Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317373 Inspection date 23 May 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 in 2005. She lives with her husband and their 2 children aged 6 and 1 year old in Tamworth, Staffordshire. The whole of the ground floor, together with the first floor bedroom which is registered for sleeping infants, are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children; she is currently minding 2 children aged 4 years on a part-time basis. 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 good. Children develop independence skills as they learn to use the bathroom independently; the childminder closely supervises children, who are gently reminded to use the anti bacterial soap provided. Children wash their hands, by rubbing them vigorously together. However, whilst a daily clean towel is provided for hand drying, there is the potential for cross-infection, due to children sharing. Children's health is mostly supported as, for example the childminder holds written parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment. They enjoy many outdoor activities which promote a healthy life-style, for example children climb the play apparatus within the garden, crawl through play tent tunnels, pedal bicycles and enjoy activities such as sand play under a covered outdoor area within the garden. Indoors children have many opportunities for physical play, including tents, music and

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Helping children to be healthy

dancing. Lunch is a 'family event' where the childminder and children are seated around the table to eat together. Children enjoy their tuna filled sandwiches made with fresh salad, and fruit. They are excited as they choose either a yoghurt or from different flavoured jellies for their dessert. Children freely access their individual drink at lunch time to accompany their meal and also during their play. Children benefit from the discussions regarding their morning at nursery and they talk excitedly of their last day of school term where they can dress up as a character. Children show concern for themselves and others, as they discuss how if they are 'dressed up' as a character will the childminder recognise them when she collects them from nursery.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are warmly welcomed by the childminder into a 'family environment'. The conservatory area, designated for children's play, has many accessible toys and resources and leads directly onto the garden area. The arrangements of the resources, which are set out at different levels, invite children to explore, for example through floor activities. The stimulating environment provided helps to promote children's development. Equipment in use is maintained and the childminder is knowledgeable in keeping children safe through regular checking and cleaning. Children learn to tidy games away; younger children are given gentle reminders from the childminder. As a consequence children develop an understanding of responsibility. The childminder identifies and minimises most risks within the home but the storage radiators in place, potentially do not minimise all risks to children. On outings children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are kept safe through the effective procedures in place, for example written consent is sought for transporting children in a vehicle. When walking to nursery, the

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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 childminder discusses with children potential dangers, such as dogs within neighbouring garden areas and children are reminded of the consequences. As a result, children learn to develop an understanding of keeping safe. The childminder is knowledgeable of indicators in child abuse and the procedure to follow in the event of a concern. Furthermore, the childminder has information to share with parents regarding child protection. The information held and shared helps to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play well together and they interact positively with the childminder and each other. This assists children in settling within their environment and helps them to become confident within their surroundings. The childminder plays with children, sitting at their level to play; she shows interest in their games. Opportunities for play cover all areas of child development, which helps them to make progress, for example children initiate imaginary play from the resources available. Children benefit as they freely choose and change their games, for example dolls in the pushchair become their 'children' as they play on the outdoor slide. Following lunch children have a quiet period, where they can either rest; sit quietly to watch children's programmes, listen to music or look at books. Further activities offered include story telling and arts and crafts, which assist in promoting children’s

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning and language development. Photographic evidence of outings help children to recall fun days out. As a result, children's learning is extended from the many activities provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a sound understanding of equal opportunities. She aims to meet the individual needs of children, through discussions with parents. A range of resources help children to develop their understanding of different cultures, ethnicities and abilities, for example play figurines. All activities are accessible and available to both girls and boys. Children are settled and respond positively to the childminder's interaction; children are comfortable to share their feelings through communication. Praise and attention offered by the childminder helps children to behave well and to develop positive self-esteem. The childminder works closely with the parents; communication diaries enable both parents and the childminder to communicate with each other. Children are involved by designing their personal book cover, which they are proud of and recognise as their belonging. This encourages good working relationships with parents and

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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 families, which promotes continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's knowledge of individual children, together with the care and attention she offers helps children to progress their development. She has effective organisational skills, where the children are her first priority. Children are able to move around freely and explore their surroundings; there are different rooms available for use and the organisation of space is effective. This ensures children are well supervised, for example a separate room is available for sleeping infants. Contingency plans are readily in place to support the continuity of care. Secure procedure for vetting individuals by the childminder ensures that children are protected. Documentation is well presented and there is comprehensive information available to share regarding the setting's policies and activities undertaken. Records are maintained, including detailed attendance records and information is stored

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Organisation

confidentially, which helps to protect children's welfare. She informs and notifies Ofsted of any changes, to meet the national childminding standards. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report 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

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

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): • ensure all potential risks are minimised in order to protect children, in this case the radiators and the front door • ensure hand drying procedures support children's individual health in order to minimise the risk of cross-infection.

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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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