Childminder in StaffordshireOfsted inspection, 4 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315657 Inspection date 04 April 2006 Inspector Ann Winifred Harrison

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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 in 2005. She lives with her husband and one child aged 11 years in Burton. Areas of the childminder's house used for childminding are: hall, lounge, conservatory, kitchen, playroom, bathroom and one bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is currently minding four children under five and two children over five on a full and part-time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local pre-school group. The family has two dogs.

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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 holds an appropriate childcare qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of appropriate personal hygiene through daily routines. They know, for example, that they must wash their hands before eating food and after going to the toilet. Older children are encouraged to go to the bathroom on their own, which helps to develop their independence skills. Effective hygiene routines ensure children's health is not at risk. For example, children wash their hands after touching the animals and dispose of tissues appropriately to prevent infection. There are good arrangements for protecting children from cross infection, such as having their own individual towels and flannels. Written permission for seeking emergency treatment and advice has been obtained. This means that children will receive prompt medical treatment in an emergency. Procedures for accidents and medication are good and clearly explained to parents. The childminder is well qualified to meet

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Helping children to be healthy

children's medical needs in the event of an accident. Children and babies benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder plans a balanced and nutritious menu, which includes meat, fish, vegetables and pasta. Children are offered drinks throughout the day and a good selection of healthy snacks which include fresh fruit and raisins. The childminder ensures that any special dietary needs are met. Children are beginning to develop their self-help and social skills as they are encouraged to eat at the table during meal times. Children are encouraged to enjoy being outside in fresh air which ensures they enjoy exercise and helps them to develop physical skills and control of their bodies. They have access to a safe outdoor area where they enjoy playing on bikes and sit and ride toys. Trips to the local park and to a local pre-school group, where they use climbing equipment, also help children to make good progress with their large

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Helping children to be healthy

physical skills. The childminder is beginning to use 'Birth to three matters' framework effectively to plan for physical play for babies and young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and secure environment and are closely supervised at all times. They can independently access a good range of stimulating toys and equipment which are well-maintained by the childminder. Effective organisation of resources enable children to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder undertakes risk assessments of her property to ensure children are not exposed to hazard or injury. This ensures children are safe both inside and outside the home. She has a written emergency escape plan but has not practised this with the children on a regular basis. This compromises children's safety in an

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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 emergency. Children learn about safety issues such as crossing the road and staying safe when on outings. They are regularly transported by car and the childminder uses appropriate car seats to ensure children's safety. Good security measures are in place to monitor access to the premises. Doors are kept locked and all callers are asked for identification. The childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure that children are protected and well-cared for. She holds a current first aid certificate which ensures that any injuries to children are managed appropriately. The childminder has an understanding of child protection procedures and is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and appropriate responses. However she is not fully aware of the procedures in the event of an

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

allegation being made against herself. This compromises children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained environment, where their art and creative work is displayed. This promotes children's self-esteem. Children engage happily in meaningful play. They are using resources and equipment that are stimulating and fun to maintain their interest. For example, children enjoy selecting activities, such farm animals and construction. They excitedly play with sensory bottles made by the childminder. The childminder interacts positively with the children in their daily routines and play, encouraging them to learn shapes and colours and to count in everyday situations. A wide range of activities are available to children, which promote creative expression, such as collage, drawing, painting and baking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very settled at the childminder's house. They are able to develop their imagination and independence by selecting their own activities and initiating their own play. For example, children can choose to play with dressing up clothes or with the farm and animals. The childminder makes observations of the children to find out what they know and then plans for their next steps in learning. She is beginning to use 'Birth to three matters' framework effectively to further enhance young children's learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a positive warm relationship with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and well-being. Children enjoy listening to stories and singing songs and rhymes. The childminder has a good understanding of child development. This means that children's personal, social emotional and intellectual development is well supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's home. They are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder. Their individual needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routines as discussed with parents. The childminder is aware of their

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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 likes, dislikes and any special needs. Children benefit from the effective working relationship the childminder has established with their parents. Verbal and written information about their welfare, activities and behaviour is exchanged on a daily basis. Children play well together and are learning to show respect for others in the setting. Their behaviour is good in response to clear boundaries set by the childminder. Good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder helps build children's self-esteem and confidence and promotes good behaviour. Children are involved in making choices about their play and choosing resources. The childminder has a sound understanding of equal opportunities and children learn about the wider world through regular outings and discussions about their community and other cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a variety of resources that reflect diversity, this develops children's awareness of people's differences. Although the childminder is not currently caring for children with special needs and language requirements, there are good arrangements in place to ensure they are fully supported and included in all activities to enhance their development and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is qualified and enthusiastic about attending further training to enhance her skills and provide further experiences for children. Children enjoy choosing from a wide range of available resources. The childminder ensures that choices are developmentally appropriate to meet the age and stage of the child. The childminder organises her time sufficiently well to be able to give children individual attention. Children are settled and confident to approach the childminder for support and attention. There are suitable arrangements to protect children from persons who are not vetted. Children are secure and relaxed in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own learning and play. Good policies and procedures are used effectively to promote welfare, care and learning of the children in her care. The childminder has good knowledge of required records and ensures they are up to

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Organisation

date, stored confidentially and available for parents. Parents are regularly informed on their children's progress and activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

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Improvements 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

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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 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): • develop knowledge of the procedure to follow in the event of an accusation of abuse which is alleged to have taken place while the child is in the care of the childminder • ensure the emergency evacuation plan is regularly practised and recorded.

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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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