Childminder in BirminghamOfsted inspection, 21 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227612 Inspection date 21 October 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 1998. She lives with her two adult children and son aged 10 years in a house in Kings Heath, Birmingham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, as well as the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently caring for four children, three of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to a local school to take and collect children. She attends three local toddler groups and a soft play area.

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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 holds a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from the spread of infection because the childminder implements good hygiene procedures. For example, she encourages children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals as well as wiping their own noses and disposing of the used tissues hygienically. Children understand the reason for washing their hands is to keep the bugs away. The childminder records all accidents and ensures parents are fully informed of all the related information. However, written accident records do not contain information about the nature of any injury sustained, though this information is given to parents orally. Children's good health is maintained because clear procedures for administering medication are followed. Children are well nourished because the childminder provides them with a balanced diet. She talks to the parents about children's individual dietary needs which she

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Helping children to be healthy

caters for appropriately. Children have constant access to drinks, which means they are well hydrated. The childminder provides children with a choice of healthy food and drink wherever possible and talks to them about where the produce has come from. This means that children learn about a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around the childminder's home with confidence, showing they are comfortable there. The environment is an appropriate temperature and the childminder aims to keep the environment as open as possible so that children have free access to the available areas. Children are able to self-select from a good range of toys which are stored at their level. The resources are sufficient for children to play the same game at the same time. For example, when one child plays with a doll and another child also wants to, the childminder gives them a choice of other dolls. As a result children are well occupied. The childminder provides a good range of resources that reflect positive images of race, gender and ability. This helps children to understand the wider world. Children are safe because the childminder takes good steps to identify and minimise potential risks. For example, the garden is checked before children use it and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children learn to keep themselves safe through consistent road safety routines. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, including possible signs of abuse and what to do if she is concerned about a child. As a result, children's welfare is well safeguarded.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a good range of varied activities which they find interesting and enjoyable. They show great interest in their play, concentrating on their chosen task. The childminder knows the children well and makes sure she knows their favourite toys. For example, if a child particularly enjoys puzzles, the childminder provides several for them to choose from. Interaction between children and the childminder is good. The childminder regularly praises and encourages children's efforts and achievements which helps them to develop good self-esteem. She enables children to learn through self-initiated play and structured activities such as sand play. Children have regular opportunities to socialise with other children at stay and play groups as well as childminder groups. As a result, children learn to share and take turns from an early age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated and respected as individuals. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and enables children to have the same chances and opportunities whilst in her care. For example, all children are encouraged to play with all toys and resources. The childminder facilitates this by adapting activities to make sure they are accessible to all children. She takes time to talk to parents about children's individual needs and how best to meet them. The childminder helps children to learn about their own needs and those of others, while still respecting their privacy when providing personal care. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. She gives children clear explanations about the daily routine so that they understand what is expected of them. For example, during a singing session the childminder tells children that they may sing one more song, before moving on to the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

next activity. As a result, children behave well. The childminder places good emphasis on positive relationships with parents. She understands that parents are the main carers of their child and respects their ways of caring. For example, when a child is being toilet trained the childminder works with parents to devise a strategy, ensuring children benefit from consistency of care. The childminder has a written complaints procedure but does not yet maintain a log of complaints made by parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has high regard for the children in her care. She enjoys developing and improving her service through further training. For example, the childminder is currently attending a course to increase her understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Children are offered a good level of adult support and their

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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 needs are well met. The childminder maintains most of the required documentation, which is stored securely in order to maintain confidentiality. All paperwork is reviewed every six months and updated as necessary. For example, the childminder makes sure she always has up to date mobile telephone numbers for the parents. 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 include the direct complaints line telephone number in her complaints procedure. This was done immediately after the inspection so parents are fully informed of how to contact 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): • maintain children's good health by recording the nature of any injury sustained • maintain a log of complaints made by parents.

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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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