Childminder in SolihullOfsted inspection, 24 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303434 Inspection date 24 October 2005 Inspector Janet Ann Keeling

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her parents and her adult brother. The childminder's mother is also a registered childminder and works in partnership with her daughter. They live in a house on a small residential estate in Balsall Common. The house is within walking distance of local shops, school, parks and public transport. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden area available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children whilst working alone and eight children whilst working with another childminder. Currently there are seven children

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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 on roll. The family have one dog. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and very well maintained environment. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through well established daily routines. For example, children understand why they must wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Children have access to an exciting range of activities which contributes to their good health and well-being and have very good opportunities to develop their physical skills through regular access to outdoor play equipment. For example, as they play in the garden and visit the local park where they have access to a range of equipment including climbing and balancing equipment, swings and a slide. Children enjoy the fresh air and explore their local environment as they take regular walks with the childminder. Older children are encouraged to walk to and from school each day. Children's health needs are very well supported because the childminder is fully

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Helping children to be healthy

aware of the children's individual needs and has effective procedures in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately should they be taken ill. Children's accident and medication forms are all in place and well maintained, however, written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment is not available. Children learn about healthy eating through regular discussions with the childminder and are beginning to make healthy choices for themselves, for example, as they are encouraged to choose a piece of fruit after their lunch and at snack time. Older children bring in their own water bottles whilst younger children are offered drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are able to move around very safely and freely as identified risks and hazards have been minimised. Children are very well protected from fire within the home as the childminder has excellent precautions in place, such as a fire blanket, smoke detectors and a well thought through written evacuation procedure. Children are made aware of the emergency escape procedures and practise the fire drill regularly. Children learn to keep themselves safe whilst out walking or when taking part in

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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 outings because the childminder has robust procedures in place. Children are encouraged to follow the highway code, hold hands, listen to instructions and learn about hazards in their environment. For example, children know which equipment they can safely use at the park, they listen carefully to instructions from the childminder and know not to talk to strangers. Children use a very good range of suitable and safe equipment which is regularly checked to ensure it is safe for the children to use. Children are very carefully supervised at all times, for example, as they play with toys and equipment both in and outside of the home. Children are extremely well protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has an excellent understanding of her role and responsibilities whilst

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protecting children in her care. She is fully aware of the child protection procedures and knows who to contact should she be concerned. Children benefit from the childminder having a sound knowledge of first aid, and because she has comprehensive procedures in place to follow in an emergency situation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, settled and enjoy their time with the childminder. Children are eager to learn and participate enthusiastically in the good range of activities provided. Children have many opportunities to use their own initiative when selecting toys and resources. Children learn new skills and acquire new knowledge through planned and free play activities, and through the appropriate questioning and listening skills of the childminder. For example, as the children made special cards, the childminder asked the children, '' tell me about your card'', ''who is your card for''. Children are monitored closely by the childminder, who is able to assess the children's individual needs. Children are encouraged to develop their early reading and writing skills as they play, for example, children were encouraged to develop their early mark making skills whilst making their cards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from further learning opportunities and play experiences within the local community as they regularly attend pre-school groups, take walks around their local community and enjoy a picnic in the park. Children enjoy excellent relationships with the childminder and each other, children are treated with equal concern and begin to show respect for each other. Children's self-esteem is positively fostered through very good levels of support and encouragement from the childminder. Children are actively praised for their achievements and encouraged to take pride in their own work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in this very child friendly environment, children

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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 are encouraged to make decisions about their own play and actively engage in a good range of activities which are both adult-led and child-initiated. Children are valued as individuals and their needs are skilfully supported by the childminder, for example, as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with the parents on admission. Children choose from a good range of toys and resources which promote positive imagery of gender, culture, ethnicity and disability. Children's awareness of different cultures is further promoted through discussion with the childminder. Children are aware of the house rules and are encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions, consequently their behaviour is very good. Children's understanding of right and wrong is further developed as children respond positively

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to gentle reminders from the childminder, to care for the toys and each other as they play. Children are valued and encouraged at all times by the very knowledgeable childminder. A very focused partnership with parents contributes effectively to the children's individual needs being supported at all times. Children's individual care needs are fully discussed with parents before the child starts with the childminder and are reviewed regularly. Children's daily activities and achievements are shared verbally with parents each day ensuring parents are kept fully informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's individual needs are very well supported in this welcoming and child friendly environment. Children are happy, settled and feel a good sense of belonging. Children are motivated and interested in the exciting range of toys and activities that are made available to them. Children benefit from well established routines which have a good regard for their individual needs. The childminder makes very good use of her home, the garden and the facilities within the local community. All legally required documentation is in place together with well-written policies and procedures which support the childminder's effective working practices. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, as this is the first inspection.

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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 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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