Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY248289 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Jennifer Turner

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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 2003. She lives with her 5 children aged 11, 12, 14, and 2 other adult children. They live in a house in the Hall Green area of Birmingham, within walking distance of a park, shops and local schools. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes and an upstairs bathroom. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time. There are currently no children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is a member of the Birmingham Childminder

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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 Association Inclusion Project.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to have regular exercise to maintain their health by walking to and from school and visiting the park. The childminder demonstrated how she protects children's health by encouraging them to carry out their own hygiene practices, such as hand washing. She holds a current first aid certificate and knows what to do when children are injured or unwell. Children's health is also maintained through the childminder's understanding of the importance of offering a healthy balanced diet and regular drinks, and meeting children's individual dietary requirements. Children would be offered fruits and vegetables as part of their daily meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in this family home which, although only recently occupied, is organised with careful regard to children so they can move safely around. Children can play in both ground floor rooms with access to an upstairs bathroom. Children are generally kept safe through the childminder's awareness of potential dangers and the procedures in place to protect them such as when they are collected. Children are suitably protected from most hazards as most precautions have been taken, and the childminder has thought through her evacuation procedures in the event of a fire and plans to practice it with the children. Although the glass in the patio door is not protected. Children have access to a good range of resources which are carefully organised and selected so they are safe and age-appropriate. Children's well-being is further safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her role

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and responsibilities as regards child protection. She holds the up-to-date procedures with the relevant contact details.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Although there were no minded children present, the childminder explained how she encourages children to settle and engage comfortably by providing a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of different play and learning experiences. Children share in a daily routine which is organised to include free play, some more structured sessions and visits into the local community. This ensures children have a wide variety of opportunities to interest and engage them and to develop their social skills.

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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 Children have access to a good range of age-appropriate toys and equipment which cover all areas of learning and are chosen to invite interest and enjoyment. The childminder demonstrated how she effectively uses opportunities to give children individual attention which encourages their development. Although her knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework is limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to feel comfortable in this family home where the childminder demonstrated the importance of getting to know them well so they feel respected and understood as individuals. She demonstrates a good understanding of special needs and is able to offer support to children and their parents. Children have opportunities to visit local groups and amenities and meet other children which increases their opportunities for socialisation. Children are able to access a range of resources and can freely make their own choices. The childminder explained how children are encouraged to play well together and to understand the guidelines in place. The childminder demonstrated a clear understanding of the appropriate strategies for managing challenging behaviour and the importance of working together with parents to ensure consistency of approach. Partnership with parents is seen as an important part of encouraging children to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

settle in and make progress. Parents feel welcomed by the open and friendly approach of the childminder which enables concerns to be discussed and information about the child to be shared daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated how childminding is organised around the needs of the children who are included within the family routine and offered a variety of opportunities and experiences. The childminder is aware of the need to ensure children are not left in the presence of unchecked adults. Some of the required documentation for the efficient management of the childminding business is in place. Some documentations including emergency consents and child protection procedures are in place, and others such as the complaints log are not retained. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve fire safety precautions by maintaining smoke alarms on all floors of the property, ensuring they were in working order and to meet any recommendations made by the Fire Officer. Discussion and observation indicated a satisfactory awareness of how to improve fire safety awareness. She plans to devise and practise a fire drill procedure with the children. The childminder has obtained new smoke alarms and a fire blanket which she will

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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 install once decoration of the premises is completed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

One complaint reported since April 2004. Concerns were raised regarding children being left in sole charge of unsuitable persons. This relates to National Standards 1. The childminder notified Ofsted in writing that she was meeting the requirement. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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 that children are not put at risk by the glass of the low patio door • develop knowledge and understanding of the needs for children under three, for example through the use of 'Birth to three matters' framework • maintain a complaints log

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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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