Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY270859 Inspection date 12 January 2006 Inspector Lucy Showell

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and their child aged three, in Great Barr, Birmingham. The whole ground floor and upstairs bathroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and five children over five before and after school on a part-time basis. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local playgroup.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy good health and a healthy lifestyle. They benefit through the well-maintained environment which enables them to move around freely. Children stay healthy because the childminder has good hygiene procedures. For example, nappies are changed in an effective and hygienic manner and they learn the importance of developing their self care skills. For example, they wash their hands and faces automatically after dinner. Children’s health is promoted well through the documentation including correctly completed medicine records and dietary requirements detailed on children’s individual files. Children are suitably nourished through freshly cooked meals which comply with their dietary needs and they actively learn about healthy living through talking about which foods are good for them and how having regular drinks is beneficial. Children’s care is fostered through individual routines. They rest and sleep according

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

to their individual needs. For example, the childminder plans activities to ensure they have quiet times through the day. Children enjoy physical activity through playing regularly in the garden or at the park and they eat at their own pace in a calm and relaxed manner. Continuity of care is promoted through sharing verbal feedback with parents on a daily basis about their child’s health and progress.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. For example, front door is locked at all times and identification is verified before granting access. Children have safe access to a good range of toys which are stored appropriately, are suitable for their age and developmental stage and comply with British Safety Standards. Children’s welfare is promoted through the childminder’s effective knowledge and pro-active skills with regard to safety. Children are kept safe through effective use of the safety equipment in place including fire blanket, smoke alarms, safety gates and fireguard. Children learn about their own and others safety through reminders to be careful of each other during play and receiving age appropriate explanations. Children’s safety is effectively promoted through the documentation including correctly completed accident records and ACPC Guidance and forms signed by

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

parents. Children are protected from harm through the childminder’s good knowledge of child protection procedures. For example, she is able to answer scenario questions, she demonstrates confidence with regard to dealing with concerns and parents have signed documents in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop good confidence and positive self-esteem through receiving plenty of encouragement and praise for efforts and achievements. Children’s learning through play is promoted well as they talk about shapes, look at colours and learn to count while doing jigsaws and building with bricks. Children’s learning is extended by adult led activities. For example, they are asked to choose books and sit with the childminder as she reads and talks to them about the story and pictures. Children interact well with each other and therefore are building good relationships with others. They enjoy collecting older children from school and copying them and playing together. Children develop appropriate conversational skills through good interaction with the childminder who responds positively to questions and answers. Children benefit from the childminder’s keen interest in further training and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development. Their enjoyment and achievements at the setting are promoted through the documentation in place including the `Birth to three matters’ and NVQ training documents which the childminder is beginning to use to evaluate and strengthen her daily practice.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children’s care is promoted through the childminder’s strong relationship with the parents. For example, verbal feedback is given daily and notes for what they have eaten and done that day are put in their bags to inform parents of progress. Children’s sense of belonging is developed well through the welcoming and familiar environment. For example, children are welcoming, chatty and comfortable at the setting. Their individual needs are promoted through one to one opportunities with the childminder and her effective knowledge of their likes and dislikes and they enjoy free access to a range of resources which are rotated to maintain interest. Children have a good understanding of acceptable behaviour and they are polite and well behaved. Children play well together. For example, younger children copy and follow others and they all learn to share and take turns during play. They work

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

harmoniously with each other at the setting and enjoy the responsibility of collecting the post from the door and each take some letters to the childminder. Children develop good self-esteem and have developing respect for others. They show awareness of the needs of others and their own needs. For example, older children show patience and wait for younger children to take their turn in games and they receive and give support as they tidy up together. Children’s awareness and understanding of the diverse community is developing they have access to a good range of resources and visit the library to choose and collect books that promote positive images. They talk positively about how the child on a television programme lives in a different type of house to them and wears different

p.4

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 clothes.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s care is promoted through the appropriate documentation in place including up to date registers and the suitable availability of public liability insurance and registration certificates. However, systems for maintaining confidentiality and reviewing of children’s information and files are not in place, written policies and procedures for parents are limited and the childminder has not fully understood the relevant revisions to the National Standards. Children benefit through the effective use of the space available and resources are stored to allow for free movement and choice. Children are learning well through the childminder’s increasing knowledge of child development. For example, play is extended through the childminder’s evaluation of practice and ongoing commitment to further training. Children’s individual requirements are met through good daily routines and their

p.5

Organisation

welfare is promoted through the policies and procedures that work well in practice. Therefore, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children at the setting.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At previous inspection the childminder had a recommendation to ensure cleaning materials are inaccessible and that electrical equipment conforms to current safety standards. Since then cupboard locks have been placed on kitchen cupboards, hazardous items have been removed and a new cooker which conforms to current safety standards purchased.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.5

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): • develop systems for maintaining confidentiality, reviewing of children's records and sharing documentation with parents to include policies and procedures • ensure revisions to certain criteria of the National Standards are understood and put into practice

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6