Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 227622 Inspection date 04 October 2005 Inspector Angela Dyer

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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her mother and two adult children in a house in Kings Heath, Birmingham. The house is within walking distance of shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom is used for childminding and children have access to the downstairs toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children some of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder works with an assistant.

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 The family have one dog. The childminder attends local toddler groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children gain a good understanding of effective hygiene practices and personal care through daily routines. They understand from an early age, that they must wash their hands after using the toilet, touching the dog and before meals. The childminder and assistant act as positive role models, washing their hands after playing outside and providing tissues for runny noses, which in turn reinforces children's learning. Effective procedures are in place to minimise the possible spread of infections, including children being provided with individual flannels and paper towels for hand drying. Children’s nutritional needs are met through parents providing appropriate food and packed lunches are stored appropriately. Children have access to drinks, including water and fruit juices, throughout the day, which ensures they remain hydrated. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities, which help to build their muscles

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

and develop skills in running, climbing, pedalling and jumping. The childminder encourages outdoor play both at the local common and in the garden where children are able to access a wide range of stimulating resources. For example, children enjoy bouncing around the garden on a space hopper and talk enthusiastically about their trips to the local common to feed the birds and run around. Children are able to have quiet time to rest and benefit from the childminder discussing individual sleep routines with parents, which means that children receive consistent care.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around freely and safely as the childminder identifies and minimises risks for children within the home. Appropriate safety measures have been put in place, including stair gates and safety film on low-level glass. Children are well supervised, for example, when using the stairs to gain access to the bedroom and while playing outdoors. Children are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves and each other safe, as the childminder discusses safe practices with the children. She talks to them about the emergency evacuation in the event of a fire and children have practised this so that they are familiar with the routine. Children use a range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources that are easily accessible to encourage their independence. The childminder carries out regular checks on items of equipment used to ensure they are suitable for children to

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

use safely. Older children who wish to play with toys that have small parts understand that they must do so in an area where younger children cannot access.

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 Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and is aware of her role and responsibility to protect children in her care. Parents have been made aware of the child protection procedures so that they know what action she will take if she has any concerns about their children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder takes time to develop warm, caring relationships with the families and children in her care. Children engage in animated conversations about their experiences at home and at toddler groups, which the childminder joins in, demonstrating a detailed knowledge and respect of the children's family backgrounds. The childminder offers consistent praise and encouragement for children's efforts and achievements, which in turn promotes their self-esteem and confidence. Children are very happy and have a strong bond with the childminder and her assistant, who are caring and kind in their approach. Planning is very flexible as the childminder responds daily to the children’s moods and individual requests for their favourite activities or outings. Children become absorbed in their play as they are given time and space to explore the toys and resources and the childminder's gentle

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

questioning during their play further promotes their learning and development. Children engage in a rich and stimulating range of activities both in the home and whilst on outings. They are motivated by what is offered and spend their time purposefully engaged in play. The childminder supports all activities by offering interesting and inspiring resources, for example, play dough that is coloured with red dye. Children enjoy participating in creative activities including sticking, cooking and hat making and learn about the natural environment through growing sunflowers and exploring bugs around the garden.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies. Children behave well and respond to her clear and consistent expectations about acceptable behaviour. Their efforts and achievements are praised and valued by the childminder. The childminder has a detailed knowledge of all the children in her care and she takes pride in seeing children develop to their full potential. A good partnership with parents contributes to the children's well being. Parents know how their children are being cared for because they are well informed through written policies and daily discussions. Children are learning about themselves, each other and the world around them

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 through planned activities and the celebration of different festivals including, Chinese New Year, Easter and Diwali. Children also access a wide range of resources reflecting the diversity of society.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has developed a comprehensive folder of well-written policies, to help parents understand her practice. However, a complaints record is not yet in place to provide parents with information about previous complaints. All documents and policies are regularly reviewed and the childminder has an appropriate understanding of the importance of confidentiality, however, as all accidents are recorded together confidentiality is difficulty to maintain. Children feel relaxed and at home in a child friendly and welcoming environment. Children are given high levels of individual attention by the childminder and the assistant, this results in them developing a sense of security and confidence. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure children have access to a range of resources reflecting positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability and ensure safety precautions are taken when using the staircase. Children now have access to a good range of resources that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability, which encourages them to develop a greater awareness of the wider world. The childminder ensures children are supervised at all times when on the staircase and children have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe by walking next to the wall when going up and down stairs.

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): • organise accident records effectively to ensure confidentiality is maintained and keep a record of all complaints.

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