Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 228381 Inspection date 09 February 2006 Inspector Paula Hunt

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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 registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and two sons aged fourteen and twenty years. They live in a semi detached house in the Winson Green area of Birmingham. There are local parks and shops within easy walking distance. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has four cats. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child full-time and two children who attend on a part-time basis and are under five.

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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 needs are met by the childminder being able to recognise when children are tired, hungry and thirsty and by providing opportunities for resting, eating and drinking in accordance with their individual needs. Children learn about personal hygiene and personal care through daily routines, which include hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. Children are protected from the spread of infection by using clean hand towels daily. The best interests of the child and everyone else in the household are considered when a child is sick. The premises are clean, well-maintained and tidy, and the animals do not pose a health risk, thereby ensuring that children are further protected from infection. Children enjoy activities which promote their physical well-being. Indoors, babies are encouraged to crawl, pull themselves up on furniture and enjoy fresh air on walks out

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Helping children to be healthy

and about. Older children visit the park where they run, climb and balance on the play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where risks have been reasonably identified and minimised, however safety hazards in the garden area need to be addressed; to ensure children are protected from harm in all areas of the home. The risk of accidental injury is minimised further by the regular checking of play materials and gentle reminders to children about climbing on the furniture. Children are able to move around the lounge and are able to choose what they want to play with from a selection of toys provided. Children's welfare is further protected as the childminder is aware of her responsibility towards child protection and is able to put relevant procedures into practice. However, she does not record children's existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder who spends time playing with the children and talks with them about what they are doing. They are interested in the range of suitable toys and activities available to them, although these are not always sufficiently challenging and children's access to messy and creative play is limited. Children's independence is encouraged as they choose which toys or books to play with and are confident in asking the childminder to read to them or play with them, understanding their need for help. They have good relationships with each other as

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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 they share and play both independently and alongside others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled and happy in the childminder's care. Younger children are developing independent personal hygiene skills, such as learning to wipe their own nose, and are confident at choosing activities. Children have good relationships with each other and are given appropriate encouragement to share the toys effectively. Children receive attention to ensure that their personal needs are suitably met. However, limitations in the resources and activities that reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability does not allow children to develop sufficient awareness of the world around them. Children are well behaved and respond well to praise and encouragement from the childminder. Parents are suitably involved in the care given to children so that continuity is maintained appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are able to move freely around the lounge and conservatory in a confident and secure manner. They have sufficient space to play in comfort both indoors and outdoors. In general toys and equipment are easily accessible and children can choose what they want to play with from the selection provided. Some of the required documentation is in place, although it is not kept up to date and there are no written contracts in place with the parents. Children's records of information are clear and contributes to children's safety, care and well-being. Overall, the provision meets the individual needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve children's safety by ensuring the area near to the fire was safe or inaccessible to them. The childminder has a fireguard in place which is secured to the wall making the fire inaccessible to the children and so improving children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been no complaint 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • make the garden safe • improve children's safety by ensuring a record of existing injuries is maintained • extend the range of creative activities and experiences for children, appropriate for their development • ensure children have access to a broad range of resources and activities which reflect diversity • ensure written agreements are in place with parents which set out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements • ensure the record of attendance is accurate and up to date.

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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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