Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227583 Inspection date 23 September 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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and two children aged ten and fourteen years. They live in a house in the Billesley area of Birmingham. The house is close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. 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 four children under five all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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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 does not have any pets. The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group two mornings a week and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is currently undertaking a recognised quality assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are activities to help them improve their physical skills and develop control of their bodies, for example music and movement, trips to soft play centres and walks in the park. Children's health and physical needs are met well because, for example, there is effective communication with parents at all times, such as sharing information about how children have been at home and how this may determine care in the childminding setting. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children develop an understanding of the need to keep clean and avoid the risk of infection because of the childminder's good practice and routines, for example washing hands after messy play activities or if children have runny noses. Children are well nourished because the childminder has discussed their dietary

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Helping children to be healthy

needs and preferences with parents and because she has a positive attitude to nutrition. Children are provided with healthy meals and snacks, such as home-made roast dinners, vegetables and fruit. Children are provided with frequent drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the warm and welcoming play space in the lounge/dining room. Toyboxes are arranged round the room to enable children to make choices about what they want to play with, encouraging independence and responsibility. Children only have access to play equipment which is safe and suitable for their age or stage of development, and care is taken when purchasing new resources to ensure they are appropriate. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised by the childminder's good awareness of safety and close supervision. Toys with small pieces are not put out when very young children are present. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe through the childminder's appropriate reminders and explanations, for example not walking around with toys in their mouths in case they fall and hurt their teeth and holding hands and staying close when out and about. However, emergency

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

evacuation procedures have not been practised and further attention is needed

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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 regarding children's access to hazardous substances and the outdoor shed. Children's safety and welfare is further protected by the childminders good understanding of child protection procedures. She is clear about her role in protecting children and is aware of whom to contact if she has any concerns. Parents are informed about her duty via a written statement at the beginning of a placement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children’s learning and enjoyment is exceptionally well supported and extended because the childminder carefully plans what she does with them according to their individual needs, ensuring they are offered an exciting range of activities. Children acquire new knowledge and skills because, for example, they are helped to understand colours and numbers. Their language and understanding of the natural world are promoted through play, conversation about animals and where they come from and activities which show children how things grow. They are given the opportunity to express their imagination and creativity through different craft activities each day, painting, colouring and baking. Their understanding of nature is furthered by pond dipping and bug hunts. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because they are given frequent praise and encouragement. They learn how to use their initiative because they have the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunity to make decisions and do things for themselves. The childminder spends each day with the children listening to and valuing what they say, talking with them about what they are doing and asking questions which make them think. Children make positive relationships. They are introduced to group settings and learn how to play together, build friendships and develop caring skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Good continuity of care is assured because the childminder works and communicates extremely well with parents. She respects the preferences and needs of the parents and ensures they are kept informed. Information is exchanged about children's individual needs and progress each day and any concerns are discussed. Children are encouraged to show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They develop good social skills because good behaviour is praised and encouraged, and they learn acceptable boundaries which are sensitive to their age and stage of development. Children are introduced to social settings where they interact with other children and adults, which helps them to learn to share, take turns and show respect. Children are learning to value differences through a good range of resources, such as dolls, books and dressing up clothes, and activities which help children find out

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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 about people with different cultural backgrounds, such as celebrating some different festivals.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's well-being and progress are supported well because the provision of care is managed effectively. They benefit from a safe, comfortable and stimulating environment where space and resources are well organised. Effective policies, procedures and good maintenance of records ensure that children's welfare is monitored. Children benefit from the consistency and continuity which derives from the daily feedback between childminder and parents. All aspects of the childminding service offered are detailed in a portfolio available to parents, ensuring they are provided with a wealth of information about the care provided. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure accident records included comprehensive details and to increase the range of resources which promote equality of opportunity. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder is currently using a National Childminding Association accident book in which she accurately records full accident details including the type of injury sustained and treatment given, and she obtains parental signatures. Children's awareness of others is now further promoted as the childminder has purchased a good range of resources, such as dolls, books and dressing up clothes, and offers activities which help children find out about people with different cultural backgrounds. Further items can be borrowed from the local toddler group in order to supplement and add variety.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure children have no access to hazardous substances • ensure children have no access the outdoor shed • ensure the devised emergency escape plan is practised regularly.

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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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