Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

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208380 Unique Reference Number 20 April 2006 Inspection date Margaret Webster Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1995. She works with her husband who is also a registered childminder. She lives with her husband and one grown up child. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children when working alone and 10 when working with another childminder at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under five all day, and 9 children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and she attends the local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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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 are cared for in a comfortable home where they are protected from infection through the implementation of hygiene procedures and as a result babies are able to crawl and explore the environment safely. Children learn to follow the good hygiene and care routines, for example, washing their hands before meals, after using the toilet or playing outside. This practice helps to prevent the spread of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self confidence in their physical skills as they use a good range of indoor and outdoor toys and equipment. They are taken to places of interest in the local community. They are able to listen to their bodies and are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The parents provide all the main meals and she gives the out of school children healthy snacks of fruit. She ensures the children receive enough food to enable them to grow and be healthy. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has attended the 'Birth to three matters' course. Younger children are developing their independence physically and emotionally. They are active and are becoming increasingly independent acquiring control over their bodies and new physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to the a range of facilities to ensure that they are able to eat and rest comfortably. The environment is welcoming and space is appropriately organised. The property is secure, however there are no safety gates on the stairs or at the kitchen door and the cupboards where the dangerous substances are stored do not have safety catches on them. This compromises the children's safety and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are able to select activities from a good range of good quality, well-maintained toys and equipment. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has attended short courses on child protection. She has a good knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. The childminder is aware of the procedures to follow if making a referral and the Local Safeguarding Children's Board (LSCB) procedures. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities and this knowledge helps to keep the children safe.

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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. Children have access to a good variety of toys, activities and equipment suitable to their ages and stages of development. They are able to initiate their own play and learning ideas, supported by the childminder. For example, the older children are able to access a good selection of toys and equipment from a cupboard in the hall and the younger are given choices for their activities. The childminder interacts positively with the children in their daily routines and play, encouraging them to explore the natural world as they visit the park and other local attractions. A wide range of activities are available to children, which promote creative expression, such as art and craft, drawing, painting and baking. Children are developing independence and self-esteem by selecting their activities, helping with household chores and taking responsibility for tidying away toys. Children form positive relationships as they share and play cooperatively together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children extend their social skills further by attending toddler groups. Children become confident communicators; they are well supported by the childminder who enjoys listening and talking to them about their activities. Children develop confidence and a strong feeling of self through positive interaction with adults. Children are encouraged to make the most of their experiences by the childminder's careful consideration of what the child might be able to learn and what they will say and do to guide their learning. She consistently and positively interacts with the children to encourage their interest, involvement and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about their local community on their daily walks to and from school and when they visit local places of interest. These activities enable the children to learn about the community in which they live. The childminder has an awareness of equal opportunities and special needs. This helps the children to learn about the diverse society in which they live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Currently there are no children with special needs or who speak English as an additional language attending the setting. The childminder has a practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with special needs. She would ensure that she worked with the parents and other professionals to meet each child's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive good support and encouragement to develop their understanding of what is right and wrong. They learn mutual respect as they play together, sharing and taking turns. Children build a trusting relationship with the childminder which fosters their sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Parents are kept appropriately informed about their children's well-being and development, through daily discussions. The partnerships developed ensures that the childminder and parents work together to meet the needs of the children. She has letters from grateful parents and older children expressing their praise and gratitude for the good quality service that she is providing.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are settled and at ease within these well organised surroundings. Children are happy and content in the welcoming setting. They are confident to make choices about their own activities and receive support from the childminder to help them feel secure. The childminder has completed the introduction to childminding practice, she has a current first aid certificate and has attended many short courses to keep up to date with new ideas and information. This practice helps to keep the children safe and protected.

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Organisation

All of the required documentation and procedures meet the requirements of the National Standards. The parents are informed daily about the children's activities and development. This ensures that the parents and the childminder are able to work together to promote the safety and well-being of the children.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of all the range of children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to provide all records relating to childminding activities and ensure that they were readily available for inspection upon request. The childminder had all the relevant documents and records available for inspection and they were well maintained and up to date. This practice helps to keep the children safe and protected. She was also asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote positively issues of disability. The childminder has acquired books and jigsaws that reflect people with disabilities and special needs. These activities help the children to become more aware of the needs of people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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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):

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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 • reduce potential hazards in the home relating to access to the stairs, kitchen and storage of dangerous substances.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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