Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250489 Inspection date 15 November 2005 Inspector Sharon Waterfall

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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 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 registered since 1994. She lives with her partner and three children in a mid-terraced house in Smith's Wood, Solihull. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding which includes toilet facilities, a lounge and a kitchen. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. Local schools, parks and shops are within walking distance. The family have two cats. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years of age at any one time. She is currently minding 6 children ranging from 3 to 8 years of age on a mainly part time basis.

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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 The childminder provides a school run to and from local schools and nurseries.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a range of nutritional meals and snacks. They have a light lunch during the day, which includes fruit. Then later on they have a cooked meal which helps the children to understand about healthy eating choices. A variety of vegetables and adaptations are made to meet children's individual dietary preferences. Children's health is generally promoted as positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection. The children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines. Policies and procedures are in the main implemented, though an omission in the medication procedure makes it less effective in supporting children's welfare. Physical play is a regular occurrence for the younger children. Regular trips to local parks enable them to practise skills such as climbing, balance and jumping. They benefit from outdoor activities where they take walks in the local area and to and from

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Helping children to be healthy

school. Their fine coordination is developing as they use pencils; manipulate construction materials and manoeuvre computer joysticks and keypads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises provide sufficient play space and are made welcoming to the children. They confidently use the space available and move around freely. They are able to partake in active or quieter activities as their needs require. The children are secure and comfortable in the family environment. The children’s safety is a priority and the childminder has identified and minimised many hazards within the home. Some aspects of fire safety are not effective as children are not involved in emergency evacuations and the fire blanket is not easily accessible. Children are protected from abuse and neglect as the childminder has sufficient knowledge of child protection issues and of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children have settled well at the childminder's house and are encouraged to make themselves at home. They independently access the resources available and

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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 make their own decisions about what they want to do. Older children are given the opportunity to relax after their hectic day at school or can join in with games and activities if they prefer. Children's language is developed by the positive communication and constant conversation with the childminder and their peers. They are sufficiently occupied as they practise pencil skills through writing and colouring in pictures. They develop their imaginations as they build towers, garages and roadways from the construction available. Older children challenge each other to games on computers and board games. Regular outings enable the children to socialise and experience the world around them. They visit the local park and shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are valued and respected as individuals, by a childminder who is considerate of their needs. All children are included within the activities provided and her relaxed attitude encourages the children to feel at home. The children have a sense of belonging within the setting as they are encouraged make their own choices. The children behave well and their good behaviour is encouraged through positive praise. They cooperate well together, with older children fully supporting the younger children during play. Humour is used constantly and supports a friendly environment. Information regarding children's development is shared with parents on a daily basis, which supports the consistency of care for the children. Parent’s views and opinions are sought and valued.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are able to confidently explore and investigate within a warm and friendly environment. Their sense of security is fostered through balanced adult support and a familiar daily routine. Most aspects of the policies and procedures required are effectively implemented and support children's care, learning and play. Children benefit from a homely atmosphere, are encouraged to be independent and are occupied with appropriate activities that help their overall development; therefore the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements 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 At the last care inspection four recommendations were made to improve the standards of care for the children. Two of these have been fully completed, they were to minimise any hazards and obtain written parental consent for transporting minded children on outings. No specific hazards were identified through the inspection except fire safety issues and permission has been sought to transport the children on outings. These have ensured more effective care and welfare for the children. The other two recommendations were to record children's accurate daily attendance and to obtain consent for seeking emergency medical treatment. These have been partially completed due to the childminder not fully understanding what exactly was required. Children's attendance is recorded on a weekly basis with intended times of

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Improvements since the last inspection

attendance and this remains a recommendation in this inspection to ensure accurate daily attendance is recorded. The childminder obtained parents permission to administer medication rather than to seek emergency medical treatment, therefore this also remains a recommendation within the inspection.

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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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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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment • improve fire safety by mounting the fire blanket and devising and practising emergency evacuations • ensure children's daily attendance is recorded • ensure a relevant first aid course is completed that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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 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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