Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 228584 Inspection date 23 January 2006 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 a registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 11 and 8 years and her adult son in a mid-terraced house in the Tyseley area of Birmingham, close to local amenities and bus routes. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden used for outdoor play. She is registered to care for 6 children under the age of 8 years; and is currently caring for 10 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family have 2 pet cats, 2 dogs, a Chinchilla and tropical fish that are kept in a large tank. She is a qualified Nursery Nurse (NNEB).

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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 satisfactory. Children's health and well-being is well fostered by the childminder. Children are cared for in a warm home, where they gain a good understanding of the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder talks to the children about washing their hands after using the bathroom and before meals and this helps to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children's individual dietary needs are met very effectively, as these are discussed with parents and details of specific dietary needs are recorded. Children are provided with regular drinks and nutritious snacks that appeal to them. Children benefit from being looked after in a home where the childminder follows current and appropriate health and hygiene guidelines. Procedures are in place to protect children from infection and written policies support the childminder's practice. Children are well cared for if they become unwell and parents are kept fully informed

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Helping children to be healthy

about their child's condition at all times. Most of the required documentation and formats are in place for accidents and medication. However, parents have not signed all records to acknowledge when medication has been given to their children and she has not kept her first aid training up-to-date. Children's physical skills are well supported and children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. The childminder recognises the importance of physical activity and how it promotes the children's good health and development. There are regular outdoor activities, children walk to and from school and visit a local park. This helps children develop confidence and positive attitudes to physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children arrive confidently and settle easily in the welcoming environment where they can develop their independence as they access equipment, toys and activities freely due to them being stored at their level. The childminder gives appropriate priority to keeping children safe indoors and outside and a number of safety precautions have been put into place to protect the children. She talks to older children about their own responsibilities to keep themselves safe and about road safety, in a way which is appropriate to their age and level of understanding. Children are not however, familiar with the procedures to be followed in the case of emergency evacuation of the premises, because they have not had an opportunity to practice it. The childminder has the required documentation and consents in place to reinforce and safeguard children’s safety and welfare. She has a secure understanding of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection procedures in line with local Area Child Protection Committee

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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 guidance and shares the policy with the parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate very positively with the childminders and confidently engage in meaningful activities, prepared with their age and developmental stage taken into account. They learn through their play as they initiate their own activities and games supported effectively by the childminder. Children’s individual needs are met well and they are well supported because the childminder’s interaction with them is very good; she is sensitive, gives praise, and shows interest in what they are doing. Children explore a wide range of activities and resources which are used well to interest them. They enjoy their time with the childminder where they have lots of individual attention, because the childminder gets down to their level engaging herself in their play. Children blossom in the close relationship they have ensuring they feel settled and secure in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of the world around them. They access some resources demonstrating positive images of the diversity of society and the childminder organises activities to explore different festivals. Children’s individual needs are met appropriately as the childminder knows them well and takes time to discuss their care routines with parents on a daily basis. They develop their independence through effective routines and the opportunities offered by the childminder who supports children appropriately and ensures that they understand responsible behaviour. Policies and procedures explain the expectations of the service offered by the childminder and the use of daily diaries to record what children have done during the day, results in parents being confident in the level of care and the positive experiences offered to their children, including those who speak English as an

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met effectively through the organisation of space and resources. Children feel at ease and at home as they settle in the homely environment where they have a designated play room. This contributes to their confidence in initiating their own activities and extending their learning and play. Policies and procedures are shared with parents to develop a sense of mutual trust,

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 assuring a positive exchange of information takes place on a daily basis. Children's care, welfare and development are positively promoted through the childminders commitment, enthusiasm and enjoyment of the role she plays in their lives. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Her knowledge and understanding has developed and she is fully aware of her duty to protect children in her care. She was also asked to ensure that accurate records were maintained on the children's attendance. This has been addressed and records include the times children arrive and depart each day. She has devised a procedure for children to follow in the event of a fire, although children have not had an opportunity to practice it. She was also asked to ensure that activities and resources were provided for the children to promote equality of opportunity. As well as organising activities to explore other cultures, she now has a range of resources to ensure that children have a better understanding of issues of equality.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection 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): • ensure children are familiar with the emergency escape plan and that they practice it • ensure parents sign the medication records to acknowledge when medication has been administered to their 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 • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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