Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313304 Inspection date 02 May 2006 Inspector Rosemary Linda Tomkins

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her fiancé and one child aged 8 years in the West Midlands. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years on a part-time basis. There were no children present at the time of inspection. The childminder attends a local pre-school group and walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable home where they are learning the importance of good health practice and personal care. The childminder ensures the children wash their hands before eating and after nappy changing. She gives priority to encouraging children to understand how and why they keep themselves clean through regular explanation. There are good arrangements for protecting children from infection as the childminder does not care for sick or infectious children. The childminder demonstrates this well as her son has developed a condition which may be infectious so in order to prevent cross infection she is not caring for the minded child at present. Written permission for seeking emergency treatment or advice is in place. This means that children will receive prompt medical treatment in an emergency. Procedures for accident and medication are good and clearly explained to parents in

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Helping children to be healthy

a written policy. The childminder is well qualified to meet children's medical needs in the event of an accident. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's good health is promoted. Children are provided with a varied range of activities which contribute to their good health. They enjoy outside play in the garden, walk to and from school every day and have frequent walks in the surrounding area. Children are provided with opportunities to have fresh air everyday which ensures they enjoy exercise and helps them to develop physical skills and control of their bodies. From discussion, the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of healthy eating, including the need to have drinking water accessible at all times. She encourages the children to sample various types of food to help them understand the benefits of a balanced diet. The childminder takes account of parents' wishes,

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Helping children to be healthy

through discussions and children's individual records, to ensure she meets their dietary needs well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming home with clear space for children to move around freely and independently. The childminder has an emergency plan and fire safety equipment. However, she has not practised the emergency evacuation plan with the children or ensured the fire blanket is mounted to ensure effective operation. This means the children's safety is compromised in an emergency situation. Children are able to independently select activities from a wide range of toys and equipment as the childminder stores them at a low level.The childminder monitors

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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 and supervises children's choices to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. All the required procedures and equipment are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, she regularly checks and cleans the toys and uses car seats to ensure children are not exposed to hazards and they are secure. The childminder has procedures for ensuring children are protected. The premises are secure and protected with locked doors and a securely fenced rear garden. The procedure for reporting concerns complies with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board and ensures the protection of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder organises her routines and activities which demonstrates that children are able to develop their confidence in the childminder's home. They play with developmentally appropriate toys that promote language and physical skills and regularly attend pre-school groups to develop their social skills. Photographs show that children are able to choose and initiate their own activities inside the home. They enjoy selecting resources such as, little books with sensory textures to read with the childminder. The childminder ensures children's individual routines are observed so that they have time to be active and rest. Children have regular opportunities for physical development as they use the rear garden to play on the slide and rocker. They walk to feed the ducks and look at the stream. The childminder knows the children well and ensures that she discusses personal

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

preferences with each child and organises resources to suit the age and stage of the children's development. For example, the daily routine is continually discussed with parents to ensure it is adjusted to extend and offer further opportunities for development. Children's progress and achievements are shared with parents as the children are eager to take examples of finger painting home. In addition, the childminder prepares a detailed progress file showing daily achievements and the next steps for learning. From discussion and sample files the childminder demonstrates that she has a sound understanding of how children learn and actively promotes all areas of development and learning based on the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have an interesting range of activities that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. The childminder and children play together using good quality resources such as, art materials, dolls and books with positive images of race and gender. Policies show that children are valued and respected as individuals. They have

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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 individual attention and conversation with the childminder who ensures children's needs are met as they follow their daily routines. Children are encouraged to behave well and make themselves at home to foster good levels of self-esteem and well-being. The childminder is not currently caring for children with special educational needs or language requirements but she has an understanding to ensure they are fully supported and included in all activities to enhance their development and progress. Parents are provided with detailed written information on policies and procedures. The childminder provides a folder on her service and makes verbal and written reports on the children's progress, development and activities each day. This ensures parents are involved and contributes to the quality of care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is qualified and sufficiently experienced to provide children with a range of activities to develop children's skills and independence. She has a current first aid certificate and is keen to attend further training. Policies and procedures ensure that children are secure and relaxed in the family environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own learning and play. Clear floor space both inside and outside allows children's free movement. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote welfare, care and learning of minded children. The childminder has good knowledge of required records and ensures they are all up to date, stored confidentially and available for parents. Parents are regularly informed on their children's progress and activities during daily verbal exchange. This enables the childminder to monitor and evaluate the quality of her care and contributes to

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Organisation

continuity in the children's care. Evidence suggests that the needs of all children are met.

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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 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the emergency escape plan is practised and the fire blanket is located on the wall in the kitchen to ensure efficiency of use.

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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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