Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504836 Inspection date 11 October 2005 Inspector Tracey Marie Boland

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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 three children aged eleven, nine and five years and they are expecting a baby at the end of October. They live in a house close to the city centre of Coventry. There are shops, schools and parks within easy walking distance. The kitchen and breakfast rooms on the ground floor are used for childminding. Children have access to a downstairs cloakroom also. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The family have a pet rabbit.

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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 is registered to care for four children at any time and one child was present during the inspection. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group and offers out of school care for children attending Manor Park and Quinton Park Schools. She has an NVQ 3 qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They understand simple health and hygiene practises because of consistent reinforcement and discussion within their daily routine. Children rest and sleep according to their needs as the childminder follows their individual routines after discussion with their parents. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health for example daily walk to school, physical play at the park and in the garden. They develop their ability to control their bodies by using bikes, climbing equipment and digging in the sand. They learn about healthy eating and how their bodies need food for energy and well-being. The childminder follows clear hygiene procedures, but through discussion demonstrated a desire to further improve her existing practice. Children are provided with drinks throughout the day so as not to become thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

All medical records are maintained and shared with parents. The risk of cross infection is minimised because of a verbal policy that the childminder shares with parents, informing them of illnesses that will mean their child should not attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because excellent safety measures are in place. A concise fire evacuation procedure is in place and practised regularly, ensuring the children's safety is not compromised. Children are safe because effective measures in place ensure their toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a excellent condition. Storage enables children to safely access resources for themselves. Low level shelves and cupboards are used and effective organisation of them is in place. Children are well protected from unauthorised visitors and are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied, because of good security indoors and in the garden. Children's safety is maintained when on outings because of the forward thinking of the childminder and written consent is obtained from parents to travel in vehicles. Clear risk assessments take place before trips out to check suitability, children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

only taken to parks that are securely enclosed.

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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 are well protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle well into the home and acquire new skills through the vast range of exciting and stimulating activities that are provided for them. They experience learning and play opportunities inside and outside the home and through visits and outings, for example, looking at and collecting autumn leaves, picking up things of interest and looking at the various colours, observing the local wildlife and growing things such as sun flowers. Children have the opportunity to lie on the grass close their eyes and talk about what they can hear and smell creating lots of discussion. The childminder's good understanding of the individual needs and stages of development ensures activities are tailored to them and their independence is encouraged throughout the day. Children learn about colours and shapes through everyday routines and language development is encouraged. Strong relationships have been formed between the childminder and children and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interaction is excellent. Children are supported in all areas of their day and they talk about past experiences in detail.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become aware of the wider world and learn to appreciate and value each others’ similarities and differences because of the childminder's positive attitude. Children choose from toys which reflect diversity and also have the opportunity to try foods from various countries. Activities take place with the children which reflects different cultures, for example, talking about why Indian brides marry in red and English brides marry in white and then working together to make their own dresses out of newspaper and decorate them with paints. Children are learning to share and take turns and behaviour is excellent through the consistent, caring approach of the childminder. Clear discussion ensures parents are fully aware of strategies in place throughout the day for dealing with behaviour. Parents are encouraged to share information about their child, to ensure their wishes are respected and the needs of their child met effectively. They benefit from detailed

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discussion each day that ensures consistency of care and contributes to good partnership with parents.

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Organisation

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 are very well cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Verbal polices and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, safety, care and learning of the children. The childminder’s practice is effective in meeting the needs of individual children. The childminder has all the required information and consent from parents and is interested in regularly accessing training to keep her knowledge and skills updated. Parents benefit from time spent with them discussing the care they require and how their child's needs will be met. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete a first aid course that was appropriate for infants and young children. A course was accessed and the childminder holds a certificate that is valid until November 2007. Therefore, she is fully aware of appropriate steps to be taken following an accident or emergency situation, acting in the interests of the children and keeping parents informed of the event through clear discussion and documentation.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints to report.

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop knowledge and understanding of food hygiene to enhance existing practises.

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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:

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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 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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