Childminder in BirminghamOfsted inspection, 10 Feb 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 228139 Inspection date 10 February 2006 Inspector Adelaide Griffiths

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1994. She lives with her husband, one adult child and another child aged seven years. They live in a house in North West Birmingham within walking distance of local shops, a parent and toddler group, parks, a library and primary school. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group twice weekly.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean environment. They are clearly learning about personal hygiene when they wash hands as part of the routine prior to eating and after some activities and the use of the toilet. The childminder has effective procedures for minimising cross-infection. Children are supplied with individual flannels for drying hands and good practice is implemented for nappy changing routines. Children's health needs are competently met due to exclusion and sickness policies. In the event of sickness children are made comfortable until collected by parents. Consents for medication and emergency medical treatment are in place. The childminder holds a current first aid qualification and a first aid box is stored. Protective sun lotion is applied with parental permission before children engage in outdoor activities. Owing to these measures children's personal hygiene and health

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Helping children to be healthy

are competently maintained. Children are gaining a good understanding of healthy eating. Snacks, including fruit, are provided by childminder in addition to packed lunches supplied by parents. Children are encouraged to eat all healthy options included in packed meals. Children have access to drinks provided by parents and may request drinks at any time due to a choice of juice or water offered by the childminder. Children's individual dietary needs are addressed. The variety from packed lunches and snacks offered by the childminder ensures that children are gaining an understanding of healthy options. Children benefit from daily exercise by walking to school or playing in the park. A good range of outdoor large play equipment is provided to promote physical skills. A routine is in place that includes rest and sleep as required. Also during quiet periods children sit on the settee whilst reading or watching television programmes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Therefore, children benefit from a balance between vigorous exercise and rest periods.

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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 safe environment. The house is welcoming and warm with lots of natural light, ventilation and controlled central heating. There is sufficient space and furniture for all children. A booster seat with safety reins is provided for toddlers. There is good storage with labelled boxes for toys and resources that are purchased from reputable suppliers. Toys are chosen for age appropriateness and durability. All toys are checked constantly and damaged items discarded to ensure that they remain safe for use with children. Daily risk assessments are carried out to ensure that the premises are ready for children's arrival. All hazardous substances are securely stored. Owing to these measures children's safety is maintained. Children's security is ensured at all times with locked doors. They play safely in the

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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 garden under the supervision of the childminder. Similarly, when accessing the front of the premises supervision is maintained. However, the steps linking the pavement to the front door are quite steep and may pose a potential hazard for young children. A good range of safety measures, including safety gates, is in place to ensure that children are safe indoors. They are clearly learning about fire safety when participating in fire drills. All required measures have been taken for fire prevention. A comprehensive range of procedures is in place for outings. Owing to competent arrangements children's safety is ensured. Children's welfare is competently safeguarded due to the childminder's understanding of child protection issues. Parents are made aware of the childminder's responsibility to protect children. She is clearly informed of recording

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and reporting procedures and all paperwork is in place. The childminder is well informed about procedures in the event of allegations against members of the household. In keeping with the childminder's understanding of procedures children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a child-friendly environment. A large range of toys is provided for children under three years. Children play with a colourful selection of musical and flashing toys that promote sensory stimulation. A treasure basket with toys of varied textures help children to develop a sense of touch. Children also play with toys that require them to press buttons and knobs thereby developing their co-ordination skills. Children also have access to a vast selection of soft toys which are treated as a source of comfort. Owing to the provision younger children are benefiting from good stimulation. Children have access to a large range of dolls and figures that promote positive images. They use arts and craft materials for promoting creative skills by scribbling and drawing. Jigsaw puzzles with large pieces help children to develop concentration and problem solving skills. The childminder joins in children's imaginative play with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

role play equipment. During quiet times the childminder reads to younger children and promotes their recognition skills by talking about pictures and images in the books. A good supply of colourful bricks and other construction toys are available for children's enjoyment and to promote fine motor skills. In keeping with the range of toys provided children are participating in interesting activities. Older children also benefit from a good supply of board games, jigsaw puzzles, role play equipment, books and table top games. In addition the childminder often supplements the vast selection of toys with borrowed items from the toy library to provide variety and to maintain children's interest in play and learning. All children have access to varied activities that promote their development.

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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 are valued in the setting. All children are treated as individuals with due attention paid to their dietary and other specific needs. Children are encouraged to respect the culture of others at all times and this is supported by the use of toys and resources. Children have a sense of belonging due to a collection of children's work and photographs relating to activities. The childminder has good understanding of caring for children with special needs. She would ensure that all aspects of care was clearly explained by parents. She is willing to offer care to children with special needs and would take into consideration the effect on other minded children. Owing to good practice children's individual needs are met effectively. Children are gaining a good understanding of the wider community. They attend

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Helping children make a positive contribution

playgroup and the childminders' after school group regularly. They participate in frequent outings to shops, the park and the library. During the school breaks children also attend a range of entertaining activities. The range of experiences ensure that children are benefiting from activities in the community. Children are well-behaved. Behaviour management is agreed with parents and supported by a written policy. Children are comfortable in the setting; the childminder offers praise constantly for effort and achievement. Children's independence is clearly fostered by being encouraged to exercise choice in regard to some activities and routines. If children engage in unacceptable behaviour the childminder manages this competently according to children's age and stage of development. Incident records are maintained when required. The childminder's proactive approach encourages children's positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. The childminder maintains ongoing communication to keep parents informed of children's daily experiences. A settling in period is agreed as required with parents at the start of the childminding to allow children time to form relationships. Arrangements are in place for the collection of children in the event of emergencies. All parents are informed of the complaints procedure and a complaints record is maintained. The partnership with parents contributes to children's good care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder takes steps to update her knowledge with attendances on relevant courses. There is good organisation for the care of children. A rota is in place for activities included in the daily routine. A range of interesting activities are planned and materials with information in regard to these is available. Activities for all age groups are included. The premises are checked and preparations made for children's arrival. Routine cleaning is carried out at the end of the day. A good range of documentation is in place for the care of children and for supporting parents. Records are stored securely and confidentially. The childminder is clearly informed about procedures for updating and the retention of records. She is aware of notifying Ofsted about significant changes. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Organisation

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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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve daily practice by updating skills and knowledge on a regular basis. This has been addressed with attendance on recent relevant courses. At the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep a written record of significant incidents. Records of incidents are in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 11: Behaviour. The complaint related to the childminder's strategies for managing behaviour. Ofsted investigated the concerns. An action was set. The provider remains qualified for registration. 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): • take positive steps to ensure that potential hazards to children's safety is minimised when accessing the front of the house.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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