Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303859 Inspection date 17 February 2006 Inspector Sally Ann Smith

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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 2005. She works with her daughter who is a registered childminder. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Birmingham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is currently caring for six children on a part-time basis. The family has a dog and two rabbits.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children demonstrate a good awareness of appropriate hygiene routines and recognise when they need to wash their hands. They understand for example that they clean their hands before eating to 'wash the germs away'. There are good procedures in place should a child become unwell whilst at the childminder's house and parents are advised to keep their children at home to prevent infections spreading to the other children. The childminder is aware of notifiable and communicable diseases and the appropriate responses. Children are generally provided with a range of healthy snacks and meals, although they occasionally have biscuits and crisps. However, the childminder endeavours to encourage healthy eating wherever possible and uses novel ways to encourage faddy eaters. Vegetables are disguised in pizza sauces and stews and children have fun making their own pizzas to include toppings such as tomatoes, peppers and

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Helping children to be healthy

mushrooms. Food is served on brightly coloured plates to make the presentation of food appealing and meals are social occasions where children savour their food and discuss healthy eating. Children also visit the shops and identify foods which are good and not so good for them to eat. Children are engaged in physical activities inside and outside. They enjoy action songs such as 'Heads, shoulders, knees and toes' and 'The wheels on the bus' and thoroughly enjoy playing musical statues. They develop balancing skills as they move through obstacle courses and coordination as they practice star jumps, moving their arms and legs in unison. Children learn the value of exercise and the importance it has in maintaining good health for example 'it's good for our heart'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from space which is effectively planned and organised to enable them to move about freely and access resources independently. Children learn about good procedures to keep them selves safe such as crossing the road and not talking to strangers. Children further develop their understanding of staying safe through regular discussions with the childminder. For example, they talk about handling scissors and other sharp implements with care, 'we must be careful with sharpies because we can hurt ourselves'. They understand that they must pick up their toys off the floor or they may hurt themselves and not to put small objects in their mouths. The childminder supervises children in all areas of their play. Children have access to a wide range of resources and equipment which is checked on a daily basis to ensure it is well maintained. The childminder ensures that choices

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are developmentally appropriate to meet the age and stage of the child. 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 learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe and are under the direct supervision of the childminder at all times. Children know the procedure to be followed in the event of a fire to protect them from harm and share their knowledge 'we leave our toys and go straight outside'. Children are well protected and cared for due to the effective procedures that the childminder has in place. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures and a 'Guide to good practice' extracted from the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures is shared with parents. The childminder is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and the appropriate responses to protect children in her care. She has a good understanding of the implications for her childminding where an allegation of abuse is made against the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are made welcome whilst at the childminder's house and each child is treated as an individual. They play happily together with a range of resources and well planned activities which they enjoy and maintain their interest. Activities are planned to take account of the age and stage of each child and ensure that they are actively involved in all areas of their play and learning. The childminder responds to children's interests and requests for particular activities. For example, the children enjoy cooking and preparing meals so the childminder plans activities such as making pizzas or cakes. The children eat their 'creations' with real enthusiasm. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework but is yet to implement it in her practice to enhance activities for younger children. Children's communication skills are developing well and the childminder takes great

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interest in all that they say and do. Children are given time to share their own personal experiences and take turns to talk and listen to each other. They happily engage the childminder in their conversations and ask questions or seek support when necessary. They enjoy art and craft activities and take pride in their work being displayed. Children have great fun and concentrate as they play a variety of musical instruments listening intently to the sounds each instrument makes. They play the instruments loudly and quietly and make different sounds and beats. Young babies and children use all their senses to explore equipment and resources which are placed at their level. They are given space to crawl, toddle and move around and receive lots of cuddles and eye contact from the other children and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play well together and are learning to share and take turns. They learn how to play cooperatively and respond to regular praise and encouragement from the childminder to promote positive behaviour. Children very quickly understand the 'house rules' such as taking their shoes off before entering the house. The childminder creates a busy and industrious environment so that children are

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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 engrossed in their play and do not become bored or distracted. Parents are consulted and included in effective behaviour management strategies to ensure responses are consistent. Children feel a sense of belonging as they are made to feel comfortable and at home in their environment. They are given sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the routine and the other children so that they are comfortable and relaxed. They select resources independently and make choices about their play. The childminder knows children's individual preferences well and therefore plans activities accordingly so that all children are involved. Children are beginning to learn about different cultures and show respect for others in the setting. They learn about foods and their country of origin, the way that people

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Helping children make a positive contribution

in different parts of the world wear their clothes and some of the festivals they celebrate. Children learn to accept that all people are different in a positive way. For example children talk about wearing glasses and share their experiences, 'my granddad wears glasses so he can see his words'. Children learn songs about different coloured eyes, skin and hair such as 'Children of the rainbow' and 'A real bouquet'. However, whilst there are some resources to reflect positive images of race, culture and gender these are limited. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder liaises closely with parents and adapts activities and resources accordingly to ensure children feel valued and included. The childminder ensures that she provides an inclusive service. Parents receive good quality information about the childminder's policies and procedures and arrangements for the care of children. Parents are aware of who to contact should they have a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

complaint and the childminder is conversant with all the necessary procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from routines and activities which are effectively organised to enable children to develop their learning and provide a variety of play opportunities. The environment is planned so that resources are generally within easy reach of the children enabling them to make decisions about their play. The childminder ensures that the children are happily engaged in their activities and take an interest in all that they do. She maintains accurate records of children's attendance. A range of policies and procedures are stored in a portfolio which is shared with parents. Parents are informed of the childminder's family and pets and any relevant training that the childminder has undertaken to enhance her practice. They are informed of the children's daily routine and the strategies used to ensure children's good health, safety and well-being are maintained. The childminder obtains relevant

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Organisation

information to provide appropriate care for children in partnership with parents. Documentation is regularly reviewed and the childminder is aware of the addendum to the National Standards particularly regarding complaints. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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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 copy 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): • continue to develop the range of activities for younger children, for example using the 'Birth to three matters' framework • increase the range of resources to reflect diversity in society.

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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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