Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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228199 Unique Reference Number 22 February 2006 Inspection date Lucy Showell Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 satisfactory. 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 a registered childminder since 1993. She lives with her husband and their teenager. They live in a house in Erdington within walking distance of local primary schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes together with a first floor bedroom which is registered for sleeping infants and a first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups in agreement with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle with the childminder. They are independent with their self-care skills and are encouraged to wash their hands before meals. Children benefit through a clean and tidy environment and stay healthy because the childminder has good

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 hygiene and care procedures. For example, children’s access to pets is restricted and appropriate cleaning and feeding arrangements are in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s care is fostered through good individual routines. They rest and sleep according to their needs, enjoy physical activity through walking to and from school and playing in the garden and are well nourished through healthy food and snacks. Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder prepares meals to comply with any dietary requirements and they learn about healthy living through talking about what foods are good for them and comparing this with what they like to eat.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s safety is promoted through effective documentation in place. Children are cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. Their safety is maintained through use of suitable safety equipment and the childminder’s pro-active vetting procedures. Children are protected from harm through the childminder’s confident knowledge of child protection issues. However, documentation is not shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is promoted well through the childminder’s strong knowledge and good practical skills with regard to safety. On outings the childminder checks the safety of all equipment at the local park before use. Indoors, effective precautions are taken with regard to storage of cleaning products and hazardous items.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about their own and others safety through gentle reminders during play and about road safety whilst on outings. Children have appropriate access to a good range of safe toys and equipment. All resources comply with British safety standards and are suitable for the age and stage of children cared for at the setting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop good confidence and positive self-esteem through receiving plenty of praise and encouragement by the childminder. They build good relationships with the childminder through asking appropriate questions and responding to good interaction. Children are beginning to play together which is promoted by the childminder’s encouragement to share.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s play is promoted through suitable access to an enjoyable range of toys and equipment. They develop independence by exploring and experimenting on their own and with support and encouragement from the childminder when needed. Children’s individual needs are met through the childminder’s good knowledge and understanding of each child and their likes and dislikes. For example, activities are provided to cater for their different personalities. However, there is no regard to the `Birth to three matters’ framework to enhance children’s learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit through the childminder’s good relationship with parents. Children’s progress and information is discussed daily and parents’ requests are respected and adhered to. Children’s sense of belonging and positive self-esteem are promoted through the good interaction and relationship they have with the childminder. Children are beginning to play with each other

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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 and are encouraged to work together at the setting as they set out activities and choose resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s awareness and understanding of diversity is developing. They have first hand experiences of differences and similarities within the community which are supported through suitable activities and resources at the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have some understanding of acceptable behaviour. They are beginning to understand right from wrong and boundaries are reinforced through gentle reminders during play. Incidents of behaviour are dealt with appropriately and discussed with parents, however they are not recorded.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s welfare is promoted through the policies and procedures that work well in practice. This ensures children are healthy, safe, enjoying and achieving and are making a positive contribution. Children learn through the childminder’s knowledge of individual development and progress. Their needs are met through consideration of preferences and requirements when providing activities. Space is used well to enable children to move freely and access resources which are stored effectively.

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Organisation

Children’s care is promoted through the documentation in place. All records are completed correctly and are up to date. The childminder has a good approach with regard to confidentiality and reviews documentation effectively. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At previous inspection the childminder received one action and two recommendations. The action required her to obtain permission for medication and to make all records accessible. This issue has been addressed as medication records are completed correctly and records are accessible.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The first recommendation asked her to ensure that pet bowls and food are inaccessible. This has been improved as the dog stays upstairs when minded children are present and the bowls and food are stored appropriately.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The second recommendation asked for child protection information to be shared with parents. This has not been done and a recommendation has been given again with regard to this.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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 satisfactory. 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 child protection information is shared with parents • enhance children’s learning through use of the `Birth to three matters’ framework • ensure all incidents of behaviour are recorded

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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