Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY103111 Inspection date 14 December 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and 2 daughters aged 7 years and 14 months. They live in a first floor flat in Quinton, Birmingham within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She is registered to care for 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment where good hygiene routines minimise the spread of infection. Children learn the importance of hand washing after using the toilet and before snacks and meals. 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. Children are well catered for if they become ill or have an accident because arrangements for first aid are adequate. However procedures for recording administration of medication and informing parents lack precise details and this limits the swift retrieval of information in the event of an emergency. Children take part in a variety of activities which contributes to their physical development. They develop physical skills such as climbing, jumping and manoeuvring wheeled toys. Children benefit from a flexible routine that gives them

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Helping children to be healthy

opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Children's health and dietary needs are well met because childminder provides a well balanced and healthy range of meals and snacks. Water and fruit juices are available throughout the day ensuring children have sufficient fluids.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a welcoming and safe environment as all potential hazards have been assessed by the childminder. Children are appropriately supervised both indoors and outside. They learn to keep themselves safe because they are gently reminded about safety rules within the home, take part in regular emergency evacuation procedures and are learning about road safety whilst on outings. This helps children to begin to take responsibility for themselves and others. Children move independently around the accommodation and access toys and equipment that are well-maintained and safe. The childminder provides a wide and varied selection of suitable toys and equipment. This helps create a stimulating learning environment for children. Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities whilst protecting children in her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

care. She has a good working knowledge of child protection procedures.

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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 are happy, confident and settle quickly on arrival. They play well together and have good relationships with the childminder and her own children. The homely environment and familiar daily routines offer children continuity of care. Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder provides a good balance between active play and relaxing activities. They enjoy opportunities to socialise in groups and regularly visit places of interest. Children are learning to make independent choices from a variety of resources that are stimulating and fun They show initiative as they move freely between rooms and choose their own resources and equipment located in easily accessible storage boxes. Children respond to new challenges as the childminder encourages children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to help tidy up, offering clear guidance, praise and encouragement where necessary. Children ask questions and are listened to. Their self-esteem and confidence are enhanced with the childminder’s use of praise and encouragement. The childminder clearly enjoys their company as she encourages conversations and values what children say. This helps to develop children's speech and language. Children use their imagination whilst playing with role play equipment. They are keen and enthusiastic during activities and use their time purposefully. Children take part in art and craft activities regularly and have good opportunities to use creative materials including paints and play dough.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging and play harmoniously with others, making choices and decisions about what they toys they will play with. Children are learning to appreciate and value each other. They feel a sense of belonging because of the familiar daily routine. Children's individual needs are respected and met sensitively by the childminder. They learn about other cultures and the wider world through a range of resources such as, jigsaw puzzles and books. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged by the childminder, who is calm and patient in her approach to children. Children’s behaviour is good because the childminder has consistent expectations about acceptable behaviour and helps children to develop good social skills and friendships. They cuddle and hug each other during play. They learn to share, take turns and respect each other. Children benefit from the good partnership between parents and the childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

because their achievements and daily routines are discussed regularly. Children are helped to settle in and benefit from a gradual introduction. A communication book is used for young children to reassure parents that children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in this well-organised and welcoming home because

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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 the childminder has made good use of space and resources. Children show confidence within the home and move freely between rooms to choose resources. This helps children develop their independence and have fun. Children benefit from being cared for by a caring, motivated childminder, who clearly enjoys spending time interacting and supporting their individual needs. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and stored confidentially. Overall the provider meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to obtain a list of notifiable diseases. This has been obtained demonstrating that the childminder's arrangements for protecting children from illness and infection are good.

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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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • review procedures for administering medication to children and informing parents.

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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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