Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 504711 Inspection date 12 August 2005 Inspector Paula Hunt

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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and three daughters aged seven, eleven and thirteen in a semi detached house in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham. The house is close to shops, schools and links to public transport. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years who all attend on a part time basis and one child over five before and after school.

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 The childminder attends a local parent/toddler group and the family has a cockatiel and a rabbit.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They use the garden at the childminder's home for outdoor play each day, weather permitting. They take part in other outdoor activities to help them develop their physical skills, for example walking from school, visits to the local park and other attractions. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder helps them to have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after handling the pets, using the toilet and before eating to prevent the spread of germs and infection. Written parental consent is obtained prior to the administration of any medication. However, parents do not sign the record confirming that this has been administered. Children are beginning to understand the benefit of a healthy diet. The childminder

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

ensures they have plenty to drink throughout the day and they are encouraged to learn about healthy eating by discussing what food is good for them. They are provided with healthy meals and snacks that take into account their individual needs and preferences to ensure they remain healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised home where all risks are identified and minimised. This enables them to move about safely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping the children to understand how to keep themselves safe both inside and outside the home. For example, they talk readily about what to do in the event of a fire, how to cross the road safely and why they need to use furniture correctly. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and resources. These are well presented, easily accessible and meet safety standards. The childminder has all the required documentation to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she holds a current first aid qualification and has a secure understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

p.3

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 settle well, they are made welcome and are part of the family. The planning of the day is flexible and is child-led. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of children's individual needs and children's independence and confidence grow as they are able to choose their own activities, books and toys. They enjoy stories, dancing and listening to music. They also enjoy participating in creative activities such as painting and drawing. Through effective conversation and questions the childminder helps the children to develop their vocabulary. Children mix well with each other and younger children attend the local toddler group. Toys and resources are accessible and provide children with a good variety and balance through the day. Children have plenty of space to play, this enables both the older

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and younger children opportunities to play at their own level with relevant resources that are age appropriate.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has developed her provision to provide the children with a positive approach to value and respect individuality and there are resources that support this. For example, books, small world and puzzles. They visit their local community to socialise with other children, for example, at the parent and toddler group. They visit other areas of interest both local and further a field to extend their experiences, for example, Tumble Jungle. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder discusses their daily routines and individual needs with their parents and meets these effectively which means the children feel secure and settle well. They respond positively to the childminder's clear guidance and are very familiar with the established routines which they follow well, for example they know how to keep themselves safe on the walk from school. Their behaviour is good and they show good levels of independence as

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

they confidently decide what to do and access their own toys. Children are actively encouraged to share and take turns when using toys and the older children are helped to understand the differing needs of the younger ones. They all respond well to the experiences they are offered.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are happy and feel at home at the childminder's house where they are able to initiate their own play. The organisation overall is effective in ensuring the safety and welfare of the children attending. The childminder works with parents on their children's routines and their childcare needs. Daily contact provides them with information about their child's day and contributes well to a shared approach. Documentation and relevant records are provided and maintained to ensure the children's information is relevant. However, written parental agreements for the assistant to be left in sole charge of the children are not in place. The childminder has attended some additional training in first aid and basic food hygiene. She is

p.4

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 aware of the importance of complying with her conditions of registration when childminding, and keeping Ofsted informed of any changes. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved her resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. She talks to them about sharing, valuing others and has purchased some small world toys, puzzles and books that promote positive images of different cultures and ability.

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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): • obtain written parental agreement with times for children to be left in sole charge of the assistant • ensure parental signatures are obtained on the record of medicine administered to children.

p.5

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.5

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.5