Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362273 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2008 Inspection date Lisa Jeffries 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 was registered in 2007 and lives with his wife and three children in the Hollywood area of Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding which includes access to toilet facilities. 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 when working alone and eight children when working with his co-minder. The childminder is currently minding six children on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is effectively promoted through the daily routines. Although the childminder usually implements good hygiene practices, children failed to wash their hands after toileting during inspection. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their individual needs. The childminder holds a relevant first aid qualification and has effective procedures in

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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 place to act in the best interests of children if they are ill. All minor accidents and any medication administered to children is recorded appropriately. The childminder holds written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and as a result children's health is protected in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

All aspects of children's individual dietary requirements are discussed with parents and their wishes respected. The childminder is mindful of all allergies and takes positive steps to ensure children eat healthy foods. He is aware of their individual likes, dislikes and preferences. Healthy snacks including fresh fruit are provided throughout the day. Children enjoy sandwiches or pasta for lunch and savour roast dinners, lasagne or cottage pie for tea. A sample menu is provided for parents. Children are provided with regular drinks to ensure they are comfortable and well hydrated and they voluntarily access juice from a jug in the playroom.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to play outside and enjoy frequent trips outside the home. They have access to a wide range of outdoor resources and activities. For example, at the local park children develop balance and coordination whilst using the large play apparatus and they feed the ducks on the pond. They take pleasure in football and hockey and eat picnics supplied by the childminder. Children have plenty of space to run around and benefit from being outside in the fresh air. Indoors, children dance and sing along to music during 'rhythm time'. Consequently, children become skilled in a variety of movements and enjoy 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 home where positive steps are taken to make the premises safe and secure. Children are able to make independent choices about their play activities. They have easy access to a broad range of age-appropriate toys and resources, which are suitable for their purpose and safe for their use. Children are actively encouraged to help tidy away toys as part of the daily routine and the childminder checks all toys regularly. Children can sit to eat and play comfortably as they are provided with a low-level table and chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well supervised both in and outside the home and they learn the importance of keeping safe. They are aware of emergency procedures to follow in the event of a fire and the childminder ensures that he regularly practises this with them so that they know where to go to stay safe. In addition, the childminder uses outings as a valuable opportunity to teach children about road safety. The childminder is aware of his responsibilities to keep children safe. He assesses potential risks to the children and has put effective procedures in place to minimise these at all times. For example, access to the garden is currently limited as the childminder has identified minor safety issues such as uneven slabs. The childminder has a very good awareness of security and ensures that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further protected as the childminder has a very good understanding of his responsibilities regarding child protection and knows who to contact should he have a concern about a child. A written child protection policy is accessible to all parents. Children are only released into the care of other adults named by their parent. The childminder is highly knowledgeable about the children in his care and very intuitive of their needs. Therefore, children's well-being is fully protected.

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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 are very happy as they are cared for by a childminder who is highly motivated in following their individual needs and interests. They are settled extremely well by the homely atmosphere and the familiar routine. The childminder has successfully developed very close and trusting relationships with the children and they genuinely enjoying talking to one another and sharing new experiences. Children have helped to design their own space and have decorated the playroom with paint and handprints. Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging and their artwork and photographs adorn the playroom walls.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make strides in their learning and development because there is a broad variety of activities and experiences that help them achieve in all areas. They delight in creative and messy play, using paints, crayons, chalks and dough to express their ideas. Construction toys and floor puzzles are popular, enabling children to develop their logical thinking. Children take pleasure in dressing up, singing and dancing. The childminder happily responds to children's interests and showers them with praise and encouragement to help them feel valued. Consequently, children are confident, independent and have high self-esteem. Children's play and learning is enhanced by the childminder's interaction with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children delight in sharing stories with the childminder. They independently access their favourite books and sit comfortably on the sofa as the childminder brings the books to life with varying tones, actions and questions. Children play harmoniously together and learn to share and take turns. In addition, children are provided with a wide variety of different play experiences outside the home such as visiting the library and attending 'stay and play' mornings. This gives them plenty of opportunities to socialise with other children and adults in their local community. Children participate eagerly in their self-chosen activities and benefit from consistent boundaries and support, which helps them to develop appropriate skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and the childminder is very attentive to their personal needs. Children have equal access to all toys and resources, regardless of their ability, gender or culture. The childminder has an open approach to admissions and endeavours to work in partnership with parents to ensure that children's needs are consistently met. Children's individuality is respected as the childminder takes time to get to learn about their personal needs and routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive behaviour is actively encouraged. Children receive a high level of praise and encouragement and learn to share, take turns and play happily together. The childminder uses successful strategies to manage their behaviour and to support their learning of right and wrong. Children are listened to and the childminder values what they say, which helps them to feel good about themselves. They behave well, are polite and show concern for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's care is enhanced as the childminder fosters effective partnerships with their parents. Parents' wishes are fully respected and the childminder talks to them on a daily basis to ensure children benefit from a two-way sharing of information. Parents are regularly consulted about their child's needs and the childminder ensures that parents are thoroughly informed about his routines and childcare practices.

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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 well settled and content to stay with the childminder. Effective use of space ensures they can play, eat and rest in comfort. They enjoy a wide variety of spontaneous and planned activities and independently select from a good range of quality toys and equipment, which are rotated to maintain their interest. Children's well-being is fully supported because the daily routines are flexible in order to cater for their individual needs. The childminder offers flexibility of care to suit parents' wishes. He has clear plans to undertake further training in areas such as food hygiene and the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring children will continue to benefit from the childminder's new knowledge and ideas.

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Organisation

The childminder provides a range of clear policies, procedures and other information for parents, to ensure they are fully informed of the service provided. Children's personal care details are recorded and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality is maintained. The childminder is fully aware of the need to notify Ofsted of any significant events or changes in order to protect children. He demonstrates secure understanding of the National Standards and is mindful to meet the conditions of his registration. Documentation is well organised, reviewed regularly and available for inspection. Therefore, children's welfare, care and learning is positively supported. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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 that good hygiene practices are consistently implemented in order to prevent the spread of infection • ensure that children can play safely outside.

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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 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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