Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 228118 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Kashma Patel

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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 registered since 1996. She lives with her adult daughter who is 20 years and is studying away at present. The family live in the Handsworth Wood area of Birmingham which is within walking distance of local public transport and shops. Areas used for childminding include the playroom dedicated for minding, hallway, television/sleep room, upstairs toilet and a safe and secure outdoor play area. The family have 2 pet cats. The childminder is willing to collect children from local schools, attend local

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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 playgroups and visit the local park, by arrangement with parents. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She has completed a Mentor Preparatory Training Programme to Level 3 and has the certificate in residential care of children and young people (CRCCYP).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about hygiene and personal care through good routines established by the childminder, they are learning to wash hands before food and after playing in the garden. There are good procedures in place for nappy changing which ensures children are protected from cross infection. The childminder wears protective clothing and colour codes equipment to ensure that children's health is promoted. Children are developing good balancing and climbing skills as they have regular access to the local parks. They are also taken on regular outings, which ensures they have fresh air during the day. Children enjoy playing in the playhouse and with wheeled toys in the garden. They have opportunities to have the water pool out in the summer. Children are provided with a good range of healthy snacks and drinks which meets all their dietary requirements. Food is freshly prepared daily ensuring that it is healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

and nutritious. Babies are also provided with food which is age and stage appropriate to ensure their health and development is promoted. Menus are displayed to ensure parents are kept informed of the food served to their children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe inside and outside the home as the childminder identifies and minimises risks to children, this means that children are kept safe. There is safety equipment in place such has stair-gates and fire guards. Children practice fire drills regularly, but the information is not recorded accurately. Children independently select toys and equipment which meets safety standards, they were observed helping themselves to books and taking them to the childminder to read. Toys are stored on the floor or on low tables to allow easy access, children are encouraged to tidy away toys before moving to another play area, this ensures they can move freely and independently in all play areas. Children are protected as the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection procedures in line with the Area Child Protection Committee guidance. The procedures are shared with parents to inform them of her responsibilities and to

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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 settle well with the childminder and are happy to separate from parents. They are developing good relationships with their peers and are sociable with visitors as they initiate play with them. Children are developing good levels of independence as they select toys of their choice. They enjoyed playing with puzzles and books. Children enjoy creative activities such has painting and sticking. Their work is displayed on the walls, which develops their self-esteem and confidence. They enjoy role play activities with adults which promotes their imagination, for example making cups of tea for visitors. Children have regular access to the garden where they are developing good physical control over their bodies. Children are taken to local libraries, playgroups and other childminders home where they have opportunities to socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met by regular discussions with parents. There is a good range of toys and equipment which promotes race, culture, gender and disability. Children were observed playing with puzzles and dolls, there is also a good range of posters displayed around the room which promotes culture. Children with special needs are accommodated and the childminder ensures that they take part in all activities. Children are beginning to learn how to manage their own behaviour, the childminder ensures that inappropriate behaviour is dealt with using an explanation and offers lots of praise to children when they play well together. Children are rewarded with stars and stickers. Children feel a sense of belonging because they have individual coat pegs and items are colour coded, so they know which belongs to them. Children's welfare is promoted through good partnership with parents. Children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

routines and their activities are discussed with parents and displayed on the notice board to ensure their needs are met. Daily verbal feedback is given to parents, to insure continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in an environment which promotes their independence and learning. Toys and equipment is stored at children's level to allow free choice. Children have enough space to play safely both inside and outside the home. Children are provided with appropriate care and support as the childminder has all the required documentation in place. Children's progress is monitored with daily

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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 verbal feedback, this ensures that parents are kept well informed of their children's development. All records are updated and kept confidential. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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): • improve fire safety by recoding fire drills accurately

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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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