Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349046 Unique Reference Number 11 April 2008 Inspection date Adelaide Griffith 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 2007. She lives with her partner and one child aged 21 months in Birmingham. They live within walking distance of schools and shops. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child under five before and after school. The childminder drives and walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group or the childminding playgroup each morning of the week during term time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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. Children are clearly learning about personal hygiene as part of the daily routine when they wash their hands in relation to activities. Children are effectively protected against infection. For example, the premises are maintained in a clean condition throughout and food is stored and prepared according to Environment Health guidelines. Children's good health is promoted due to written policies for sickness and infectious illnesses. All records are signed as required. The childminder holds current first aid qualifications and a first aid box is accessible.

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Helping children to be healthy

A healthy lifestyle is promoted and children are gaining a precise understanding of appropriate options. For instance, snacks including fresh fruit are served daily and drinks are available throughout the day. Children benefit from physical exercise as they run around in the available indoor space. They access push-along play resources that encourage walking skills. Children sleep as agreed with parents. All children engage in quiet activities as they wish.

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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 environment. The premises are bright with natural light and toys are within reach. There is sufficient space for all children to move around freely. They can play safely outside where large play equipment is firmly fixed in the ground. All gates are bolted. Children access toilets that are free from potential hazards and they are protected due to a broad range of safety measures on the premises. For instance, socket covers are installed and the fireguard is secured. However, trailing leads pose a potential hazard to children's well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's security is competently maintained due to locked doors and they are constantly supervised. On outings the childminder ensures that children travel safely in a car. All fire precautions are taken. For instance, exits are free from obstruction and smoke alarms are checked frequently. The childminder has devised and practised an emergency escape plan. This means that children are gaining an awareness of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is positively maintained due to the childminder's awareness of the procedures to be followed in the event of concerns. She is also clearly informed about procedures that apply in the event of allegations against members of the household and supporting documentation is available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's confidence is effectively promoted as they access toys and resources within reach. Younger children play well together or alongside others. They are learning to be aware of the needs of others, for example, they are encouraged to share toys. Children's language is skilfully promoted as the childminder talks to them constantly and encourages a response. Children talk in short sentences and respond to simple requests. Their recognition skills are growing as they identify sizes such as 'big' and 'small'. Creative skills are developing through finger painting. A wide selection of books is available to promote listening and concentration skills and they

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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 sit for short periods at story time. The appreciation of music is enhanced through play with instruments including bells and tambourines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children benefit from opportunities to access board games and they participate in group activities. Their imaginative skills are expressed by making a range of items including spiders from a selection of materials. They have well developed precision skills. For example, they weave small mats. Interesting resources including role play equipment, construction toys, writing materials, dolls and pushchairs are provided to promote children's play. Children participate in a wide range of play experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their individual needs are met as agreed with parents. For instance, preferences with regard to children's care are addressed. Children are clearly learning about other cultures through a broad range of resources and they benefit from opportunities to mix with others from a variety of backgrounds. Their interest in the community is stimulated through outings including those to country parks where they can see and talk about animals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder does not have experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is willing to offer care and understands the need to discuss with parents all requirements in order to ensure that children's additional needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and they adhere to ground rules. The childminder uses developmentally appropriate strategies to manage behaviour. For example, distraction is used when required for unacceptable behaviour in younger children. Her calm manner helps fractious children to settle quickly. Children's social skills are effectively promoted as they are encouraged to say 'please' and 'thank you' appropriately. They make a worthwhile contribution through participation in tidying away.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good relationship with parents based on open communication. Before children start in the care of the childminder an introductory visit helps parents to gain an understanding of the service offered. A settling-in period is agreed for children as required. Parents receive copies of policies and information about events and activities. In addition, comments about the service is sought and feedback sheets indicate that parents are satisfied with the care of their child. The childminder shares information on a daily basis about children's routines. In the event of emergencies a firm agreement is in place for the collection of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are competently protected with regards to suitability procedures. For example, the childminder is clearly aware that they cannot be left with persons who are not vetted. Since registration the childminder has completed several courses. This indicates a proactive approach in developing knowledge and understanding which underpins the care of children.

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Organisation

There is good organisation for the care of children. A wide range of materials with information about local activities is available. The childminder obtains several publications on a regular basis in order to plan play experiences for children. Toys and resources are rotated frequently to maintain interest and stimulation. Outings are organised weekly. Children's routines are implemented and adjusted as required.

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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 All required documentation is available. Children's records are stored securely and updated frequently. The childminder is clearly informed about procedures relating to the retention of records and for notifying Ofsted about significant changes. Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare and care of children, are maintained. Overall children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints 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): • improve safety within the setting by taking precautions to prevent accidents in relation to trailing leads.

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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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