Childminder in Staffordshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 209695 Inspection date 06 April 2006 Inspector Jasvinder Kaur

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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 2000. She lives with her five adult children. The whole 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 three children under five part time and seven children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler 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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after eating their snacks. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which cater for their individual needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and drink at snack times. Their dietary requirements are discussed with parents, and their wishes are respected. There is a procedure in place to exclude children with infectious illnesses. However, the toys are not cleaned regularly to ensure that the children and babies are protected from the spread of infection. The childminder is aware of the necessity of keeping a record of medication administered to children. However, she has not yet requested written parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. This means children may not receive appropriate care in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accident records are well maintained and shared with parents who countersign all entries. Children develop their physical skills through a range of outdoor activities in the garden. They enjoy playing in the local park and walking to local shops and the library. This ensures that all children including babies get fresh air and keep physically fit. There are suitable arrangements for rest and sleep according to children’s individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a suitable physical environment. They have adequate space in the house to move around safely and have easy access to a range of toys sufficient for their requirements. The childminder is vigilant about small objects and toys on the floor to protect babies from swallowing them or tripping over them. It is ensured that they are supervised at all times both indoors and outdoors. Children are generally safe. They are encouraged to learn some sense of danger and possible harm to keep themselves safe both indoors and on outings. They benefit from safety measures through emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis. However, the glass in the shed window is not made safe. This compromises children’s safety. The children are generally protected because the childminder has a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of her role in child protection. However, she is not

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

secure in her knowledge of relevant organisations to contact if she suspects abuse. This may put children at risk.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children show interest and happily take part in a wide range of good quality activities and play opportunities. They are confident in the setting and positively interact with the childminder. She responds well to their individual needs. They make good progress through a variety of learning experiences which develop their language, mathematical thinking and imagination. For example they enjoy story sessions at their local library, reading books and singing nursery rhymes. Children enjoy finger painting and develop their imagination by making their own patterns. Children explore and enjoy physical activities regularly and make a good use of local facilities. They develop their self-esteem by trying new activities and facing challenges in a safe environment. For instance they collect natural materials from their local park and make collages. They enjoy making cars, boats and ships out of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

empty boxes and such materials. They glue and paint different shapes of pasta to make cards and their favourite art work. They develop their social skills while taking part in group activities such as board games, role play and cooking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have a sense of belonging. They learn social skills through planned and unplanned activities. They develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world through appropriate activities and resources such as books, toys and talking about different religions and festivals. They are involved in decision making when selecting activities, drinks and food. Children are treated and respected as individuals. The childminder discusses children's individual needs with parents which enables her to provide suitable care. The children are happy and well behaved. The childminder uses a positive and consistent approach to managing behaviour which takes into account children’s level of understanding and maturity. They are encouraged to share with and respect others through her positive role model and example. Behaviour management is discussed with parents through verbal communication. The children benefit from the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder’s positive and professional relationship with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and at ease in an organised and safe environment. They benefit from welcoming premises where they feel secure and their individual needs are taken into account. The childminder regularly attends courses to update her knowledge of childcare issues. She holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated. She has suitable arrangements to protect children and currently some family members are in the process of undertaking the appropriate vetting procedures.

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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 Most of the childminder’s documents, with the exception of parental consent for seeking emergency treatment or advice, are maintained satisfactorily and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality. They are readily available for inspection and shared with parents to keep them informed of their child’s care and routines. Additional documentation is made available to parents relating to the childminder's qualifications, policies and information about the service provided. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder agreed to make herself more knowledgeable about child protection issues, provide a complete first aid box, make safe the glass in the shed window, keep a sufficiently detailed record of children, provide a suitable range of toys and equipment, and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has now provided a suitable range of toys and equipment for children of all ages and a complete first aid box. She keeps sufficient information about the children in her care. This means children needs are met. However, she still needs to further improve her knowledge about child protection issues, protect the glass in the shed window and obtain written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. These issues are raised as recommendations at this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 1st April 2004. 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the toys are clean in order to protect children from the spread of infection • ensure the glass in the shed window is made safe • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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