Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356584 Unique Reference Number 18 August 2008 Inspection date Hazel Christine White 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 and lives with her husband and their 23-month-old son in the Birmingham area of the West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently caring for four children under the age of three years. They all attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they follow consistent hygiene routines and develop an understanding of personal care. They know that if they wash their hands it prevents the spread of germs. Nappy changing procedures are good which helps to protect children from the risk of cross-contamination. Children are appropriately protected in the case

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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 of an accident because the childminder has received training in first aid. The first aid box is fully stocked and accident record and medication records are kept up to date and signed by parents. Written consent for emergency treatment has been obtained for all children, therefore positive steps have been taken when dealing with a serious accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and their individual dietary needs are taken into account because parents provide detailed information about their personal preferences. Meals are varied and well balanced to ensure that children eat healthily. Children discuss what is on the menu and help with food preparation. Fresh fruit and water are readily available throughout the day. Children go to the supermarket to purchase fruit and as a result, are developing their understanding of healthy options. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of food hygiene practices and follows clear procedures to ensure children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide variety of activities which contribute to their physical development. They thoroughly enjoy visiting places where they have the opportunity to use climbing and soft play equipment. Children get plenty of fresh air and use a variety of resources in the garden that challenge and encourage their physical well-being and development. They play ball games, use wheeled toys and make obstacle courses, all of which increase their balancing skills. Children play football in the local fields and regularly visit the park. As a result they develop a positive attitude towards being active.

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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 safe and secure environment. Space is effectively organised to enable children to move freely between rooms. All areas are risk assessed to ensure potential hazards are identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment. Daily visual checks are made and children are cared for in a home where all areas are safe and secure. Toys and equipment are in an excellent condition and well organised on low shelves. Consequently, children can safely select resources for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children know the emergency evacuation procedure because they regularly practise it and can recall what to do with confidence. An emergency escape plan is in place and fire drills are recorded. A fire blanket is readily available and smoke alarms are in working order and checked regularly. The fire service visited to give advice about the location of smoke alarms and other aspects of fire safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective procedures ensure that as children grow they develop an understanding of their own safety when out, for example, crossing the road safely and understanding 'stranger danger'. Parents give written consent for their children to be transported in a vehicle and car restraints have been professionally fitted. Children have clear boundaries and they are only taken to places that are known to be suitable for young children, such as parks and garden and nature centres. Young children are securely strapped into pushchairs or use reins to make sure that they are safe. Children are always within the childminder's sight and frequently reminded of safety rules.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of the procedures to safeguard children's welfare. She is fully conversant with local referral procedures and has a child protection policy which is shared with parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the homely environment and develop a good relationship with the childminder and her family. A wide range of toys and activities are readily available to help children learn and have fun. Time is organised to ensure that children have opportunities to investigate and explore different types of play. Toys and equipment are appropriate for their age and stage of development. They make independent choices and move freely between activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported as they try out new activities because the childminder joins in with their spontaneous play. They enjoy being creative, for example, modelling with clay and making masks and kites. Every day situations are used to develop the children's interest in counting and colour recognition. They play 'pretend shops' which develops their knowledge of maths, as they price goods and count their change. A sensory tray and sand and water play enable children to explore their senses as they describe the feel of different textures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children visit places of interest, for example Tamworth Castle, Sheldon Farm and Ash End Farm. They learn to be kind and caring towards animals and thoroughly enjoy feeding horses and ducks. The nature centre develops their interest in wildlife and how things grow. Children are shown care and affection and approach the childminder with confidence and ask for specific toys and activities. Her good questioning encourages children's thinking. Consequently, children gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence as they play together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s sense of belonging is being fostered through the warm, child-friendly environment and the childminder’s commitment to the children's needs. Although there are some resources which positively promoted race, culture and disability, children's awareness and understanding of diversity and the wider world is not fully enhanced because they are limited. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail. Any special requirements are noted and consistent communication and information exchange takes place. The needs of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are recognised and sensitively met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is managed consistently through the effective partnership with parents. The focus is on raising children's self-esteem by promoting positive behaviour. Children's understanding of expected behaviour is developed through the clear boundaries that are set. For example, they know to share toys with their friends and to be helpful by tidying toys way. As a result children behave well, play cooperatively together and are learning to respect one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents regularly share information about their child’s needs, interests and experiences to ensure continuity of care. Good communication exists on a daily basis and discussions regularly take place to update this information. Parents receive copies of all policies and procedures and informative information about the childminder and her family. A daily diary ensures parents are fully aware of the activities their children take part in. Consequently, they are kept thoroughly informed of all aspects of their child's care and this practice effectively promotes children's well-being, development and progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Space is well organised and planned around the children's routines to enable children to experience a wide variety of play opportunities. Policies and procedures are effective in promoting the welfare, care and learning of the children. These are shared with parents and regularly reviewed to ensure their ongoing suitability. All of the required information and consents from parents are well organised and easily accessible. Documentation is kept up to date and held securely within the boundaries of confidentiality.

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Organisation

The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and understanding of child development and demonstrates a clear commitment to training. She has attended numerous courses on all aspects of childcare to enhance her practice and is presently doing a National Vocational Qualification in childcare. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • increase resources which promote positive representation of race, culture and disability.

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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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