Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250236 Inspection date 16 November 2005 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 good. 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 registered in 1994. She lives with her four teenage children in a house located close to Solihull town centre and local parks. The childminder co-minds with her daughter who is also a registered childminder. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding, including front and rear lounges, kitchen and toilet. There is a secure rear garden for outside play. She is registered to care of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 8 children at different times.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines. They have their own towels and enjoy using the 'foam soap' for hand-washing! They play with safe and well maintained toys and resources within a stimulating environment. Children’s health needs are clearly recorded and discussed with parents. Detailed procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they have an accident or become ill. However, accident recording does not always include times of accidents. The childminder has a good understanding of current first aid practice and has attended relevant training. Regular use of the garden and outdoor environment enables children to enjoy fresh air. The childminder encourages physical activity and agility to help children develop skills such as climbing, jumping and manoeuvring wheeled toys. Children benefit

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Helping children to be healthy

from a very flexible routine that gives them opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Children are well nourished as the childminder provides a varied and nutritious range of healthy snacks and meals such as, salads and wholemeal bread. Drinks are readily available which encourages children to have sufficient fluids.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very safe, secure and well maintained environment. They move safely and independently throughout the home, as all risks have been identified and minimised by the childminder. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to help children effectively organise their environment. This helps children begin to take responsibility for themselves and others. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant. Children learn to keep themselves safe because they are gently reminded about safety rules within the home. They practise emergency evacuation procedures when the childminder calls out an 'emergency word', which is 'monkeys'! They are learning about road safety whilst on outings. This helps children learn how to keep themselves safe. Children's safety and well-being in the event of an accident

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is well considered, as the childminder has developed excellent accident procedures for when she is transporting children in her vehicle. Children have access to an excellent range of toys and equipment that are developmentally appropriate. Toys and equipment are checked and cleaned regularly, particularly baby toys which ensure that children play with safe and suitable equipment and helps to create a very stimulating environment. Detailed

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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 documentation and regular communication with parents contributes to children’s safety. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has an excellent understanding of child protection policies and procedures and gives high priority to children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely happy and settled within the childminding environment. They interact very confidently with the childminder and enjoy her involvement in their play. Children show enjoyment and imagination during role-play. They pretend to feed dolls and chuckle when the doll 'burps'! Children are listened to and the childminder clearly enjoys their company as she encourages conversations and values what children say. Children’s learning is reinforced through planned activities following themes such as, autumn. Their creative work such as, 'firework glitter pictures' are appreciated and displayed, helping to boost children’s self-esteem and confidence. Babies are very well cared for and entertained as the childminder has attended 'Birth to three matters' training. Children have great fun and enjoy the interesting and stimulating variety of activities. They sing and chat as they play, demonstrating they are comfortable and settled

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

within their surroundings. They develop their independence skills and show initiative as they help each other fetch their coats. Children are encouraged to attempt skills and activities and to gain proficiency such as, fastening their coats. Children respond to new challenges as the childminder encourages them to help tidy up, offering clear guidance and assistance where necessary. Children confidently put resources and equipment away in easily accessible storage boxes and shelves within the lounge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and respected as individuals who receive excellent care according to their needs. They are learning excellent social skills as they are gently reminded to say 'please' and 'thank-you' and praised for good manners and behaviour. They are beginning to value and recognise similarities and differences within society through an excellent range of positive image resources such as, jigsaw puzzles, books and planned topics including festivals. Their individuality is valued as the childminder is aware of their likes and dislikes. Children’s behaviour is excellent. They work harmoniously together whilst playing with dolls and hug each other during play. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged by the childminder who is very calm and patient in her approach to the children. Children benefit from the very effective partnership between parents and the

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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 childminder because their achievements and daily routines are discussed regularly. There are excellent procedures in place for keeping parents informed about the childminding service including a portfolio which includes 'thank-you' cards and compliments from parents and information on how to make a complaint .This helps to contribute to children’s overall well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are very happy and settled in this extremely well organised and welcoming home because the childminder has made imaginative use of space and resources. This helps to support children in their play and learning. Children benefit from a very calm, caring, experienced childminder who clearly enjoys spending time interacting and supporting children’s individual needs. All required documentation is in place and stored very methodically, which ensures that parents are very well informed about their child’s achievements and progress. The childminder has completed training including, health and safety, 'Birth to three matters', child protection and first aid. This helps her to offer a professional service to the children in her care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made excellent progress since the last inspection in addressing the recommendations requested. She has devised a very detailed portfolio so as to share information with parents. She has improved the range of activities and rotates equipment so as to keep children entertained and interested. She has obtained written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and devised excellent procedures, helping to protect children in the event of an emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 good. 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • include times of accidents in all accident records.

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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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