Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY365018 Unique Reference Number 07 July 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 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 has been registered since 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and three years. They live in the Solihull area of the West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house and the upstairs bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 four children at any one time and is currently caring for six children under the age of seven years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are learning about the importance of hygiene and personal care. Photographs displayed in the toilet remind children to wash their hands and they use liquid soap and paper towels to prevent the spread of germs. The risk of

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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 cross-infection is minimised because parents are aware that their child should not attend if they have a contagious illness. Children are adequately protected in case of a minor accident because there is a properly stocked first aid box and appropriate systems to record accidents and medication given to children. Although the childminder is willing to complete a first aid course and has tried to access one, she does not have a current first aid certificate. Parents have not signed consent forms which enable the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice. Therefore, children’s needs are compromised in the event of a medical emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are well met and their good health is promoted. Meals are well balanced, nutritious and give consideration to children's likes, dislikes and parental preferences. Children visit the family allotment and are actively involved in growing fruit and vegetables such as, potatoes, carrots, radish, lettuce, courgettes, strawberries and raspberries. They pick and collect vegetables and help the childminder prepare them for the evening meal. Water and diluted juices are readily available to ensure that children do not become thirsty. Children are kept healthy as the childminder follows clear food hygiene practices that minimise the risk of children eating unsafe food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physical activities are regularly provided which contributes to children's good health. They develop control and coordination as they manoeuvre wheeled toys and use a slide. Children get plenty of fresh air when they go for walks in the park and visit National Trust recreational areas. They enjoy dancing to action songs and attending soft play areas. Consequently, children 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where risks have been identified and minimised by the use of safety equipment, such as socket covers. Daily visual checks are made in all areas of the home and garden to ensure that they are safe and secure. This enables children to move freely and play safely with good quality toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, they are beginning to understand that they do not climb on furniture because they could fall and hurt themselves. Young children are fastened securely into pushchairs when they are out and about. Older children learn about road safety and know they have to stay close to the childminder. Children are appropriately protected in the event of a fire as fire safety equipment is in place. The childminder has practised fire drills with children to ensure they understand the procedure. Smoke alarms are checked fortnightly to ensure they are in good working order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is satisfactorily safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of child protection procedures. She is aware that the safety and welfare of children are her first priority. Children’s welfare is further protected because they are not left unsupervised with persons who have not been appropriately vetted and they are not released into the care of unauthorised individuals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the caring environment. They have a good relationship with the childminder who ensures that they are cared for as individuals with differing needs. She has a good knowledge of child development and is well aware of their likes, dislikes and interests.

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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 Children are at ease to go to her for comfort, reassurance and support. They are well nurtured because the childminder appropriately responds to and anticipates their needs, for example she recognises when young children are tired or hungry. The broad range of toys and activities helps to extend children's learning and ensures that they are having fun. Activities are rotated to maintain children's interest and provide variety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported in their learning as the childminder joins in with their spontaneous play and offers ideas. Activities meet the needs of children at their different stages of development; as a result they are appropriately challenged and are making good progress. Children use musical instruments, experiment with paint and make models from play dough. They decorate bird boxes and design jewellery. Children socialise with other children during visits to the library and experience play opportunities outside of the home through regular outings to the park and places of interest such as Hatton Country World. The childminder uses the internet and early years literature to get ideas for play; as a result children's learning is enhanced in all areas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are treated equally and receive care according to their individual needs. Their interests, likes and dislikes are discussed with parents during the settling-in period. This practice helps children to develop a sense of belonging. They have equal access to a good range of resources that promotes their awareness of the wider world, for example, play people, card games and books loaned from the library. Children enjoy the 'world game' which helps them to develop their understanding of different currencies, languages and traditions. The childminder has a sound understanding of how to provide activities and care to ensure all children develop at their own pace. She attends meetings and follows health care plans to ensure that children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are fully included and reach their full potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to play together and how to respect each other's feelings. They are learning to share toys and are encouraged to be kind to each other. Children respond to the childminder's kindness and spontaneous cuddles. They are told when they are being good and unacceptable behaviour is clearly explained to them. As a result children develop good self-esteem. They are learning about 'house rules' which encourages expected behaviour. Star charts are used as a reward for good behaviour and in recognition of their achievements. Children receive a star for all sorts of reasons. For example, for showing acts of kindness, persevering with activities and as an encouragement when toilet training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive relationships with parents and works in partnership with them to meet children's individual needs by gradual introductions and settling-in periods. Information is shared verbally at the beginning and end of each day. Parents' views are valued and respected. Complimentary letters written by parents confirm that they are 'delighted with the care' and believe that the childminder to be 'sensitive to needs'. A daily diary or information sheet for children who attend part-time, ensures that parents are kept informed about their child's day. Photographs show parents the wide range of activities that children take part in. Confidentiality for children and their families is assured because the childminder understands about privacy and has suitable systems in place to ensure that paperwork is securely stored.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a relaxed, homely environment. Space is appropriately organised to enable children to experience playing with a wide range of activities in the living room. They make choices and freely access toys and resources, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. Information regularly exchanged with parents helps to make sure that their views are respected and they know about their children's daily routine and progress.

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Organisation

Records and documentation are well maintained and securely and confidentially stored. The childminder has most of the required information and consent from parents. Although she has tried to access training in first aid, the childminder does not currently hold a first aid certificate which potentially compromises children's well-being and is a breach of regulations. She is interested in training as a way of keeping her knowledge and skills updated and is currently completing a Level 2 childcare qualification. 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 permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice • complete an appropriate first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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