Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 504626 Inspection date 10 January 2006 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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 11 and 13 years. They live in a house in Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands within walking distance of local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. She is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association

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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 (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive and stay healthy because the childminder has a very effective approach to health and hygiene. Children are encouraged to be independent in their self-care skills and know they need to wash their hands after using the toilet and playing with the pet rabbits. Children’s health needs are clearly recorded and discussed with parents. Good, detailed procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they have an accident or become ill. The childminder reduces the risk of cross infection by ensuring that her home is always clean and welcoming. Children have access to safe and well maintained toys and resources within a very stimulating environment. Regular use of the garden and outdoor environment enables children to enjoy fresh air and experience different types of weather. Physical activity is highly regarded and children are able to develop their physical skills as they take part in a wide range of

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Helping children to be healthy

activities on a daily basis. Children enjoy playing in the garden using a very good range of equipment, including a bikes, bats and balls. This helps children develop positive attitudes to exercise. Children enjoy daily walks to and from school and visits to local parks. They visit a ‘childminder group’ on a regular basis. Children are very well nourished and kept hydrated as the childminder provides an excellent varied and nutritious range of healthy snacks and meals, including fruit and vegetables. Children are becoming aware of good nutrition as the childminder discusses healthy eating and selecting healthy options with them. Children benefit from a very flexible routine that gives them plenty of opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming and safe environment. They can play safely both indoors and outside although the risk assessment does not include details of the potential hazards posed by children using the trampoline. Children are learning to keep themselves safe because they are gently reminded about safety rules within the home and take part in emergency evacuation procedures every term. However, the attendance register does not always accurately reflect attendance patterns of children cared for before and after school, making this document unreliable in the event of an emergency. Children are learning about road safety whilst on outings to places such as the local park or to ‘Warwick Park’. This helps children to begin to take responsibility for themselves and others. Children can self select from a good range of quality resources that are safe and in good condition which helps create a stimulating learning environment for children.

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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 Toys and equipment are checked and cleaned regularly which ensures that children play with safe and suitable resources. 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 care. She has attended training and has a good working knowledge of child protection procedures.

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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 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, ‘Endangered animals’. They enjoy creative work such as, hat and basket making and other examples are included in photograph albums that children can look at, helping to boost their self-esteem and confidence. Children have great fun and enjoy the interesting and stimulating variety of activities. They sing and make ‘animal noises’ as they play, demonstrating they are comfortable and settled within their surroundings. They develop their independence skills and show initiative at snack time as they take it in turns to hand out cups. They can

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

choose their own resources and equipment located in easily accessible storage boxes within the home. 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.

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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 individual needs are valued and respected as the childminder is sensitive to their likes and dislikes. Children’s behaviour is excellent. They work harmoniously together whilst looking at books and chat amicably to each other during play. Children respond very well to the childminder’s calm and patient approach. Children benefit from a very effective partnership between parents and the childminder because their achievements and daily routines are discussed regularly.

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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 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 experienced, caring 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 achieved the National Childminding Association (NCMA) ‘Quality First’ award, which is a quality assurance scheme for registered childminders. The childminder offers a professional service to the children in her care as she has completed training including, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in Child Care, 'Birth to Three Matters', Child Protection and Inclusion. Overall

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Organisation

the provision meets the needs of the children who attend

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good 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 sought advice regarding the garden plants so as to ensure children's safety whilst playing in the garden. She has updated her medication record book and ensures parents sign all entries. She has updated her attendance register, although this does not always accurately reflect attendance patterns of children cared for before and after school, making this document unreliable in the event of an emergency. This has been carried forward as a recommendation for this inspection.

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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

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 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): • conduct a risk assessment regarding use of the trampoline in the garden • ensure register accurately reflects attendance patterns of all 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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