Unique Reference Number 504643
Inspection date 21 September 2005
Inspector Paula Hunt
Type of inspection Childcare
Type of care Childminding
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.
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.
THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE
On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:
The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.
WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?
The childminder has been registered since 2001. She lives with her partner and three children aged two, seven and nine years. They live in an end terrace house in the Kings heath area of Birmingham. There are shops, parks and schools within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a secure garden available for outdoor play.
The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five who all attend on a part time basis.
The family has a pet dog and two ducks which live outdoors.
The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and attends the local parent/toddler group on a regular basis.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION
Helping children to be healthy
The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, as they ride on tractors and use the slide. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children's physical skills. The childminder's good understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives the children confidence to try out new skills and to know when to ask for help.
Children's health is important and well promoted by the childminder, as they are well cared for in a warm, clean home. The children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene and personal care, for example, through regular and routine hand washing procedures before meals and after messy activities. The childminder protects the children from the spread of infection by her clear sickness policy that she shares with parents at the initial visit. However, children are not provided with individual bedding when sleeping.
Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Children are provided with frequent drinks of water, milk or juice throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.