Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504592 Inspection date 21 July 2005 Inspector Rebecca Trow

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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 1990. She lives with her husband and adult son. They live in a house in Rednal in Birmingham. The house is close to local shops and schools and is accessible by bus. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding as well as the bathroom and one bedroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder takes children to a local toddler group.

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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 well protected from infection and illness because of the childminder's clear understanding of good hygiene. They develop an understanding of healthy living through daily routines such as washing their hands and cleaning their teeth. Procedures for giving medication and recording the information are clear and detailed, ensuring that children receive the correct dose. Children learn about a healthy lifestyle through regular discussion with the childminder. They are well nourished because in addition to meals provided by parents, the childminder offers regular drinks and fruit, with sweets available as an occasional treat. She ensures children's individual dietary requirements are met after thorough discussion with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around the setting freely and safely because the childminder has minimized any potential hazards. They learn how to keep themselves safe with encouragement from the childminder. For example older children are taught good road safety and younger children are shown how to negotiate outdoor steps safely. Children have access to a good range of well maintained toys and resources which are stored at their level, enabling them to self select. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder does not have a valid first aid certificate which means that children's health and safety may be compromised in the event of an accident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a wide range of activities both in the childminder's home and at toddler group. They are well supported by the childminder who provides a good balance between free play and structured activities. The childminder encourages children to try new tasks, offering clear guidance and assisting where necessary. Children develop independence and confidence, as the childminder praises their efforts and achievements. Children develop strong relationships with the childminder and each other. They share and take turns easily and show interest in what they are doing. Regular opportunities to assist the childminder in routine tasks mean children often gain new skills as well as developing existing ones. For example children help the childminder to tidy up the toys after an activity.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs and routines are well met by the childminder, after detailed discussion with parents. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They develop an understanding of the wider world through discussion with the childminder and the availability of a good range of resources reflecting various races, gender roles and abilities. The childminder's consistent approach to behaviour management means that children have a clear understanding of her expectations. They understand the difference between right and wrong and reasons for certain rules. Clear and regular communication between the childminder and parents means that children benefit from consistent care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a good range of activities both inside and outside the home. The childminding service is well organised with children able to make choices throughout the day. The childminder offers a good level of support to children and ensures they are well occupied. The childminder maintains most of the required documentation accurately and in detail, though permission to transport children in a car, or leave them in the care of an assistant is not obtained from parents. All documentation is stored securely in order to maintain confidentiality. Overall the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder agreed to maintain an accurate record of children's attendance. The childminder now records the times children are present. The childminder also agreed to obtain a fire blanket, the telephone number of the local Social Services office and written permission to transport children in a car and to leave them in the care of an assistant. There is now a fire blanket in the kitchen and the childminder has a good understanding of how to contact Social Services, though she does not have the telephone number recorded. The childminder does not have written parental permission to transport children in a car or to leave them in the care of an assistant.

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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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • obtain written parental consent to transport children in a car and to leave them in the care of an assistant.

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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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