Childminder in Warwickshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 201516 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Linda Christie Ravenall

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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 lives with her husband and two teenage sons in Bidford-on-Avon, near Alcester, Warwickshire. The open plan lounge-dining room and kitchen are used for childminding and the youngest son's bedroom and a bathroom are used on the first floor. Shops and local parks are within walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under two on a part-time basis and three school age children before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. A vehicle is available for trips further afield.

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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 Childminders Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because there are satisfactory procedures to enable children to learn about personal hygiene routines for example washing their hands before eating and after outdoor play. Older children are trusted to wash their hands well and younger children use cleansing wipes until they are able to wash their hands in the upstairs bathroom with appropriate support. Children are well cared for if they become unwell, or have an accident, as the childminder has completed her first aid certificate, accessed training for medical pens and has a fully stocked first aid box. Children are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards a healthy diet by providing apples and bananas at snack time and limiting processed snacks such as crisps. Older children benefit from having access to milk and jugs of fresh water from the kitchen when they arrive home from school and at other times when required. Younger children are provided with their own

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Helping children to be healthy

feeder cups which are refilled with cool boiled water during the day to ensure children are sufficiently hydrated. Individual dietary needs are discussed regularly with parents to ensure children are well nourished. Children are developing a sense of a healthy lifestyle by walking to and from school each day. They visit the local parks and play areas to experience fresh air and exercise and to help them develop their physical skills. Younger children are able to rest or sleep comfortably in a quiet environment according to their needs and parents' wishes. Children’s emotional well-being and stability is warmly fostered within caring, nurturing relationships where they thrive knowing that they are special and well cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are appropriately cared for in a homely environment where they can feel secure and have sufficient space to sit or play together to develop their social skills. Older children benefit from free access to a satisfactory range of art and craft resources, games, puzzles and television. Free choice is strongly promoted to engage children in enjoyable play and learning experiences, in order to meet the children's individual needs and promote their welfare. Babies have access to a varied range of toys suitable to their stage of development for example interactive sound and action toys and books. They show real enjoyment in response to musical instruments including hand bells and a xylophone by waving their arms, smiling and jigging their bodies. Although the childminder has routines in place for cleaning toys, they are not carried out as often as needed to keep them

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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 Children learn about safety through discussion with the childminder and the clear boundaries set by her. Safety issues are clearly understood by the older children who are respectful of house rules. Although the children are well supervised as they play and move around the house, risk assessments regarding the condition of the safety gate and insecure cupboard locks, do not fully minimise hazards to the more mobile or inquisitive youngsters. Children are suitably protected because the childminder understands how to deal with child protection issues and knows what to do should an allegation be made against the home or family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminder's house. Older children are made comfortable and confident in the welcoming environment and make themselves at home. They benefit from this time at the end of the school day when they can unwind and relax with their own choice of activities which are accessible independently. Children are well supported by the childminder as she consistently and positively interacts with them to encourage their interest, involvement and learning. Babies benefit immensely from the strong and loving relationships that are developed by the childminder. She ensures they are treasured, made to feel special and safe in her care, and share lots of affectionate hugs, cuddles and laughter together. Individual care needs and routines of the children are well respected to promote their welfare and resources are suitably organised to support their play and learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Although babies have easy access to developmentally appropriate toys, the range is limited and there are few opportunities to explore interesting objects and natural resources in every day play activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and valued as individuals and their needs are met well following discussions with parents and observations of what they like to do and being consulted about what they want to play with. Children have access to the full range of activities available and there is no gender bias. Children with special needs are welcome as the childminder plans ahead for inclusion such as accessing emergency pen training for a child with a life threatening milk allergy who may attend in the future. She is aware of how to access help and work alongside professionals and parents to support the welfare and development of all children. Older children are confident within the clear boundaries set by the childminder for behaviour such as being respectful of the home and each other. Strategies used, such as time out, are useful techniques to calm issues such as sibling rivalry 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 overly boisterous behaviour and the children respond appropriately. The childminder praises all children for efforts and achievements including the youngest children, who return the claps and smiles when they do well, thus enabling children to feel good about themselves and raising their self-esteem. Children benefit from the strong relationships between the childminder and parents. These are well promoted through the sharing of useful information to ensure the children are cared for in accordance with parents' wishes. Information provided for parents about the childminder's service is given through contracts and initial discussions, however, they have not yet been informed about the revised complaints procedure or the complaints record.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Parents are fully informed about the children's routines and the childminder's practice. They exchange useful verbal information on a daily basis to ensure the children are cared for according to parents' wishes. She takes some positive steps to ensure the children are safe such as obtaining consent for a neighbour to care for the children in event of any emergency; however risk assessments are not used effectively to minimise all hazards to children. Space and resources are suitably organised and adult child ratios are well maintained to allow flexibility of care and enable a greater level of individual attention. The childminder's organisational skills regarding documentation are not strong and some records lack the required attention to detail, for example those regarding written consent for seeking medical advice and permission for outside play, have been omitted from recently renewed contracts. Children's records are updated

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Organisation

periodically and accessible for inspection. The childminder is currently collecting additional information to show to parents, such as recent training certificates and has been proactive in accessing training to develop her knowledge further. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure children were safe in the garden during alterations, ensure child information sheets were appropriately maintained and available at all times and obtain written parental consent for emergency medical treatment. The childminder has made some improvements to documentation however insufficient attention is given to the required detail and recently renewed contracts have omissions regarding parental consent which do not ensure children are cared for according to parents' wishes. As a result a further recommendation has been made. Children are clearly excluded from the garden as it is unsafe for them to use and the childminder provides the children with some opportunities to play at the local park on the way home from school each day, to ensure their physical needs are met.

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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 upon 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): • devise and implement rigorous procedures to ensure all documentation is efficiently maintained and the necessary consents are in place at all times • assess the risks to children in relation to the maintenance of safety equipment and the cleanliness of toys and equipment and take positive action to minimise these • extend your knowledge and understanding of the range of toys and activities provided for babies and toddlers, making good use of the examples in the 'Birth to three matters' framework • ensure the new complaints procedure is shared with parents so they know what to do should they have any concerns regarding the welfare of their children.

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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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