Childminder in Walsall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 255312 Inspection date 12 October 2005 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 1987. She lives with her husband and two children aged 8 and 10 years. They live in the Great Barr area of Birmingham on the border with Walsall, within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding. On the first floor a bedroom is used for sleeping young children and the bathroom is used. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. She is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 5

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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 children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing before meals and after using the toilet. Children benefit from a very flexible routine that gives them opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. They play with a good selection of toys and resources that conform to safety standards. Good, detailed procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they have an accident or become ill. The childminder has a good understanding of current first aid practice and has attended relevant training, although her knowledge of notifiable diseases is limited. Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills as the childminder takes children on regular walks to the local shops and park. Children enjoy participating in day trips to places such as the zoo, farm and local castles. Regular

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Helping children to be healthy

use of the garden enables children to play outside and enjoy the fresh air. Children’s health and dietary needs are well met through parents providing food and written information supporting individual requirements. Drinks are readily available which encourages children to have sufficient fluids.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children can move safely and independently throughout the home as all risks have been identified and minimised by the childminder. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to help children effectively organise their environment and setting safe limits. This helps children begin to take responsibility for themselves and others. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant. Children learn to keep themselves safe because they are gently reminded about safety rules within the home, take part in regular emergency evacuation procedures and are learning about road safety whilst on outings. This helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe. Children have access to an excellent range of toys and equipment that are developmentally appropriate. Toys and equipment are checked and cleaned regularly, particularly baby toys which ensure that children play with safe and suitable

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment and helps to create a very stimulating environment. Detailed

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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 documentation and regular communication with parents contributes to children’s safety. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has an excellent understanding of child protection policies and procedures and gives high priority to children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled within the childminding environment. They take part in an excellent range of activities which they find appealing and show their enjoyment by singing and chattering whilst playing. The childminder has a very good understanding of the developmental needs of all the children in her care. This enables her to adapt activities, ensuring they are suitable for either babies or older children. Children are encouraged to initiate their own play as well as participating in more structured activities. As a result children are engrossed in their play and concentrate very well on their chosen activity. Children are very confident and develop positive relationships with the childminder and each other. They learn to share and take turns from an early age and understand the needs of their peers. The childminder is skilled at assessing children's needs

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

during activities, she asks if they need help when setting up games and praises children’s efforts and achievements. This helps to boost children’s independence skills and self confidence. The childminder plans activities in advance, linking themes to reinforce children's learning such as collecting conkers and leaves to initiate discussions about the seasons and make autumn pictures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children benefit from plenty of attention and they have a very good rapport with the childminder. Children feel a sense of belonging because of the familiar daily routine. Their individuality is valued as the childminder is aware of their likes and dislikes. Children are beginning to value and recognise similarities and differences within society through positive image resources such as jigsaw puzzles and books, although these are limited. Children learn to share, take turns and respect each other and their behaviour is good. They respond very well to the childminder’s calm and patient approach. Children benefit from the partnership between parents and the childminder because their achievements and daily routines are discussed regularly. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure their children’s needs are met. Parents are kept well

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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 informed about the childminding service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting is very homely and well organised which helps to support children in their play and learning. Children benefit from an experienced childminder who clearly enjoys spending time interacting and supporting their individual needs. All required documentation is in place which ensures that parents are well informed about their child’s achievements and progress. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that numbers of children being minded at any one time complied with the number specified on the registration certificate. The childminder's registration certificate has been varied accordingly and the childminder has vigilantly adhered to all conditions ensuring she is able to provide good quality care for children.

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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): • obtain a list of notifiable diseases • develop resources reflecting positive images of culture and disability.

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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 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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