Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285125 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Sharon Waterfall 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 registered in 2004 and lives with her husband and two children within the Castle Bromwich area of Birmingham. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and the children have access to a specific playroom, study area, kitchen and toilet. There is an enclosed garden at the rear of the premises for play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years of age with two of them able to be under one year of age when working with an assistant. She is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning about good hygiene routines through the childminders' good practice. They are encouraged and supported in developing skills of self-reliance with regard to personal

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 hygiene through the equipment provided by the childminder, for example, liquid soap. Children’s health is generally safeguarded through the childminder’s policies, procedures and records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are given frequent opportunities to develop physical skills outdoors as they walk to and from school daily and use the local park when the weather permits. At other times the children enjoy trips to local play areas where they can challenge their abilities, such as climbing, balance and coordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are adequately nourished during the day and receive adequate quantities of food for their needs with their individual preferences adhered to. They are learning about a healthy diet as they are encouraged to enjoy fruit at snack times and sugar free drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children move around premises that are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. A specific playroom is set up for the children in which they can access a range of developmentally appropriate toys and games easily from low-level storage. This enables them to make independent choices about their own play and interests. The environment is warm and welcoming and has been organised to enable children to engage in both active and restful activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from access to and the use of a good range of toys, equipment and furniture which are kept in a good, clean and safe condition and which promote all areas of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is generally very aware of possible risks to children’s safety, and has taken reasonable steps to remove hazards in the setting. However, the children's safety is not fully assured as a fire blanket is not accessible for use and a risk assessment has not been undertaken for the large trampoline. Children are involved in keeping themselves safe as they have discussed emergency evacuation from the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s protection from abuse and neglect is promoted through the childminder's appropriate knowledge of the signs and symptoms and of the reporting procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to engage in a broad and balanced range of activities which helps them make progress in all areas of development. For example the children complete jigsaw puzzles with pictures of animals on. There is a lot of positive interaction as the children and minder talk about the different types of animals and what noises they make, though the puzzles are simple and the children complete them easily.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy looking at books and these are used to support them in recognising colours, though questions are not specifically asked about colours in the immediate environment to extend the activity or support learning. The books also aids in learning about numbers and counting as the children enjoy counting how many pictures are on the pages.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are beginning to recognise the initial sounds of letters, particularly the one at the beginning of their names and can link them to other familiar words. A lot of time is spent directly supporting the children and this raises their self-esteem and confidence.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for as individuals and the childminder has an appropriate awareness of the issues relating to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The children are able to access a meaningful range of activities and experiences to develop their understanding of the world and to promote their awareness of others. The one-to-one time spent directly with the children gives them a sense of belonging and value.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are encouraged to make their own choices and decisions, which in turn helps to give them a comprehensive sense of belonging within the setting. Positive behaviour strategies are used by a gentle and caring childminder,such as lots of praise for achievements and discussions about acceptable behaviour. A set of realistic expectations has been discussed with children and they are able to demonstrate through discussion that they understand the safety aspects.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works conscientiously with parents to meet the children's individual needs and ensures that they are included within the life of the setting promoting consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are able to confidently explore and investigate as a result of the creative use made of the available space. Their sense of security is fostered through effective adult support and a familiar daily routine.

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Organisation

The children's welfare and care is mostly safeguarded through the childminder's record keeping, which is well organised, mostly accessible and reasonably securely stored. However, minor inaccuracies in the register limit the effectiveness of the attendance process.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three recommendations were raised to improve the standards of care for children. These related to improving the accuracy of the attendance register, having appropriate vehicle insurance and permission to seek emergency medical treatment and transport children. The childminder is recording more accurate records but these relate to the contracted hours the children are cared for rather than specific times of arrival and departure and this remains a recommendation at this inspection. Currently a vehicle is not being used to transport children but the childminder is aware of the requirement. She has permission to take children on outings and to seek emergency medical treatment if required, which supports children's care, health and welfare.

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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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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

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): • complete a risk assessment and obtain parental permission for use of the large trampoline in the garden • extend your knowledge of appropriate challenges to children's play and learning; for example, with regard to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework • ensure the recording of children's attendance relates to the actual hours they are cared for.

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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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