Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362333 Unique Reference Number 30 May 2008 Inspection date Rebecca Brittle 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 satisfactory. 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. She lives with her partner and three children aged eight, six and four, within the Castle Bromwich area of Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is 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 registered to care for four children at any one time. She is currently caring for one child who attends on a part-time basis. The family has pet guinea pigs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from the spread of infection as the childminder implements effective hygiene routines. For example, children with infectious illnesses are not cared for. The childminder encourages children to exercise and ensures they have regular opportunities for physical play and walking. The childminder does not hold written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment. She has also given medication without written consent from

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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 parents and failed to keep related documentation, which is a breach of the National Standards. As a result, children's health is potentially compromised. Children sleep and rest according to their needs, maintaining their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are suitably nourished as their parents send their meals and snacks, ensuring all individual dietary requirements are met. Children's health is maintained as all food is stored and heated appropriately. Children are adequately hydrated because the childminder offers them regular drinks which are increased when children have been active or the weather is warm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. They are comfortable because the childminder maintains an appropriate temperature and they move freely around the setting. Children settle well as the childminder prepares the environment before children arrive, enabling them to play straight away. Children have access to a varied range of toys and resources for indoor and outdoor play. The childminder has an effective system for rotating resources, ensuring children are always occupied. Resources are clean and well maintained, making them safe and suitable for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder places emphasis on maintaining children's safety both inside her home and when they are out. For example, she clears space for younger children when they use a baby walker and supervises them closely. The childminder takes appropriate steps to prevent accidents, ensuring hazardous items are inaccessible to children, maintaining their safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures. She understands possible signs of abuse as well as procedures to follow in the event of a concern about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children take part in a varied range of activities which they find interesting and enjoyable. They are well occupied as they concentrate on their activity such as playing with a range of baby toys. Children benefit from positive support from the childminder who involves herself in their play appropriately. For example, she sits on the floor with younger children as they play, talking to them about what they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a variety of play environments such as going to local toddler groups and swimming. These outings provide children with opportunities to develop physical as well as social skills, as they play with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated and respected as individuals. The childminder shows children respect and kindness to ensure they are happy and settled. She meets all children's individual needs appropriately, after discussion with parents. Children are confident and develop self-esteem because the childminder offers a high level of support, care and attention. The childminder does not currently care for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities though she has a suitable understanding of how to do so.

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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 Children know and understand what is expected of them because the childminder has a calm and consistent approach to managing their behaviour. The childminder encourages positive behaviour with constant praise as she plays with the children. She places emphasis on positive partnerships with parents. The childminder works closely with them to ensure children benefit from consistency of care. For example, she makes time every day to discuss children's progress and all aspects of care with parents. However, the childminder does not maintain written agreements with parents or a log of complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has satisfactory regard for the children in her care. She ensures they are protected from people not vetted by not leaving them alone with anyone, maintaining their safety. Children benefit from a good level of adult support as the childminder currently cares for a low number of children.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains some of the required documentation. For example, the record of children's attendance is accurate and up to date. Confidentiality is maintained because the childminder stores all documentation securely and it is retained for at least the required time. 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 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment and to administer medication and keep a record of any medication given • maintain a written agreement with parents which sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child and keep a complaints log.

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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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