Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221459 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2008 Inspection date Esther Gray 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and one year in the Rubery, Rednal area of Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 four children under five all day and one child over five and two over eight before and after school. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and attend soft play four days a week. The family have some tropical fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. Children are reminded to wash their hands when they attend to their personal hygiene and before eating. They are each provided with a separate hand towel and younger children's nappy changing routines are also carried out in an appropriately hygienic manner, with the mat being wiped clean and nappies disposed of correctly. Parents are advised not to bring sick children to the setting to prevent cross-infection. Appropriate measures are taken when children are injured or ill so that health needs are met. Although the childminder has enrolled upon a course in paediatric first aid, due to an unfortunate illness at the time the childminder was due to update her first aid qualification, it has not been maintained. Furthermore, she has not obtained parents permission to summon emergency medical treatment for children who become sick or injured. As a result, there is a

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a good variety of opportunities to enjoy physical play outdoors in the fresh air. For example, resources for children in the garden include toys to ride on, equipment for ball games and a slide for younger children. There is a large enclosed trampoline available for older children. There are many further opportunities to encourage children to appreciate fresh air and exercise as they visit the local park. Younger children develop their manipulative skills indoors with games which cause great excitement. For instance, they enjoy rolling a small ball along the laminate floor in the hall and running after it. There are also further opportunities to develop their dexterity in art and craft work. As a result, children are provided with good opportunities to experience physical activity and develop their skills well. They learn about the importance of making healthy choices in food at snack times. The childminder has developed

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Helping children to be healthy

a nutritious sample menu to share with parents. Children's dietary and religious requirements and their likes and dislikes are taken into consideration. They have ready access to a drink throughout the day. Consequently, children's health and growth are promoted very well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are well protected from harm. The childminder is very security and safety conscious. Children are well supervised in the home and when out and about on outings. She has a very good understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put the Local Safeguarding Procedures into practice. She shares her role and responsibility of child protection with parents, who are made aware of her responsibilities in writing and ensures that Ofsted are also informed of any significant events which affect the safety and well-being of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is well organised with toys and resources stored safely and yet accessibly for children to reach independently. There is a very good selection of toys and resources. Some toys are made of natural materials and a good variety of resources have been collected which reflect diversity. For example, there is a very good selection of musical instruments, some of which are made of wood or other natural materials, and there are a variety of dolls and puzzles which reflect diversity in the wider community. Children always use a wide range of equipment that is suitable and safe. Some equipment such as the stair gate, is used by the childminder to successfully restrict areas of the property for the different age groups, to ensure they are kept safe. All children are, therefore, able to explore their surroundings safely.

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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 ensures that all areas being used by children are safe before childminding commences. For example, she checks that socket covers are in place and she checks the garden before they go out to play, to ensure there are no hazards or risks to children. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. They rehearse the evacuation procedure with the childminder and this is recorded to show how successful the rehearsal has been. This means lessons are learned both by the childminder and the children about the most successful way to evacuate the building in an emergency. Children learn about safety outside the home using the 'Green Cross Code,' when they cross the road. Children are made aware of the dangers of speaking to strangers. As a result, the childminder ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and to help children minimise identified risks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, independent and are developing their self-esteem. Daily routines enable children to be a member of a social group, to be involved with the older children for part of the day and to encourage conversation and develop their social skills well. The childminder allows younger children to have a safe area for play, promoting their self-confidence. Older children are able to see and easily move through all the areas of the setting, whilst taking account of their understanding that they must not adversely affect younger children present. She develops a good rapport with children, which allows them to feel confident so that they can share any worries or concerns that they may have with her. This safeguards children and also supports their interest in taking an active part in activities offered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have their individual needs met and are developing a good range of knowledge and skills because there are effective routines and some planned activities. These are linked to their visits to the toddler group, which provide activities and play opportunities that help children achieve. She has identified where she needs to improve the approach to education and care in developing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage for children up to age five. She has begun to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework and makes some notes on children's developmental needs. Most of her observations, however, are not recorded. Nevertheless, children are provided with enough materials for all the children to play with and she allows them to find, use and return materials independently, developing their imaginative play very effectively. For example, younger children experiment with musical instruments, make up

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

imaginative stories with a baby doll in a toy bath and chase a ball or sing a remembered song or rhyme, whilst settled happily engaged in play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Excellent arrangements are made to ensure all children are included. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities very well. She gets to know the children and what they are capable of and works in close cooperation with families to work with and support families and children. She has undertaken some additional training, for example, she has obtained a qualification in British Sign Language to stage one. She has prepared several good policies to share with parents and carers which are all inclusive. Children are taken out and about to learn social skills in the local community and they enjoy learning about and celebrating many familiar seasonal festivals. For example, children at the toddler group have looked at 'What is Ramadan,' 'Diwali,' and 'Shrove Tuesday,' to name but a few. Children enjoy taking part in many free play activities and role play or cookery activities which are used by

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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 the childminder to promote their appreciation of similarities and differences in the wider community. Consequently children are becoming aware of their own needs and respect the needs of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The exchange of information between parents, carers and the childminder is very effective. The childminder has a well-organised set of information folders which allow parents to see how the setting is run. It gives them access to policies and procedures, information about children’s activities, example menus, access to children’s records, involvement in and support for children’s learning and development, opportunities to meet with the childminder to discuss children’s progress and an attractive notice board with up-to-date information. The policies and procedures support her in discussing strategies used to correct unacceptable behaviour with parents and carers. Children, therefore, see the childminder and parents and carers giving consistent messages, as they work cooperatively together in the best interests of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are protected from harm as the childminder is aware of the importance of ensuring that all unvetted visitors are suitable and are not left unattended with children in the setting or whilst on outings. Most policies and procedures protect children very well and are shared effectively with parents and carers. Records are available and retained for inspection. They are very well organised and kept confidential.

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Organisation

Children benefit from satisfactory organisation of the setting. Although the childminder failed to maintain her qualification in first aid or gain permission for emergency medical treatment she has developed a very good set of policies and procedures to ensure parents and carers are informed about what steps are taken to safeguard children in the event of an emergency. Children's records, contracts with parents and information about the routines and activities children will enjoy whilst in her care are comprehensive and well thought out. The routines of the week are detailed and shared with parents and ensure that children's needs are well met and that they are beginning to develop a good disposition to learning. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop knowledge of the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against the registered person or others. She also agreed to increase the range of resources which promote positive images of culture, gender and disability and ensure that the available resources are appropriate. In addition, she also agree to practise emergency evacuation and obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has undertaken training in inclusion and develops topics with the childminding group, who attend the local toddler group, to support the promotion and understanding of diversity with children. She has also obtained a good variety of resources to support her in developing children's appreciation of similarities and differences in the wider multicultural environment, when they are at home in the setting.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has also obtained further information, and gained advise from, the local authority on how to meet the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. As a result, the childminder is in a position to ensure children can share concerns they may have

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Improvements 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 with confidence. Their parents are informed of the role and responsibilities of the childminder, in ensuring their children are safe from harm. The childminder rehearses the emergency evacuation procedure with children and has developed a regular programme of fire drills, which are recorded to show how successful these rehearsals have been. She has obtained written permission from parents before administering medication to children and ensures that records are accurately completed to show how parents acknowledge the entry once medicine has been administered. Consequently children's health, safety and well-being is further safeguarded.

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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

Since the last inspection 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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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): • ensure written parental permission is requested, at the time of the placement, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • extend the range of planned activities and experiences for children, appropriate for their stages of development and based on their individual needs.

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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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