Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504708 Inspection date 08 August 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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with her husband and their adult son in the Stirchley area of Birmingham. The minded children have access to the lounge, kitchen and toilet, all situated on the ground floor. There is an enclosed garden area available for outside play. Children are taken out regularly to shops, parks, nature centre and to local playgroups. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time

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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 and is currently minding 3 children under 5 years who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a trained Nursery Nurse and has also had training in neo-natal special care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about hygiene through well planned daily routines. They are learning why it is important to wash hands before food and after playing in the garden. Children's independence is encouraged as they freely access tissues to wipe their noses or hands. There are good procedures for sickness; children are excluded if they are infectious to ensure they are protected from cross-infection. Children benefit from regular outings to local places of interest, such has the shops. They enjoy physical play at activity centres and in the garden which promotes their development. Children are kept safe from harm, because the childminder ensures that all toys and equipment meet safety standards. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious food and drink. The childminder has a flexible approach and accommodates parents' wishes should they want to provide their own food, this ensures that children's individual needs are met. Children's lunch

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Helping children to be healthy

is stored appropriately to promote their health.

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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 safe and secure environment. They are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe because the childminder discusses procedures for outings, for example holding the buggy and walking in front of her. There is a good range of furniture and equipment which enables the children to play safely. Toys and equipment are checked regularly to protect children from harm. Older children are aware that small construction toys are not taken out when the baby is awake, this promotes young children's safety and older children's awareness. Children are protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Good procedures are in place which are necessary to protect the welfare of children. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities, which she shares with the parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well after arriving and make themselves at home, even after being on

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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 holidays. They have positive relationships with the childminder and enjoy interaction with each other. Children have opportunities for regular outings to the nature centre where they enjoy having picnics. Children's free access to toys and equipment is limited inside, due to storage of toys, this impacts on children's choice and enjoyment. Children do have opportunities to ask for toys of their choice during the day. A good range of equipment is available outside which develops children's physical health. Children receive praise and encouragement for playing well together, they enjoyed playing in the garden inside a large box and parking their cars inside. Children are beginning to show consideration for others as they wait for their turn with the slide and other wheeled toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children of different ages are encouraged to play well together. Children are learning about their community as they visit places of interest such as the park and the shops. Children are provided with a good range of toys and equipment which reflects a positive view of the wider world, including a selection which promotes people with disabilities. Children behave well and respond well to the childminder's consistent handling. Children are developing self-esteem as they are praised for sharing and taking turns with toys. Older children show consideration for babies by offering toys and interacting with them. There is a good partnership with parents which contributes in the children's development. Parents are offered the choice of daily feedback, which includes written also. Some parents make comments in the daily diary about their children's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space to play safely both inside and outside the home. The children are cared for in an environment which limits their independence, due to toys and equipment being stored outside in the shed. The childminder changes toys frequently during the day, however children cannot choose from wide selection. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend. 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 written and verbal feedback, this ensures that parents are kept well informed of their children's development. All records are updated and kept confidential. The childminder does not have a current First Aid Certificate and is due to update her training.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Partnership with parents has improved, as the childminder now offers parents the choice of written and verbal feedback. The childminder has improved fire safety by practising fire drills with the children.

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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): • Ensure children have free access to toys and equipment. • Update First Aid Certificate

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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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