Childminder in Birmingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 227548 Inspection date 29 June 2005 Inspector Bernadina Laverty

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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 1996. She lives with her husband, one adult child and one child aged fifteen years. They live in the Quinton area of Birmingham, within walking distance of local shops, school and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA).

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing before meals and after using the toilet. Toys and equipment are clean and well maintained which ensures that children play with safe and appropriate resources. Children benefit from a flexible routine that give them opportunities to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Most procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they become ill. The childminder has an understanding of current first aid practice, however she does not hold a current first aid certificate and written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment has not been obtained for all children. Children are well nourished as the childminder provides plenty of fruit and vegetables. Drinks are readily available which encourages children to have sufficient

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Helping children to be healthy

fluids. Children’s health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works well with parents to record individual needs and preferences. Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills as the childminder takes children on regular walks to the local shops, park and school to collect older children. Regular use of the garden enables children to play outside and enjoy the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment because potential hazards have been assessed by the childminder. Children are learning to develop their own understanding of safety as the childminder points out potential dangers and supervises the children effectively, both indoors and on outings. Children use developmentally appropriate toys and resources safely as the childminder ensures that toys meet the required safety standard. For example, the childminder is aware of potential choking hazards posed by small toys for babies and younger children. Children are aware of emergency evacuation procedures as the childminder has discussed exit routes from the premises with the children. Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and is clear about her responsibility to protect children in her care.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and play well together in a very welcoming environment. Children interact confidently with the childminder and enjoy her involvement in their play. Toys and resources are easily accessible to children and support their play and learning. Children’s self esteem and confidence is enhanced with the childminder’s use of praise and encouragement. Children concentrate whilst playing and use their imagination very well encouraged by the childminder’s questioning and listening skills. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as the childminder answers their questions and provides challenging activities. Children “sing” as they play, clearly enjoying imaginative play and the resources available. Babies are encouraged to be sociable and develop their communication skills through effective interaction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their independence skills and show initiative as they choose their own resources and equipment located in easily accessible storage boxes. Children’s individual needs are met because the childminder provides good balance between active play and relaxing activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel a sense of belonging because of the familiar daily routine. Their individuality is valued as the childminder is aware of their likes and dislikes. Children are beginning to value and recognise similarities and differences within society through a good range of positive image resources such as jigsaw puzzles and books. Children’s behaviour is good, they learn to share, take turns and respect each other. Good behaviour is valued and encouraged by the childminder who is calm and patient in her approach to the children. Children benefit from the partnership between parents and the childminder because there are satisfactory procedures for keeping parents informed about the childminding service. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children’s needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting is homely and well organised which helps to support children in their play and learning. Babies benefit from an experienced childminder who clearly enjoys spending time interacting and supporting their individual needs. Generally, most required policies and procedures are in place however, the attendance register is not maintained effectively and the complaints procedure is informal and does not include Ofsted's contact details. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made satisfactory progress in addressing the actions and recommendations made at the previous inspection. She has obtained Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosures for all adults over sixteen within the household. This demonstrates that the childminder has suitable arrangements to protect children from persons who are not vetted. She has re-organised her records so that they are easily accessible and available to share with parents. She has changed her system for recording children’s attendance although this still lacks specific details regarding children’s daily attendance and is included as a recommendation in this report. The childminder has now obtained a copy of the local child protection guidelines (ACPC) guidance which ensures that the childminder knows what to do if she is concerned about a child in her care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Two complaints reported since April 2004. Complaint one; Concerns were raised regarding an incident between two children. This relates to National Standard 13: Child Protection. The incident was reported to Birmingham Social Services. The childminder signed a voluntary agreement that the child concerned would not be cared for during the investigation. Birmingham Social Services took no further action and closed the investigation. Ofsted asked the childminder to provide a report of the incident and her understanding of the Child Protection procedures. Ofsted is satisfied that the registered person has taken appropriate steps to address the concern, and the childminder remains qualified for registration. Complaint 2; Concerns were raised regarding breeches of confidentiality. This relates to national Standard 12: Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers. We asked the provider to investigate and report back to Ofsted within 10 working days. The

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Complaints since the last inspection

childminder reported that they fully understood the National Standards in relation to Standard 12 and were unaware of any breech in confidentiality. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. • ensure that written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment is obtained for all children. • update the complaints procedure to include Ofsted's full details. • ensure the attendance register is maintained effectively.

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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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