy learning about a variety of festivals and celebrations as the childminder reinforces pre-school and school projects reflecting diversity. They choose from a variety of resources, which includes toys and books, to develop a positive understanding of different cultures and people with disabilities, for example dolls and books. Children learn to play together and to respect each other. They help younger friends and are well supported by the childminder to resolve their own disputes and negotiations. Children are very willing to help with simple tasks when requested, for example, tidying up; they appreciate the praise offered by the childminder for their help. Children develop a good understanding of the need for acceptable behaviour and the childminder reinforces rules effectively at all times. Partnership with parents is good. Children's individual needs are met well through the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

good exchange of information. Parent's preferences are respected and all aspects of

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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 care are discussed, including the policies and procedures in place, for example, accident recording. Positive procedures are in place to ensure children with special educational needs are supported appropriately. Children's self-esteem is enhanced as they select their own play and when their views and requests are respected by the childminder, for example as they discuss activities for the rest of the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the homely environment. They use the childminder's house and garden to enjoy a variety of play and activities. Their regular walks and visits to groups contributes effectively to their learning and enjoyment. Children are kept safe through the procedures the childminder has in place and her good supervision. Consistent and effective communication with parents keeps them well informed about their child's welfare and daily events. Additional policies and procedures are discussed with parents and they are fully informed about any accidents and incidents. All the required records are in place and very well maintained. Individual contracts are completed and are reviewed on a regular basis. The childminder likes to keep up to date with developments in early years and has recently received additional information about the care of babies and toddlers.

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Organisation

The experience and the care offered by the childminder enables her to meet the needs of all the children she cares for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve fire safety including evacuation and to record children's development. Children's safety is now enhanced as a fire evacuation drill is carried out regularly and recorded. Lines of regular communication with parents are strong enabling the childminder to keep parents fully informed about their child's progress and development.

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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): • ensure all areas used for childminding are clear of rubbish and clutter, including in the garden.

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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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