Childminder in BirminghamOfsted inspection, 31 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 228478 Inspection date 31 August 2005 Inspector Lucy Showell

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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 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 2005. She lives with her husband, in Sheldon, Birmingham. The whole ground floor and upstairs bathroom of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and three children over five before and after school on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a pet dog.

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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. Children’s care is promoted through adequate documentation in place. Children benefit through a clean and open environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle. However, some hygiene procedures need to be improved. Children enjoy free access to drinks and are well nourished through healthy freshly cooked meals. Their health and dietary needs are met through implementing appropriate information shared between childminder and parents. Children enjoy good physical activity through a good variety of outings and trips including parks, ice skating and activity centres. Children’s care is fostered through good individual routines. They rest and sleep according to their needs and learn about healthy living through independent toileting and hand washing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s safety is promoted through adequate documentation in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children are cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment and safety on outings is promoted adequately. Children have free access to a range of age and stage appropriate resources that are stored appropriately and comply with British Safety Standards. Children’s welfare is promoted through the childminder’s acceptable knowledge and skills with regard to safety. Children learn about their own and others safety through appropriate play and practical independent skills. For example, children eat meals with careful use of appropriate cutlery. Children’s protection from harm needs to be developed through the childminder’s improvement of knowledge of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance and understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children’s enjoyment and achievements at the setting are promoted well through effective documentation in place including their own creative work. Children develop good confidence and positive self-esteem through plenty of encouragement and praise for achievements. They interact well with each other and the childminder and laugh together while reminiscing about their experiences at the setting and on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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’s individual needs are met through a good range of independent, free and focussed activities with regard to personal preferences. They enjoy good access to a range of toys and equipment and develop independence through choosing activities for the next day. Children’s play is promoted well through activities for younger children to learn colours, numbers and letters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s continuity of care is promoted through appropriate documentation in place that is completed by the parents. Children’s care is positively promoted through the childminder’s familiar relationship with the parents and opinions and information are shared appropriately. Children’s sense of belonging is developed through children learning to make decisions and choices about their own experiences. Children have a good understanding of appropriate behaviour. They are well behaved and play and work well together. They share equipment, patiently take turns and praise and support each other. Children develop self-esteem and have respect for others. Children’s awareness and understanding of the diverse community is developing through access to some equipment that promotes positive images.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s care is generally promoted through the acceptable documentation with regard to the organisation of the childminder. However, all records need to be completed correctly with particular regard to accidents, medication and attendance. Children benefit through the childminder’s good relationship with parents and care is promoted through the childminder’s positive approach with regard to confidentiality. Children’s individual needs are promoted well through good use of space available for varied play. They also enjoy a good range of well organised activities and outings. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children at the setting.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection some progress has been made to satisfy the action and recommendations set. One recommendation no longer applies due to changes in circumstances and the childminder has taken steps to improve children’s understanding of the wider community. New recommendations have been given to address improvement needed with regard to knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures and informing Ofsted of changes to persons living at the premises.

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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

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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): • implement good hygiene practices in order to prevent the spread of infection • improve knowledge and understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures • ensure ofsted are informed of any changes to persons over the age of 16 working or living in the household and ensure appropriate checks are carried out • improve organisation of documentation and ensure all records are completed correctly with regard to accidents, medication and attendance.

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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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