Childminder in Solihull

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250161 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Karen Cooper

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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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and two older children in Bentley Heath, Solihull. Children have access the whole of the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The location is convenient for schools, parks and shops The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children on a part time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and nursery and attends the local toddler group.

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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 family's pets include two cats and a guinea pig. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are helped to understand that washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating, keeps them healthy. They are provided with individual towels to ensure that the risk of cross contamination is reduced and there are good procedures in place to care for children who are ill, which are shared and agreed with parents at registration. The childminder is trained in administering first aid and has appropriate permissions and records in place regarding the administration of medication and accidents. Children's health is promoted by a wholesome, nutritious and balanced diet. Meals are freshly prepared using fresh fruit and vegetables and children are helped to understand why some foods are healthy and others are not. For example, Barney posters relating to staying healthy are displayed around the room. Snack times are relaxed, social occasions when children sit together around the table to enjoy their

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Helping children to be healthy

food and each other's company. Menus are provided to give parents information about meal choices. Drinks are readily available. The childminder is aware of each child's individual dietary needs and ensures these are met. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They enjoy outdoor activities for example, they frequently visit the local park to feed the ducks. They use local soft play facilities to improve their physical skills and access a good range of physical equipment in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use an extensive range of toys and equipment that are of good quality and safe. Equipment is regularly checked for safety and is kept clean. The children are able to access resources independently and the childminder supervises their choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Indoor and out door space is organised effectively, creating a child-friendly environment which enables the children to explore while being appropriately supervised. Children are cared for in a home where their needs are given priority. The childminder assesses potential risks to children and puts procedures and practices in place to minimise these at all times. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending, including cupboard locks and socket covers. Children are within sight, or close enough that they can be heard by the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder at all times, including when playing in the garden. There are clear procedures to ensure only authorised people collect children. For example,

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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 passwords are used for extra protection. The childminder ensures children are safe when on outings and takes appropriate information such as parent contact numbers in the case of an emergency and obtains written consent for their children to be transported in a vehicle at registration. Fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. Children learn about fire safety and know the procedure for evacuation in an emergency. The childminder is aware of her role and responsibility to protect children and has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures, which are necessary to protect the welfare of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, well settled and have formed good relationships with each other and the childminder. This enables the children to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. They are provided with a good range of activities and experiences that reflect their needs and interests, and help them to make progress in their development. The childminder provides learning and play opportunities for the children through everyday experiences such as visits to the local shops to choose vegetables and fruit for dinner, and by allowing them freedom to initiate and choose their own activities. For example, the children eagerly draw and colour pictures and participate in imaginative play using various figures and model cars. Children are provided with activities that are adapted for their different stages of development and the toys and activities are rotated on a regular basis. For example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder provides a range of structured activities like baking, art and crafts, music and singing to ensure that the children remain interested and stimulated. The children behave very well, are confident, happy and are willing to take turns. They have regular opportunities to socialise with their peers when visiting the local toddler group and often attend the park for more active and physical play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a good range of resources, which include toys and books to develop positive understanding of different cultures and people with disabilities. For example, children play with dolls and figures representative of various cultures and abilities. Children play happily and are confident, sociable and secure. They respond positively to the childminder who ensures that behaviour is managed with use of praise, explanation and distraction. Children are well behaved and are encouraged to share, take turns and show consideration for others. They are listened to and the

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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 childminder values what they say, which helps them to feel good about themselves. The children make themselves at home, they willingly volunteer to help do little tasks, such as tidying away dishes after snack time and putting the toys away before selecting others. Children are cared for in accordance with parents wishes and the childminder uses a communications book to ensure the children benefit from a two way sharing of information. Parents are given the opportunity to settle their child gradually into the childminder's home and are regularly consulted about their children needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at ease in a well-organised, but still homely, environment. They use the playroom to enjoy a wide variety of spontaneous and planned activities and independently select from a good range of quality toys and equipment provided for them daily. Regular visits outside of the home contribute to children's learning and enjoyment of the local environment. The childminder shows commitment towards her own personal development and improves her knowledge by attending relevant short courses for example, food hygiene and first aid. She is an experienced childminder and ensures ratio's are met and maintained to allow children to receive individual attention and to offer flexibility of care to suit parents needs. Policies and procedures that are required for the efficient and safe management of the children are regularly reviewed and shared with parents. However, the childminders practice is not supported, as she does not have a copy of the National

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Organisation

Guidance booklet for child protection. Children's records are clear, up-to-date and stored securely. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend the setting.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to consider developing a range of policies to share with parents, to monitor activities and ensure written consent for emergency treatment is kept up to date. The childminder has implemented a range of written policies, procedures and timetables that contribute to the children's health, safety and play opportunities, which are issued to parents at registration. Children's well-being is protected as the childminder now obtains written consent from all parents to seek emergency treatment upon commencement of minding.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they

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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 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): • obtain current child protection documentation based on procedures laid out in the National Guidance (What to do if you are worried a child is being abused).

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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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