Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY221895 Inspection date 18 October 2005 Inspector Mary Kelly

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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 in 2002. She lives with her two children aged six and ten years. They live in a house in the Northfield area of Birmingham. The house is within walking distance of shops and schools. Childminding takes place in the living room, kitchen, and the playroom. The bathroom is upstairs and two bedrooms are used for overnight care. There is a fully enclosed, safe garden available for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and

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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 attends local toddler groups. There were two children present at the inspection and the childminder has twelve children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children understand the importance of washing their hands before eating and learn about good personal hygiene and health through well planned routines, which are practised consistently. They show a good understanding of the need to wash their hands before food, after toileting and outdoor play and are well supported in learning simple good health and routines such as how to get their own nappy changing equipment ready and this promotes their independence. Children's health and medication are well recorded and they turn readily to the childminder for comfort and support when minor accidents occur. Children have their dietary needs met, as the childminder works well with the parents to meet these individual needs. Children eat their meals and snacks together and benefit from a healthy range of nutritious foods. They are offered regular drinks throughout the day, gaining their independence by accessing these themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

They enjoy sitting together at meal times and learn social skills, table manners and are encouraged to say please and thank you. Walks to school and visits to the park and local groups contribute to the well-being of the children and occur regularly. Children are encouraged to be physically active and enjoy daily outdoor play in the garden, and walks around the local area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have free use of the whole of the downstairs of the childminder's home and two of the bedrooms are used for overnight care. Children benefit from freely moving around the home as part of their play. Toys and resources are carefully arranged to allow them to easily choose what they want to play with. They play in a secure garden and have access to a good range of age appropriate resources and equipment to meet their needs. They play safely, due to the childminder's keen awareness of how to minimise possible risks. She carefully explains safety to the children and they are encouraged to look after the resources and are very keen to tidy them up after use. Children are aware of the importance of the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency and this is practised on a monthly basis, so the children are clearly aware of the procedure in practice. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the childminder keeping up

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to date visual risk assessments of all areas used by the children, having a current first aid certificate and a secure understanding of the child protection procedures, in

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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 line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines. Children are well protected because the childminder understands these and is aware of how to act appropriately if she had any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their overall development, for example construction, art and craft activities, as well as physical outdoor play. The childminder knows the children well and offers the choices of resources to support their learning potential, however her practice would be enhanced by improving her knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under three years, for example using 'Birth to three matters'. Any new activities introduced by the childminder ensure that the children are able to try new experiences and assistance is offered if the children need support. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and settle quickly. They behave well and are encouraged to respond to challenges and are praised appropriately and consistently. They benefit from regular outings to the park, shops and local playgroups. Children are encouraged to be independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and activities that appeal to all age ranges. They listen and respond to the childminder and enjoy sharing songs and stories. Children's interest is sustained and learning is encouraged through a good range of suitably maintained resources that promote equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are welcomed and enjoy a family atmosphere, where the childminder values and respects their individuality and family background. She records detailed information about the needs of the children and provides a good range of resources to support equality of opportunity and has a good range of resources and information to allow the children to celebrate a range of cultural festivals. This allows the children to learn and acknowledge their own background and beliefs. Children are encouraged to play together and behave well. Behaviour management strategies are discussed with parents and this ensures that everyone is clear on the methods used. Children's self-esteem is promoted and good behaviour is encouraged and praised through the effective and consistent approach the childminder has for dealing with a range of children's behaviour. Children respond to age and stage appropriate tactics, such as distracting younger children or offering

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Helping children make a positive contribution

alternative activities, discussion and talking about consequences with the older children. They are good at sharing, co-operating together and respond well to gentle reminders of house rules and safety issues.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the way the childminder organises her home and the volume of activities and resources she provides. Her home is well equipped and carefully organised to allow the children plenty of space to rest and play, while the daily routine allows children to develop their independence, enjoy a wide variety of experiences and have daily fresh air and exercise. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's experience and her ongoing commitment to training. Most required documentation, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and regularly reviewed, however the register for the day prior to inspection and the day of inspection had not been completed. Effective procedures are followed by the childminder to keep the children safe and protected from illness and infection, for example vetting procedures, excluding sick

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Organisation

children and maintaining good hygiene routines. The childminder exploits a wide variety of resources and offers a good balance of activities to enhance children's learning and development. The needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to make arrangements for emergency evacuation. She has done this by having a written policy in place and practising on a monthly basis with the children in her care.

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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): • consider using birth to three matters to enhance practice with the under threes

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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 • ensure that the children's hours of attendance are completed each day they attend.

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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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