Childminder in DudleyOfsted inspection, 18 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY273958 Inspection date 18 October 2005 Inspector Kashma Patel

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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 2004. She co-mindes with another registered childminder from the premises. They live in the Weoley Castle area of Birmingham. 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 six children when working with her co-minder and is currently minding three children, some of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder attends the local toddler group and children are taken and collected from local pre-school groups.

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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 a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment where there are good procedures to promote children's health and hygiene. Children are aware of their personal hygiene and they commented "wash hands" after coming inside from the garden. Children are also leaning about oral hygiene as they clean their teeth daily after snacks. There are good procedures for nappy changing which ensures children are protected from cross infection. Children enjoy outdoor activities which encourages them to develop control over their bodies. They have daily opportunities to ride on wheeled toys and enjoy outings to the park and shops. Children are learning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They are provided with healthy snacks of toast, and fruit. Children observed asking for fruits of their choice. Older children help themselves to drinks, whilst younger children have their beakers where they can see them. Parents provide children with packed lunches

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Helping children to be healthy

which are nutritious and meets their children's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are safe in the home because the childminder supervises children inside and outside her home. She identifies and minimises most risks to children, however some glass panels in the home have not been made safe. Children move with confidence and freely around the home. Stair gates and fire guards are in place to promotes children's well-being. The garden is made safe by ensuring that tree bark is replaced regularly under the climbing equipment, this protects children from injury. Children independently select toys from a wide range of good quality equipment which meets safety standards. The childminder monitors children's choices to make sure that it is safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The baby was observed with a good selection of toys which were brightly coloured and provided stimulation. Children are protected as the childminder has a secure understanding of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection procedures in line with the Area Child Protection Committee guidance. Parents are kept informed by signing the child protection statement and are fully aware of the childminder's responsibility

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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 The provision is good. Children are independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as sand play, painting, baking, and listening to music. Children enjoyed printing with different vegetables and using their fingers. Children settle well at the childminder's home, they enter confidently making themselves at home. Children relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at the local toddler groups. Children are learning about colours and shapes and are encouraged to count during activities. They enjoy daily walks to the local playgroup and the library where they have the opportunity to learn about their community. Children have good opportunities for outdoor play where their physical and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

imaginative development is promoted. They have access to a well maintained garden where children have a vegetable patch. They enjoy digging in the garden and have planted bulbs in pots. Children observed placing dolls in prams and taking them for walks in the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about different cultures through a good range of resources such as books, dolls and puzzles. They are leaning about disabilities by looking at books, this prepares them for the toddler group where they may see children with special needs. Children are beginning to manage their own behaviour, the childminder's consistent approach ensures that children are made aware of acceptable behaviour. Children observed playing well together, they share books and toys. Children are encouraged to put back toys when they have finished playing, ensuring they have utilised all available space. Children's welfare is promoted through good verbal feedback daily. Information is exchanged when children are delivered and collected. The childminder sends questionnaires out to monitor her practice, all parents are happy with the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children's welfare is promoted as the childminder co-minds with another childminder. They work well together to meet the needs of the children. Children are relaxed and happy with the childminder, this enables them to initiate their own play and become independent. Toys and equipment are stored in the playroom and children are free to take equipment in other play areas, including the

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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 garden. There is sufficient free space for numbers being cared for on the day of inspection, but space would be limited if caring for more children. Children are provided with appropriate care and support as the childminder has all the required documentation in place, but policies were not available on the day. Children's progress is monitored with daily feedback, this ensures parents are kept well informed of their children's development. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • ensure all glass is are made safe. • ensure all children being cared for have sufficient space to play freely and safely.

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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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