Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY262238 Unique Reference Number 18 February 2008 Inspection date Bernadina Laverty 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 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and five years old in a house in Great Barr, West Midlands within walking distance of the local school and park. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children and currently has seven children on roll attending at different times. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder Association (NCMA) and holds an NVQ Level three in Child Care and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because they learn about personal hygiene through daily routines. For example, they are developing good hand washing techniques, after using the toilet such as rubbing in soap and then rinsing it all off. They play with safe and well-maintained toys and resources within an inviting environment. Children’s health needs are clearly recorded and discussed with parents. Good, detailed procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for

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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 appropriately if they have an accident or become ill as the childminder ensures her first aid training is up to date and she has information relating to communicable diseases.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular use of the garden and outdoor environment enables children to enjoy fresh air and experience different types of weather. Children develop their fine and gross motor skills by taking part in action songs, such as ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ and ‘Row Your Boat’. Children benefit from a very flexible routine that gives them opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished as the childminder provides a varied and nutritious range of healthy snacks and meals, including fruit and vegetables. The menu reflects healthy choices including pasta and noodles. Drinks are readily available which encourages children to have sufficient fluids.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and safe environment. They can play safely both indoors and outside as all potential hazards have been assessed by the childminder. Children learn to keep themselves safe because they are gently reminded about safety rules within the home such as being aware of trip hazards posed by toys on the floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety is well promoted within the home. The childminder has a fire blanket in the kitchen and working smoke detectors throughout the property. Children take part in regular emergency evacuation procedures and they are learning about road safety whilst on outings. This helps children to begin to take responsibility for themselves and others. Children can self-select from a good range of quality resources that are safe and in good condition which helps create a stimulating learning environment for children. Toys and equipment are cleaned regularly which ensures that children play with safe and suitable resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her care. She has a good working knowledge of the signs of abuse and neglect. However, her copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) guidance is not reflective of the local authority in which she lives, which may cause difficulties when reporting concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children interact very confidently with the childminder and enjoy her involvement in their play whilst playing with a dolls’ house. They enjoy very positive relationships with the childminder and their individual needs are well met because the childminder provides a good balance between active play and relaxing activities, such as looking at books together. Children develop their independence skills and show initiative as they choose their own resources and equipment located in easily accessible storage boxes. Children respond to new challenges as the childminder encourages children to help tidy up, offering clear guidance and assistance where necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s self-esteem and confidence are enhanced with the childminder’s use of praise and encouragement. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters’ framework and demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of play and child development. Children are learning about shapes and colours as they recognise orange circles and blue triangles whilst

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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 playing a game. They refer to a square as a window, demonstrating they can link shapes within the environment. Children concentrate very well whilst playing and use their imagination very well encouraged by the childminder’s questioning and listening skills. Good conversations are encouraged as children confidently talk about having a cartoon character cake for their birthday. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as the childminder answers their questions and provides challenging activities including alphabet puzzles to help children acquire letter recognition skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s individual needs are well supported because the childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities as children are welcomed into this family orientated home. Their individuality is valued as the childminder is aware of children’s likes and dislikes and their records contain all relevant information. The childminder has a positive attitude to inclusion by attending relevant training courses. She liaises with parents and other professionals to support and meet children’s individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about other cultures and the wider world through books and resources. All children have access to toys and resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability, including small world figures and books. Photographs are used to help children understand about different festivals and to promote discussions about diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good behaviour is valued and encouraged by the childminder who is calm and patient in her approach to the children. A reward system is in place to encourage appropriate behaviour and any significant incidents are recorded and reported to parents. Children’s level of maturity and understanding is taken into account when dealing with situations and children are encouraged to be friends with each other. Children are welcomed into the home with their parents and their achievements and daily routines are discussed with parents to ensure their children’s needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this well-organised and welcoming home because the childminder has made good use of available space. She provides an exciting selection of resources which help to support children in their play and learning. Children benefit from a very calm, caring, experienced childminder who clearly enjoys spending time interacting and supporting children’s individual needs.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and stored very methodically, which ensures that parents are very well informed about their child’s achievements and progress. The childminder has completed training including, NVQ Level three in Child Care and Education and she speaks four languages. This helps her to offer a professional, inclusive service to the children in her care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection, the provider was asked to: request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and ensure children's attendance records are accurately maintained. The childminder has reviewed her documentation to ensure written

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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 parental consent to seek any necessary medical advice or treatment is obtained for all children and that her attendance records are up to date. The implementation of these recommendations ensures children's individual needs are met and their safety is promoted.

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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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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 the child protection procedure complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).

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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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