Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 228287 Inspection date 16 January 2006 Inspector Samantha Jayne Taylor

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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 over 20 years ago. She lives with her family in the Erdington, area of Birmingham. The property is within walking distance of local shops and amenities. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding, together with the large upstairs bedroom and bathroom. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time; she presently has 2 children on roll aged 3 and 1 year. The admissions policy allows for children aged over 8 years to attend.

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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(NCMA) and holds a current first aid certificate. She is also a member of the "Sticky Fingers" support childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes good practice regarding hygiene, for example protective clothing is worn when nappy changing and anti-bacterial spray is used to wipe down changing areas. As a result, the risk of cross infection is minimised. The childminder is knowledgeable in paediatric first aid and childhood illnesses, with information leaflets available to share with parents. This helps to support children's health. In consultation with parents, the childminder offers "home cooked" meals such as meat, potato and vegetables, including carrots, broccoli and sprouts. Children talk of how eating dinner "makes you strong". As a consequence, children benefit and understand the importance of a healthy diet. Individual cups for drinks are always available and easily accessible, encouraging children's overall independence. Daily opportunities of outdoor play, such as walks to the play park, help children to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop good physical skills as they climb on large equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into the setting; they are confident in their surroundings and relaxed in the company of the childminder, which encourages them to settle. Equipment and resources are readily accessible, which encourages children's independence skills. Most safety precautions are in place, but the safety of the fire area is incomplete. The childminder discusses fire procedures with older children; they draw pictures to convey their understanding of the fire drill procedure. As a result, they are encouraged to think about the safety of themselves and others, which helps to ensure children's overall safety. Children's welfare is promoted by the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of her responsibilities when working within child protection procedures. Information regarding procedures is shared with parents during induction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder spends a lot of time playing with the children; she offers a wide range of activities both indoors and outdoors. As a result, children are very happy,

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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 settled and have fun. They are confident and relate well to the childminder and to other children. Children enjoy imaginative play such as playing '"shops" where the childminder, who is organised by the children also has a role to play. Younger children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, for example they access toys of their choice. The childminder introduces experiences such as "water play" and "musical" activities, which relate to children's age and stage of development. Furthermore, children's progress is enhanced through outings such as trips to the park, where children recall activities such as "splashing in puddles". Children's social skills and language development are promoted by the childminder's excellent questioning, interaction and interest, for example through looking at books

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

together and singing nursery rhymes. Children are familiar with the actions made by the childminder and join in with enthusiasm, repeating refrains introduced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder promotes anti-discriminatory practice through use of resources which reflect positive imagery; children explore resources, such as books about different cultures and religions. The childminder is keen to learn about children with different abilities and she welcomes children who have special needs, for example children who have hearing difficulties. This helps children to develop a wider understanding of others and the world in which they live. The childminder promotes good partnership with parents, daily verbal feedback is given for the individual child. Parental views are sought, with contracts, which are renewed regularly. As a consequence, children benefit through good relationships and the sharing of regular updated information. Children have a clear understanding of the boundaries within the home; older children draw pictures of the "house rules" of the childminder. Praise, encouragement

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and time spent playing with the children encourages good behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has attended a range of short courses in relation to childminding. References are offered which support the childminder's experience of working with minded children and also as a member of the school community; the childminder is praised for the individual care and attention given to children. She shows interest in furthering her knowledge. This assists children in promoting their overall development. Children are well supported by the childminder with individual time and attention given by the childminder. As a consequence, children are settled and enjoy attending the setting.

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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 Secure procedure for vetting individuals by the childminder ensures that children are protected. Documentation is maintained and reviewed, including detailed attendance records. This means that documentation is available to share and safe guard children's welfare. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last children act inspection two recommendations were made; the childminder was firstly recommended to increase the resources that reflect positive images of equality. The childminder incorporates anti-discriminatory practice through discussion and resources used, for example use of books and dolls. This helps to increase children's wider understanding of the world. A further recommendation was made with regards to the childminder making the staircase safe or inaccessible to children. The childminder has restricted access to the stairs and she has conducted a risk assessment for the use of the stairs, in order to minimise risks to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

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): • ensure that the fire is made safe or inaccessible to children.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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