Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY222164 Inspection date 19 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged thirteen, eleven and four in Highters Heath, Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to a local school and a nursery to take and collect children. She attends two childminder groups and a toddler group. The family has a cat and tropical fish. The childminder holds an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Early Years Care and Education and is a member of both Birmingham Childminding Association (BCMA) and the National Childminding Association

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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 (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from the spread of infection due to the childminder's clear understanding and implementation of good hygiene practices. For example, she does not care for children with infectious illnesses and encourages children to wash their hands regularly, as well as brushing their teeth. The childminder encourages children to develop physical skills through a wide range of activities. For example, children walk to school each day and play physical games during school holidays. Children's good health is well maintained because the childminder records all accidents in detail and procedures for administering medication are clear and well implemented. The childminder ensures children are well nourished. Though parents provide meals for their children, the childminder offers a good range of snacks. Effective communication between the childminder and parents means that children have their

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Helping children to be healthy

individual dietary needs well met. For example, if a child has not had breakfast at home, the childminder provides it for them. Children have good access to regular drinks which means they are well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment, which the childminder prepares before they arrive. As a result, children settle well. They move easily between rooms and understand which activities take place in which room. For example, when a child is going to have a meal, they go to sit at the table. Children have good access to a wide range of toys and resources. The childminder makes sure toys are clean and well maintained by checking them each day and completing a written checklist. Toys are stored at children's level which enables them to self select. As a result children are well occupied. The childminder takes steps to identify and minimise most risks to children. For example, she practises emergency evacuation with children every month and encourages them to keep themselves safe on the road, whilst on outings. The childminder also uses activities and current issues to teach children about safety. For

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

example, in the weeks approaching Bonfire Night, the childminder teaches children about the danger of fireworks. While most areas of the house are safe, some hazardous items are accessible to children in the main reception room. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a very good understanding of child protection procedures and issues.

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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 The provision is good. Children take part in a wide and varied range of activities which they find interesting and enjoyable. The childminder offers a good level of support which enables children to initiate their own play and join in with more structured activities such as a painting session. The childminder provides children with regular opportunities to socialise with others, at toddler groups and by liaising with other childminders and their children. This means that children learn to share and take turns. Children's needs are well met because the childminder has a good understanding of child development. For example, when children are ready for toilet training the childminder talks to parents about possible methods to use. This also means children benefit from consistency of care, at home and with the childminder. Older children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are always well occupied because the childminder adapts activities for term time and holidays. For example, during term time the childminder understands that children may want to relax after school and benefit from more structured activities during school holidays.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated and respected as individuals. The childminder places good emphasis on discussing all aspects of care with parents, to ensure she meets children's individual needs. For example, the childminder provides snacks in accordance with children's individual dietary needs. The varied range of resources that reflect positive images of race, gender and ability means that children learn to accept and celebrate difference. The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to managing children's behaviour. She makes sure children know and understand what is expected of them by implementing her behaviour management strategies in accordance with a clearly written policy. The childminder encourages positive relationships with parents and provides them with access to a clear and detailed written portfolio which includes information about all aspects of care. Regular communication between parents and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the childminder means that children benefit from consistency of care. For example, when a child starts school the childminder makes time to talk to the parents about how they have settled in.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has high regard for the children in her care and offers them a good level of support. She demonstrates a high level of commitment to developing and improving her service through further training and is currently planning to increase her knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters framework'. The childminder maintains all the required documentation which is stored securely, in order to maintain confidentiality. She ensures all paperwork is accurate and up to date by reviewing it regularly.

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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 The childminder takes some steps to ensure children are protected from anyone unknown or unsafe, though some family visitors are not yet vetted. 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 ensure children did not have access to hazardous items in the bathroom cabinet and to provide a smoke alarm on every level of the house. Children's safety is now enhanced as the childminder has moved hazardous items out of children's reach and fitted a smoke alarm on the ground and first floors.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A concern was raised about the childminder looking after too many children relating to Standard 2: Organisation. Ofsted investigated this concern by carrying out an unannounced visit. We found that the childminder was not exceeding the number of children specified in her conditions of registration. Ofsted is satisfied and the childminder remains registered.

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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 safety by ensuring they do not have access to hazardous items • ensure all adults in the household are suitable to be in contact with minded children.

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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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