Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY320256 Unique Reference Number 08 April 2008 Inspection date Carol Johnson 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives in the Handsworth area of Birmingham with her 16-year-old son. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding. The garden is not currently available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently minds a total of four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder provides before and after school care. The childminder holds recognised early years qualifications and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from the risk of infection because they are cared for in a very clean and hygienic environment. A range of measures is in place to ensure that hygiene within the home is actively promoted. For example, toys and equipment are regularly cleaned and suitable nappy changing procedures are followed. Children are learning about the importance of thorough

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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 hygiene practices through well-established daily routines and following the childminder's good example. The childminder has attended food hygiene training and this is reflected in her everyday practice with regards to food preparation and storage.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes effective measures to ensure that children's best interests are served should they become ill or have an accident. She maintains well-stocked first aid supplies and holds a current first aid certificate. Her written sickness policy makes it very clear to parents that they should not send children who are obviously unwell and could pose a potential health risk to others. Required documentation to ensure children’s health is well maintained and regular communication with parents ensures that she is fully aware of any medical conditions relating to children in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s dietary needs are appropriately met because they are offered a range of healthy meals and snacks. The childminder liaises with parents as to who provides meals and some send food, whilst the childminder cooks for others. Consequently, the food offered is in line with parental wishes and individual children’s preferences. Children’s allergy and dietary requirements are considered appropriately as the childminder talks to parents about individual needs and she records and respects their requirements. Children are not at risk of dehydration as drinks are freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive as they enjoy a wide range of physical activities and have frequent opportunities to experience fresh air and exercise. They go on regular outings in the local environment and visit local parks where there is plenty of space for children to run around and expend energy. Indoors, children dance, play musical instruments and join in with action songs. They exercise their fine muscles through painting, drawing, sewing and doing jigsaw puzzles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to eat, rest and sleep according to their needs because the childminder talks to parents about their children’s routines at home and she gets to know children’s individual requirements. Daily routines are then flexibly organised to reflect those needs. Consequently, children are able to predict what is likely to happen throughout the day and they receive consistency of care.

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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 very warm, welcoming and homely environment. They have sufficient room to play and can move freely and rest in comfort. Space is well organised and children are able to independently access a range of resources that are safely stored and developmentally appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps are taken to identify and minimise potential risks to children's safety, for example, hazardous materials are stored out of reach of children and safety gates prevent young children from accessing the kitchen unsupervised. The childminder checks her home and equipment throughout the day and ensures that her car is appropriately maintained and suitable child safety seats are used. Children are well supervised at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Road safety is actively practised whilst out and about in the local environment and thorough precautions are taken on outings. The childminder raises issues regarding road safety in a child-friendly manner through discussion, playing games and sharing books. Children are well protected in the event of a fire or a need to evacuate the premises. The childminder has devised

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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 an emergency escape plan and she has shared it with the children so that they can develop an awareness of what they should do in a real emergency situation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and is confident of her ability to put procedures into practice should it become necessary. She demonstrates a clear understanding of the indicators of abuse and neglect and recognises that children's welfare is her main priority. She ensures that parents are clear with regards to her own child protection responsibilities and a written policy is shared. Children are only released into the care of known individuals and they are not left unsupervised with persons who have not been appropriately vetted, for example, workmen or visitors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children can access a variety of stimulating activities and good quality resources that help to extend and support their learning and play experiences. A selection of toys is easily accessible and includes construction toys, small world items and lots of craft resources. The childminder informally plans her day taking into account children's individual needs, routines and interests. She regularly observes children during play to assess what they can do and where to move them on next. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's all-round development and is enthusiastic and committed towards meeting their needs and extending their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and having lots of fun. They laugh, smile and demonstrate an abundance of positive body language. They are at ease to go to the childminder for comfort, reassurance and guidance and a good level of support is given. The childminder skilfully avoids interrupting children’s play unnecessarily and this allows them to explore and learn independently. They are given plenty of time and space to learn, refine and practise skills and the childminder motivates them through lots of praise and encouragement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's communication skills are constantly being developed as the childminder cleverly encourages interaction. She asks them open-ended questions and actively shows an interest in their responses. She helps children to learn about numbers and colours through regularly offering activities such as matching, counting and singing songs. Children are keen to show off their achievements and participate with enthusiasm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children who attend after school are also supported and stimulated as a range of fun activities are planned and available, for example, sewing, cookery and craft activities. Also, should parents wish, the childminder helps and supports children with their homework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated as individuals. They benefit from the good relationship that exists between their parents and the childminder. Their home routines are known and followed and this helps children to settle and their parents to feel at ease. A wealth of information about the childminder's service is shared with parents. They talk on a daily basis and receive clear written information about her policies and procedures. Daily record sheets provide parents with additional information regarding routines and activities and help to ensure consistency of care. Confidentiality for children and their families is assured. Parents comment positively on the

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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 progress their children have made whilst in her care and the friendly, welcoming and flexible service that she provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through easy access to a wide range of resources and activities that promotes a knowledge and understanding of diversity. Children can choose from a variety of resources that show positive images of diversity, for example, dolls, books and jigsaw puzzles. The childminder has limited experience of providing care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but displays a very positive attitude towards doing so if asked. She is aware of children's developmental stages and is confident of her ability to approach existing parents if she had concerns about their child's progress. Consequently, all parents can expect any requests for care to be carefully considered and additional support sought if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder effectively uses a range of positive and developmentally appropriate strategies to manage their behaviour. For example, these include distraction, explanation and 'time out'. Her behaviour management policy is shared and discussed with parents to ensure consistency of care for children. House rules are clearly explained to children and their good behaviour is encouraged and acknowledged through lots of praise and the use of reward charts.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a homely and caring environment. Space and resources are effectively organised to meet their needs and daily routines are flexibly planned around children's individual requirements. Experiences to enhance children's leaning and development are informally planned and reflect children's individual needs and interests. Children receive a good level of support and attention and the childminder provides a flexible service to meet the needs of families.

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Organisation

Parents and children benefit from the childminder’s experience, positive attitude and commitment to training. This is reflected in the good level of care and service that she provides. The childminder holds recognised early years qualifications and has attended a wealth of additional training to improve her knowledge of relevant subjects, for example, 'allergy awareness', 'cookery with children' and 'fire safety'.

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Organisation

Children's care and welfare are actively promoted as the childminder has all documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the provision. Paperwork is stored appropriately and it is generally well maintained. However, children's welfare is not fully safeguarded as the daily record of their attendance does not reflect children's actual hours of attendance. 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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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 the hours of attendance for children are accurately recorded.

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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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