Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358551 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2008 Inspection date Diane Ashplant 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. She lives with her husband and one child aged one year. The family lives in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham, close to the local park, schools and other amenities. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a small fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for four children under five years of age. The childminder takes children to local pre-school groups and holds a childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well-promoted through opportunities for regular exercise and developing physical skills throughout the day as the childminder is aware of the benefits of fresh air and exercise. Children move freely around the ground floor space as they practise their early walking skills and enjoy playing in the tent and the tunnel. Children have access to a small garden and go out for regular walks to visit the park and other local facilities. Children's health is protected

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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 by regular cleaning routines to maintain an hygienic environment as the childminder understands the importance of infection control. There are thorough routines for nappy changing such as the use of gloves and aprons to prevent cross-infection and information about the sick children's policy and infectious diseases is shared effectively with parents. Children are protected in the event of an accident or illness as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate which she routinely renews. She is aware of the need to record accidents and medication appropriately to ensure children's health and has a clear policy with identified adults as a back-up in case of emergencies. However, she was not able to demonstrate that she had obtained consent from the parents allowing her to act in an emergency which could compromise children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is well-promoted through the childminder's sound understanding of how to provide a balanced and nutritious menu. Children enjoy lots of fruit snacks and home-cooked food and are able to join in cookery sessions such as making vegetable soup and banana muffins which helps them develop a better understanding of the benefits of certain foods. The childminder talks carefully with parents about children's individual routines and preferences which she seeks to follow, and respects any specific dietary needs. She holds a food hygiene certificate and knows how to prepare and store food appropriately. Children are given regular drinks throughout the day and older ones can access fresh drinking water independently which helps to keep them hydrated.

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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 secure and child-orientated family home where the childminder is generally alert to any possible dangers and has taken appropriate action to protect them from these. However, the presence of high storage items which are regularly accessed and the many different resources on the floor create a falling and tripping hazard which may potentially compromise children's safety. The childminder is aware of the need to protect children at all times and has a good understanding of safety issues around transport and walking. All fire protection systems are in place and the childminder has a clearly defined evacuation route which she practises with the children. Children are learning about personal safety as they talk regularly to the childminder about such things as road safety and carefully access the steps in the garden. All appropriate policies are in place to protect children at all times such as safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

collection and these are effectively shared with parents. There are a good range of resources and equipment which are carefully chosen and monitored to ensure they are safe, suitable and age-appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well-protected as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to child protection and how to pass on any significant concerns appropriately. She has attended additional training to develop her understanding in this area. There is a clear and comprehensive policy which is shared and signed by parents so they also understand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are fully included in this warm and stimulating family home where they enjoy a very wide range of opportunities to expand their thinking and learning through different play experiences. The rooms are set up to encourage children to self-select activities of their choice with the childminder often engaging and questioning to provide challenge. Children are regularly

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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 asked what they would like to do and their preferences are respected and used to plan the day. The childminder very skilfully uses items like her bag of toys to prompt suggestions for songs and also to fully involve the interest of different aged children. Therefore all children engage happily in the activities as the childminder adjusts her talk and challenges to suit their particular age and stage. The childminder plans her day to ensure that children are offered a good range of different experiences and these regularly include trips out into the community and to different groups which increases the children's socialisation opportunities. She has created an ideal balance of children's choice and more adult-led activities and engages enthusiastically herself in sessions such as creative play with paint and straws or in growing and planting activities or

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

cookery sessions. The childminder understands the importance of observing each child's individual development so she can more effectively encourage their progress. She regularly takes photos and collects items of their work to share with parents and evaluates how they respond to different activities so she knows best how to plan for their next steps. The childminder provides a vibrant and relaxed home where children feel very comfortable and settle well due to her responsive and caring manner. She is always including children in her conversations, allowing them to make choices and develop their own thinking and they benefit immensely from being part of this environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are really valued as individuals as the childminder gets to know them well, spending lots of time with parents and encouraging them to share all useful information about their children so they can settle down easily and soon feel comfortable. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and lots of inviting resources are set out and displayed to encourage children to engage. The childminder naturally responds to the children showing interest in who they are and including them through lots of discussion and questions. Children are given good choices as the childminder often asks for their particular preferences and allows older ones good opportunities to initiate their own play. Children enjoy regular trips to visit the local community as they go to the park, attend activities like 'rhythm and rhyme' or join in with other pre-school groups. The children are helped to understand and value diversity as the childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

provides a positive attitude and encourages children to choose freely from a wide range of resources and also to enjoy the culturally-based activities at other groups. This enables them to enjoy many different social and play opportunities. The childminder has had experience of working with children with specific needs and knows the importance of liaising closely with the parents and accessing appropriate support from outside professionals to ensure each child is fully included and helped towards achieving their potentials. The childminder is skilled at including all children in the play sessions and is able to adapt the activity according to their individual ages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good as the childminder provides a consistent role model offering lots of positive praise and encouragement so that children feel valued. She is aware that children need boundaries and will explain to them what behaviour is appropriate, such as encouraging them to share and play well together. She regularly seeks their views and values their work which she records for them to look at and share with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good as the childminder recognises the importance of keeping close links with the parents. She provides a good settling-in process which allows child and parent time to adjust to their new environment and to get to know her. She takes all appropriate information about each child and also shares lots of interesting information about herself and her business with the parents, providing a comprehensive selection of policies for them to read.

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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 Parents are always able to discuss their child with the childminder and they also receive a written dairy to take home as well as a collection of work and photos in their memory books and folders. This ensures parents are fully involved in their child's time here.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being part of a child-orientated environment where the childminder devotes her time to providing a caring, interesting and happy environment for children. The day is well-organised to provide a range of different experiences for the children and also includes regular trips to visit the community and attend different pre-school groups. The childminder is aware of her responsibly towards the children at all times and always supervise them carefully around other unchecked adults. She has attended all the required training and shows a good commitment to continuing her professional development by undertaking a range of different and appropriate training. She has made good links with the community and pre-school groups, for example, she is part of the local inclusion group and is fully aware of how to manage her business to ensure all children are included and their needs well met.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is in place and well-organised and the childminder has a good understanding of the need to respect confidentiality and to keep everything regularly reviewed and up to date. She has collected a range of useful information about her business to share with parents, all the daily records are well-maintained and most of the required consents are in place. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 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): • review the risk assessment with regard to potential hazards caused by equipment and resources stored both at high levels and on the floor

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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 • ensure written parental permission is in place to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future.

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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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