Childminder in Sandwell

Inspection report for early years provision

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255092 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Mary Kelly 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 has been a childminder since 1996. She lives with her two daughters aged 18 and 15 years. They live in a three bedroom terraced house in Oldbury, Sandwell. Within walking distance of shopping centre and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder helps to run a local carer and toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. The childminder's home is clean and children are protected from infection through the implementation of effective hygiene procedures. These include the cleanliness of all equipment, areas used by the children and kitchen surfaces. Children are learning the importance of good hygiene through their daily routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting and before eating, and this is reinforced by the children making posters to promote good hygiene as gentle reminders. This ensures children are well protected against cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Procedures are in place to ensure that parents are well informed about all health issues, illnesses and accidents. The childminder is first aid trained and has access to a fully stocked first aid box, which is checked on a very regular basis. Therefore, in the event of a minor accident, children would receive appropriate levels of care. In an emergency the childminder has sought written consent from parents to seek medical advice or treatment, therefore, fully promoting children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to have access to the garden and the childminder does activities that enable them to develop positive attitudes to exercise. These include regular visits to the local park, walks within the community and trips further afield during the school holidays. Children are also able to have quiet time for relaxing throughout the sessions and benefit from the childminder's flexible daily routines, which ensures that their individual needs are met appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a range of healthy snacks and drinks. The children's parents provide the main meal of the day for their own children, this ensures that at lunchtime the children are getting a meal that meets their individual dietary needs. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the importance of providing children with nutritionally balanced snacks and works in partnership with parents to understand children's individual likes, dislikes and dietary needs. Children are sufficiently hydrated, with drinks readily available to them at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has a professional understanding of health and safety. The environment is well maintained and organised allowing children to move around independently and safely as they access activities. Visual risk assessments are carried out in the home to identify and address any potential risks to children. The childminder has a safe and secure rear garden for the children to play in. This enables the children to have access to a child-friendly outside space, where they will be able to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use good quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder carries out regular checks on items of equipment used, to ensure they are suitable for the children to use safely. Children's risk of accidental injury is also minimised as appropriate safety equipment is in place including socket covers, fire guard and a stair gate to prevent children from potential risks. The childminder has been proactive in giving thought to an evacuation plan, and the children are aware of the procedure, therefore they have a good awareness about what to do in an emergency.

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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 because the childminder has a clear, professional understanding of child protection procedures and is aware of her role and responsibility to protect the children in her care. The childminder informs parents of her responsibilities and procedures to ensure that they fully understand her duty to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and form close relationships with the childminder due to the close attention they receive. Their daily routines, likes, dislikes and favourite toys are recognised and acknowledged by the childminder who responds sensitively by ensuring their needs are appropriately met. The childminder involves herself in their play and there are many cuddles and positive interaction throughout the day. She is aware of the concentration levels of individual children and has a very good knowledge of what they like to do. Children make decisions about how they would like to spend their time and which resources they want to play with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Whilst in the home children engage in a range of creative activities including drawing. They thoroughly enjoy free play and all of the older children have access to their own books for art and craft activities. Children also regularly visit external groups where they are able to socialise with other children and extend on their play experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies and children are well behaved. Children’s behaviour and achievements are praised and valued by the childminder, which in turn develops their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder has a detailed knowledge of all the children in her care and she takes pride in seeing them develop to their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although not currently caring for children with identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder understands the importance of working closely with parents and other professionals to support and meet their individual needs. However, children do not have full opportunities to develop an awareness of the wider world and their community, through taking part in celebrating and discussing cultural festivals. They do have access to a good range of resources reflecting the diversity of society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a friendly, informal and professional partnership with parents. Information regarding children's needs is shared prior to them starting. Therefore children receive consistent care which is respectful of their needs and in line with parents' wishes. Parents are kept up to date with their child's progress and activities through daily text messages, telephone calls and discussions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm, comfortable and stimulating environment. They are very happy and settled in the childminder's care, and significantly benefit from her caring nature and her obvious enjoyment in her role as childminder. She has ensured that all adults in the household have been suitably checked to protect children.

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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 The childminder has completed additional training, which broadens her knowledge of childcare issues and contributes to the overall quality of care.

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Organisation

Most required documentation that contributes to children’s health, safety and well being is in place, however the complaints policy does not inform the parents how to contact the regulator if required. The need for confidentiality is understood. All documentation, including policies and procedures are shared with parents, this helps them to gain a good insight into the care provided for their children. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was not asked to take any action.

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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 to take actions 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): • extend children's knowledge of the world we live in by further celebrating a range of different cultures • ensure parents are aware of how they can contact the regulator.

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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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