Childminder in BirminghamOfsted inspection, 15 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY218948 Inspection date 15 November 2005 Inspector Mary Kelly

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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged four years and two and a half years. They live in a house in the Kings Heath area of Birmingham, near to shops, schools and local parks. The whole of the ground floor, rear bedroom and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has one house rabbit. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group for minded children on a

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 regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. There are currently two children on roll and they were both present at the inspection.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children have their dietary needs met as the childminder works closely with parents to meet their individual needs. Children eat their meals and snacks together and benefit from a healthy range of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children remain hydrated as they independently access drinks throughout the day. Children understand the importance of washing their hands before eating. They learn about good personal hygiene and health through well-planned daily routines that are practised consistently. The childminder prevents cross infection, she has gained a basic food hygiene certificate and has a good routine in use whilst preparing food for the children. Children's health and medication needs are well recorded and emergency consent is in place for each child. Walks to school, visits to local groups and the park contribute to the general well-being of the children and occur regularly as part of the daily routine. Children are

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to be physically active and have daily access to fresh air and exercise. They develop positive attitudes to exercising their bodies through fun activities such as games and outdoor physical play in the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home, where they feel secure and part of the family. They have free use of the ground floor of the childminder's home and additionally one bedroom has been varied to allow a quiet room for younger children to sleep. The bathroom is on the first floor and the older children are encouraged to access this independently. Toys and resources are carefully arranged to allow the children to access them easily and safely. The childminder ensures that they are safe and suitable for the children attending and checks them for safety and cleanliness on a regular basis. They play safely due to the childminder's keen awareness of how to minimise risks, however the fire needs to be inaccessible to the children. She explains safety to the children, such as remaining safe when walking to school and stranger danger. Road safety rules are actively promoted as she takes them on regular outings to and from

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

school. Older children are aware of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency and often ask the childminder if they can have a practice. This ensures that the children are clearly aware of how to protect themselves from harm. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the childminder ensuring she makes visual risk assessments of all areas used by the children, having a current

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 first aid certificate and a secure, updated knowledge of current child protection procedures in line with the Area Child Protection Committee guidelines. She shows an awareness of how to act appropriately if she has a concern about any of the children in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a wide range of activities, which contribute to the overall development of the children, for example imaginative role play, construction and art and craft activities, as well as outdoor play. The childminder knows the children well and offers them a choice of resources to support their learning potential. Children are able to try new experiences through activities introduced by the childminder. Children experience a good variety of meaningful play activities both indoors and outdoors. They are motivated by what is offered and spend time purposefully engaged in play. The childminder is keen that they make their own choices and follows the interest of the children whenever possible. Children's confidence is inspired by the effective use of praise and encouragement to help them persevere with challenges, such as cutting out. Consequently children concentrate well and gain self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is considering the care she gives to very young children. She plans to attend training on 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance her practice. She feels that this will help her in the planning to meet the needs of the younger children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging and enjoy a family atmosphere, where the childminder values and respects their individuality and family background. She records detailed information about the needs of the children and has a good range of resources to support equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. Children have daily opportunities to access resources and these are extended with equipment on loan from the local toy library. Children are encouraged to play together and behave well. Behaviour management strategies are discussed with parents and have been reviewed since the last inspection. Children's self-esteem is promoted and good behaviour is encouraged and praised through effective and consistent approach of the childminder, when managing children's behaviour. Children respond to age and stage appropriate tactics, such as clear explanations being given to the older children and offering

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

rewards for all of the children to attain. Children are helped to develop a positive attitude towards one another and are consequently gaining a sense of right and wrong. They show concern for each other and are developing awareness of each other's needs.

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the way the childminder organises her home and the volume of activities and resources she provides. Her home is very well equipped and carefully organised to allow children to develop their independence, enjoy activities and have daily access to the outdoors. Children benefit from the experience and qualifications gained by the childminder. She demonstrates an ongoing commitment to training to further enhance her practice. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and regularly reviewed. Effective procedures are followed by the childminder to keep the children safe and protected from illness and infection. The childminder exploits a wide range of resources and offers a good balance of activities to enhance the leaning of the children which contributes to their overall development. The needs of all children are

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder improved methods for managing children's behaviour, availability of the Area Child Protection Committee guidance and numbers available, and written records of the children's behaviour. These have been addressed by: behaviour management policy in place and childminder adheres to the policy and share it with parents. She has got the contact details of the local area offices and she now has the ACPC guidance. Parents are given the choice of the preferred method of sharing the continuing development of their child, either in writing or by daily verbal feedback.

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 the 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): • ensure that the fire is inaccessible • consider using 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance practice with children under three.

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