Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 228493 Inspection date 25 May 2005 Inspector Kashma Patel

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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 registered since 1995. She lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in the Yardley area of Birmingham within walking distance of local schools, shops, parks and toddler groups. The whole of the ground floor the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has 2 pet dogs. The childminder does before and after school care and collects children from local schools. She is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently

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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 minding 4 children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home where there are procedures in place to promote good hygiene. They are aware why they need to wash hands and can do so independently. There are effective procedures in place to minimise the possible spread of infection in babies and young children. Children are encouraged to wash hands with an anti-bacterial solution. Parents are made aware of the exclusion policy should their child be infectious. Children benefit from a good healthy diet which is provided by the childminder. Children with special dietary requirements would be closely monitored to ensure their needs were met. Children are learning about healthy eating through discussions and cooking activities. Baby routines are followed in accordance with parents wishes. Children's individual needs with regard to sleep are met through ongoing verbal exchange of information with parents. There are good procedures which are shared

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Helping children to be healthy

with parents to promote children's health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space to play within the childminders home, this allows them to move freely and safely, when selecting appropriate toys between the rooms. Older children independently select toys which meet safety standards. Younger children are supervised when selecting toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are encouraged to tidy away equipment. Children are developing their own awareness of personal safety, with high priority given to road safety. The childminder talks to children about safety and points out hazards to raise their awareness. Children are becoming aware of the risk of fire through planned fire drills. Children have regular use of the garden so they can enjoy different play experiences, this contributes to their development and independence. The children's welfare is well promoted through written polices and procedures,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well after arriving and make themselves at home. They relate to each

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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 other positively and socialise with the other children with regular attendance at the local childminding and toddler groups. Children show good skills and independence when they select toys, some toys are organised in boxes according to their development and choice. Children show excitement and interest in what they do and are eager to talk about their experiences. They ask questions and respond well to the childminder and each other. Children are making positive relationships with each other and are happy to share toys and sit together reading books. Children also include the baby by talking and offering toys. Children have regular access to outdoor equipment in the garden and the park, which encourages and extends their physical development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children of different ages are encouraged to play harmoniously with each other. Children learn about their community as they visit places of interest such as the shops and parks. Children have equal access to resources which present a positive view of the wider world, but all toys are stored in the front room, and access is limited. Children behave well and respond to the childminders clear consistent expectations. Children develop self-esteem as they are praised for tidying up, sharing and taking turns. They show consideration for younger children. Partnership with parents is satisfactory. The childminder provides appropriate care and support for children, but some records were not easily accessible. Parents are given daily feedback on their children's progress and can request for written information.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children of all ages have access to a satisfactory range of toys and equipment, which is interesting and challenging, however toys are stored in the front room which sometimes limits their access. Children feel at home and relaxed in their environment, which is organised and managed adequately, this ensures children's needs are met. Children settle down well and feel confident when accessing toys and equipment, which is appropriate for their development. Children learn about their local community as they visit local places of interest such as toddler group, shops and parks. The childminder has written procedures to promote the welfare of children, she gives verbal feedback daily on the children's progress, but cannot always access some policies and procedures due to lack of organisation.

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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 Children's experience and knowledge increases with regular attendance at playgroup and childminding and playgroups. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure all childminding records were easy to access. The childminder has all records relating to childminding, but are not readily accessible. She now has a policy and a procedure for fire drills and the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) guidance which has improved her knowledge on child protection.

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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 all records to childminding are easily accessible. • Ensure children have easy access to toys and equipment.

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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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