Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317562 Inspection date 20 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 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 husband and 3 children aged 5, 7 and 8 years in Lichfield. Rooms used for childminding are the lounge, kitchen and upstairs bedroom and bathroom. The childminder is currently minding three children under five years on a part-time basis. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and to the local park. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 warm, clean and comfortable home where they are protected from infection through the implementation of suitable hygiene procedures. As a result children are able to explore the environment safely. They are beginning to learn the importance of personal hygiene, for example, they wash their hands after going to the toilet and dispose of tissues appropriately. However they do not always wash their hands before eating which compromises children's health. The children are protected from cross-infection because the childminder is aware of children's health care matters, such as communicable diseases and exclusion periods. Effective documentation is in place including accident and medication records. Children benefit from a healthy diet because the childminder works with the parents to ensure their food is nutritious. Children learn about the benefits of healthy eating

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Helping children to be healthy

through discussions with the childminder. They are offered drinks throughout the day and a good selection of healthy meals and snacks, which include sandwiches, pasta, fresh fruit, raisins and breadsticks. 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 enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They go on regular walks and on outings to the local park. The childminder is beginning to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan for physical play for babies and young children. This includes going to the local toddler group where they can ride bikes and use climbing equipment. The children develop small muscle control through a good variety of activities, such as completing jigsaws and building with construction toys.

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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 freely, particularly younger children who have space to roll, crawl and toddle around.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. The childminder gives priority to keeping children safe. She uses safety equipment such as socket covers and safety gates to ensure children are not exposed to hazard or injury. Children learn about safety issues such as, knowing that they must not climb on chairs or they might hurt themselves. They learn how to cross the road and how to stay safe when on outings. They know they must stay close to the childminder and not run off. The childminder has procedures in place for transporting children in a

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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 vehicle, for example she uses appropriate car seats and restraints and has suitable insurance. However, these procedures are not wholly effective as parental permission to take children in the car is not obtained. The childminder has some procedures in place to ensure that children are protected and well-cared for. For example, children are never left unsupervised with anyone who is not suitably vetted. Good security measures are in place and children are aware of emergency evacuation of the building through discussion and regular practices. She 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 allegation being made against herself.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment and engage happily in meaningful play. They are using resources and equipment that are stimulating and fun to maintain their interest. For example, children explore play dough and play with dolls. They enjoy selecting activities, such as drawing and playing with dinosaurs. They are able to develop their imagination when they play in the play tent with kitchen utensils and a doctors set. 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. Children are engrossed in a range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities. For example, children choose from a good range of puzzles of varying difficulty. The childminder plans themed activities such as visits to the farm, growing cress and teddy bears picnic. Children's early communication skills are making good

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

progress as the childminder sits with the children and talks to them as they play. She asks them questions to challenge their thinking, for example, when playing doctors she asks, "how can you make the baby feel better?" The childminder is beginning to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance young children's learning. However she is not yet using it to plans for their next steps in 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 satisfactory. 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

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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 normal daily routines as discussed with parents. The childminder is aware of their 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. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of equal opportunities and children learn about the wider world through celebrating festivals, such as Chinese New Year and singing songs from other cultures. They learn about their community by going on outings to the local library, toddler group and shops. Children are encouraged to play with all toys and resources regardless of gender. The childminder provides resources and books that reflect other cultures, however, there are few resources that reflect

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the wider diversity in society. This limits children's awareness of people's differences. The childminder has effective and consistent ways for dealing with children's behaviour, talking to children about any unwanted behaviour or distracting them to other activities. Good use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem and promote good behaviour. Children are involved in making choices about their play and choosing resources. Although the childminder is not currently caring for children with special needs or 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 satisfactory. Children benefit from good organisation of space, toys and equipment. This means children can move around safely and freely to independently access resources. Children enjoy choosing from a 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 daily routine to provide different play opportunities both inside and outside the home. Her time is spent with the children so that they are happy and purposefully engaged. The childminder has positive relationships with parents and completes documentation to ensure she is able to carry out her work effectively such as contracts, consent to administer any medication and accident records. Children's hours of attendance are accurately recorded and all information is available for inspection. Most policies and procedures are in place to support children's well-being,

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Organisation

safety and care. The childminder provides a range and balance of activities for children of all ages, to enhance children's learning and development. Children benefit from a childminder who attends training courses to update her knowledge and skills. Parents are kept well-informed of their children's progress and activities through the childminder's daily diary. This contributes to continuity in the children's care.

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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 The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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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

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 children always wash their hands before eating • 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 and obtain written permission for children to be transported in a vehicle • develop further the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to plan and provide activities for children's next steps in learning • increase further the toys and resources that reflect diversity.

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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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