Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY356892 Unique Reference Number 10 April 2008 Inspection date Jennifer Turner Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 15 years in Great Barr, Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and one child over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder has adequate procedures and routines in place to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Children know that they should wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating their meals. Their individual health needs are supported with some effective procedures in place, for example, when a child becomes unwell parents are

p.2

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 contacted and asked to pick the child up. The childminder takes appropriate action and sterilises toys and equipment when she is informed that another child has been unwell over the weekend; she sterilises the toys and equipment to reduce the spread of infections. She has completed a first aid course and the first aid kit is stocked appropriately and there are procedures in place for recording medication and accidents which are maintained. The childminder has the relevant documents to request parents' consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. However, the consent has not been completed by all parents to ensure she is able to safeguard the children's welfare.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met effectively and they are provided with a range of healthy snacks and nutritious meals supplied by the childminder. She follows recipes from a nutritionist, preparing a wide selection of healthy and nutritious pureed food for the young children in her care. She provides the children with a cooked meal each day and encourages them to eat vegetables with their meal and fruits at snack time. She provides drinks for their children and ensures these are available to them throughout the day to keep them hydrated. The childminder talks to parents about each child's requirements and preferences. Children's individual dietary needs are recorded and the childminder ensures this information is kept up-to-date through regular discussion with parents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to be active and have quiet times for rest and sleep according to their needs, as their individual routines are discussed with parents. Children engage in a range of activities to promote their physical development. For example they use the garden where they have sit-and-ride toys or they go to the local park and adventure play centres. This contributes to their health, well-being and physical development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, family environment. The childminder is aware of children's developing curiosity, which enables her to put appropriate safety measures in place to minimise accidents occurring. A safety gate to the lounge restricts children's access to the hall, stairs and kitchen. The childminder has replaced internal glass doors with toughened glass and a fixed fireguard is in place along with socket covers which ensures children are adequately protected. The children have access to an appropriate selection of toys and equipment which the childminder maintains, ensuring they are relevant to the ages of the children using them.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has given some thought to the evacuation procedure, she has had an opportunity to practise the fire drill with the children to ensure they know what to do. She has an awareness of the needs of the younger children and the safety issues with their toys and equipment, because she reminds them of the dangers of putting small objects in their mouth and when she is out with them they wear reins and she talks to them about road safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are generally protected from possible abuse because the childminder understands her role in child protection. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse, although she does not have a copy of the updated Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures to refer to or share with parents, in order that children's welfare is safeguarded.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder’s home and they have developed a good relationship with her. She provides them with a suitable range of activities and experiences both inside and outside of the home to develop children's play and learning. Children attend the local park, toddler groups and visits to the farm which are enjoyed by them. They talked excitedly about the recent visit to the farm and recall how a sheep took a bucket of food away from them. During story time the children listen attentively to their favourite stories of 'Nemo' and 'The very hungry caterpillar' and regular visits to the local library for story sessions supports their development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy the activities provided which contribute to their creativity and imagination. They enjoy drawing, painting and feeling the different textures as they make hand prints and model with junk materials. The childminder introduces a range of activities where children are able to acquire new knowledge and skills. For example, observing cress seeds growing or tasting the different toppings to put on their pizza. During everyday conversations with the children the childminder encourages them to learn colours, shapes and to recognise objects that are 'bigger' or 'smaller'. The childminder's interaction with the children is good, she listens to what they are saying and shows interest in what they are doing.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive appropriate support as individual needs are identified and met ensuring that children are contented and settled. Children learn about the local community through taking part in activities, such as making their own pizza or eating at a Chinese restaurant to celebrate Chinese New Year, as well as through loaning books from the library. The childminder has some experience of working with children who have identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities; she is aware of children's developmental stages, consequently, she feels able to approach parents if she is concerned about children's progress and obtain appropriate support to ensure that they can make progress.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand responsible behaviour because of the childminder's understanding of their needs and individual personalities. She uses positive strategies such as distraction, time out and discussions, for managing behaviour, and by giving children praise and encouragement for their achievements. This helps the children to understand the boundaries set and how to behave well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Parents' views about their children's needs at the start of the placement ensures they are kept informed about their child's day and activities. This enables her to meet each child's needs well. However, parents are not fully aware of the procedures if they wish to make a complaint, because they do not have the contact details of the regulator; also a complaints log is not held in line with new guidance. This means parents are not fully informed to enable all to work together.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from an organised and generally efficient management of the care and provision provided. Children benefit from a childminder who has adequate knowledge and understanding

p.4

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 of children’s developmental needs. Children are suitably cared for as the childminder is generally confident in her practice. The space for the children to use is very well organised, which enables them to maximise their play opportunities effectively. Children are able to self-select and make decisions about what they do.

p.4

Organisation

The range of information, documentation and records which she keeps are satisfactory. Documentation is reviewed and kept up to date by the childminder and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality is maintained. Overall children’s needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, as this is the first inspection since registration.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain consent from all parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • obtain a copy of the local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures • update complaints procedure to include the contact details of the regulator and devise a complaints log.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5