Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227618 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Paula Hunt

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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 registered in 1993. She lives with her partner and adult son in a house in the Kings Norton area of Birmingham. Local schools, parks, shops and buses are within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five who attend on a part-time basis and five children over five before and after school.

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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 Childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, the local Meadow Minders Network and is currently undertaking a quality assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is well promoted with the premises and all equipment kept clean. Areas where food is served are wiped with suitable spray to keep them hygienically clean. The children are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines, developing their independence and helping to prevent the spread of infection. This includes hand washing before meal times, using individual towels and tissues to wipe noses. The childminder maintains a current first aid certificate as required, keeping her knowledge up to date. Children are protected from illness and infection through a suitable sickness policy strictly enforced. Children have independent access to readily available drinks throughout the day. The childminder requests parents to provide a packed lunch but takes account of parents' wishes and the routines and choices of the children in order to provide healthy snacks such as fresh and dried fruit. Children are beginning to understand that some

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Helping children to be healthy

foods are good to eat. They enjoy eating the fruit snacks that the childminder prepares. Children enjoy fresh air and active play during the day, which contributes to their good health. They spend time in the garden, where they use equipment like balls to develop their co-ordination and control. They go on trips outside the home on a regular basis, for example to the local park, where children can run and climb. Younger children can rest and sleep, in line with their parents' wishes.

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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 well organised home where all risks are identified and minimised. This enables them to move about safely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping the children to understand how to keep themselves safe both inside and outside the home, for example they talk readily about what to do in the event of a fire, how to cross the road safely and why they need to use resources correctly. Children’s development and independence is promoted by their ability to make many of their own choices. They freely choose from a range of resources that are easily accessible and discuss what they want to do with the childminder who supports this appropriately. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder ensures that 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 complete a comprehensive range of paperwork that enables her to act quickly if children become ill or there is a medical emergency. Children are suitably protected from risk of harm as they are never left alone with persons who have not been vetted. The childminder also has a clear awareness of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She keeps local child protection guidance to hand so that action may be taken as soon as she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are making good progress in all areas of their development. They are happy and well settled with secure relationships being formed with the childminder. There is much fun and enjoyment as they play, making a variety of clay models. Children spend their time purposefully as they experience a pleasing variety of play activities both indoors and outside. Children are interested in the toys because the childminder rotates resources to ensure that they continue to be appealing. The provision covers all areas of children's learning and includes a commendable balance of free and structured play together with times for children to be physical or to relax. Children realise they will be listened to and their ideas valued which inspires self-confidence. The childminder is keen for them to make their own choices and follows their interests whenever possible. Children are learning to think and reason

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

due to the skilled questions the childminder asks them and the range of resources which allows them to explore and discover. Relationships with parents are good. Children's individual needs are able to be met as the childminder records and respects parents' wishes for their care. She chats to parents informally as children are collected, and has a good range of policies in place which ensure that parents know how their children are cared for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about the wider world and our diverse culture through activities and resources provided by the childminder to promote a positive view of the wider world. They talk about celebrations such as Christmas and learn about their local community as they visit places of interest such as the Cannon Hills. Children are respected and valued as individuals. The childminder discusses their daily routines and individual needs with their parents and meets these effectively which means children feel secure and settle well. They respond positively to the childminder's clear guidance and are familiar with the established routines which they follow well, for example they know to remove their shoes upon arrival. Their behaviour is very good and they show high levels of independence as they confidently decide what to do, access their own drinks and independently visit the toilet. Children respond well to the experiences and activities offered.

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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 welcomed with a familiar daily routine; children are confident and at ease in the childminder's home and care. The childminder's good organisational skills enable children to promote all areas of their development in a calm atmosphere. Children are involved in planned activities with appropriate resources. There is good promotion of children's welfare by the childminder's use of well considered policies and practice statements although some require reviewing and updating. Children's documentation contains the required information which enables the childminder to meet their individual care needs, which results in continuity of care for children. The childminder's commitment to training and willingness to improve her childminding practice enhances children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, children's safety and well-being is more effectively supported by the childminder's improved practices. She has fitted smoke detectors at every level of the house which are checked regularly and good attention is now given to recording children's hours of attendance in a week to view diary, improving record keeping and the efficient management of the provision. The childminder has purchased further resources, which children are able to access freely, which increase their awareness of diversity, gender and disability to promote their learning. She also makes full use of her local resource lending library.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • review and update policies to take account of current practice

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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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