Childminder in SolihullOfsted inspection, 21 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303004 Inspection date 21 September 2005 Inspector Sarah Barnsley

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 15,10 and 8 years old. They live in a house in the Castle Bromwich area of Solihull, close to local shops, parks and public transport. The whole of the ground floor together with the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and one child over five after school. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The family has cold water fish and a dog.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy satisfactory health and a healthy lifestyle as they begin to understand the importance of a healthy diet such as lots of fruit, vegetables and salads. Children are offered choices of nutritious meals and snacks including breakfast and a hot lunch, that appeals to them and meets dietary and parent's requirements. Children have independent and regular access to water and squash throughout the day. Children stay healthy because the childminder incorporates simple acceptable health and hygiene practices, such as regular washing of hands after using the toilet, before eating and after handling the dog. Children are protected from illness because the childminder has an adequate understanding of infectious diseases, however a written sick child policy is not available. Children are cared for in a healthy environment for instance, they enjoy physical activity such as walking to local schools, visiting the parks and shops.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs in a relaxing environment for instance, use of comforters and background music being played.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from harm and neglect, they are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor environment that is suitably safe including visual risk assessments and implemented procedures such as fire drills. Children are kept safe on outings for example use of prams and pushchairs, harnesses and reins. Children learn about keeping themselves safe for instance they only handle the dog when the childminder is present and not opening the front door. Children are protected sufficiently because the childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse, although there is no current Area Child Protection Committee procedure to follow. Children’s awareness of safety is promoted as the childminder does practice fire drills, although there is no written fire procedure. Children play, eat and sleep in adequate, safe and healthy premises. Children are able to move around freely have easy access to toys and equipment

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

stored in plastic boxes and on shelves. Children are protected from harm as toys, equipment and furniture are safe, clean and in a good condition.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to settle well at the childminder's house. They have adequate

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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 opportunities to relate with each other and socialise with other children through attendance at local schools. Children can become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities such as imaginative play, construction, jigsaws and books which appeal to all. Children have sufficient opportunity to listen and respond to stories and songs. The childminder ensures all children spend their time purposefully. She uses many day-to-day domestic routines such as tidying away toys and activities to provide a generally sufficient range of learning opportunities. Children can enjoy and explore a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as listening and moving to music, dressing-up, painting and cutting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children join in, take responsibility and play a productive part in the provision for example, deciding what to play with and sharing with one another. The childminder works with the parents to meet children’s individual needs, by providing them with daily feedback on activities the children have done. Children understand responsible behaviour by working effectively with others, making choices and taking decisions such as selecting own equipment. They develop self-esteem skills and respect for others through activities with the childminder, for instance being kind, helpful and taking-turns. Showing awareness of their needs and the needs of others. Children are cared for as individuals and can choose from some toys that reflect diversity such as books, although activities need to include more positive images. All children are able to join in with the activities provided, enabling them to feel valued

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and gain a sense of self worth. Adequate methods for obtaining information regarding children’s individual needs are in place. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents, however there is no written complaints procedure or behaviour management statement.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the children, she is sufficiently organised for example, taking the children out and makes adequate use of the space available. The children are happy and offered a satisfactory range of activities that includes all areas of development. The childminder is actively involved in the children’s play and listens and talks to children throughout the day. Equipment is suitable and all toys are clean and suited to the age and ability of the children that attend. The childminder ensures children are cared for according to their parent’s wishes for instance, a positive relationship is built with the parents of the children she cares for, with any concerns she has discussed during daily verbal feedback. Children are able to participate in an organised daily routine that includes eating, playing, going-out and resting. All children have access to toys and equipment and

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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 play materials inside and make use of the facilities in the local environment, including the park. Children respond positively to the routine. Some documentation is available although no written policies or procedures in place.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • devise a sick child policy and share this with the parents • develop written policies and procedures for example devise a written fire procedure and inform parents • obtain a copy of the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures • extend resources that enable children to learn about diversity • develop policies and procedures such as providing parents with the name, address and telephone number of Ofsted and devise a behaviour management statement.

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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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