Childminder in Telford and Wrekin

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315791 Inspection date 10 April 2006 Inspector Olwen Pulker

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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 two adult children, one of whom is away at university during term-time. The family live in a small village near Newport, Shropshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time when working alone and a maximum of eight children when assisted by her husband. She is currently minding four children aged between four and nine years. They all attend part-time. The childminder drives to nearby schools to take and collect

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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 children and is prepared to attend carer/toddler groups with younger children. The family has three cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean and well-maintained home where they learn to follow appropriate hygiene and care routines, for example, washing their hands before eating, after using the lavatory and playing outside. The children are protected from the risk of infection and cross-contamination through the childminder's awareness of children's health care matters and the implementation of related policies and procedures, such as excluding children who are ill or infectious. Children are beginning to have an understanding of a healthy diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Snacks of various fruits, vegetable sticks and sandwiches are thoroughly enjoyed by children and they are developing good table manners through consistent routines

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Helping children to be healthy

implemented on a daily basis. Children access a good range of activities which contribute to their health and well-being. There are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example, as they play football in the garden and go for walks. Regular visits to play parks and indoor play barns improve children's physical skills as they climb, slide and play in the ball pool. Children are able to rest or be active according to their needs particularly when attending after school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play, eat and rest comfortably in an appropriately organised and welcoming environment. The childminder carefully monitors the toys children access to make sure they are safe and suitable for their age and stage of development. A selection of well-maintained resources are made available and placed on the playroom floor or on shelves so that the children are able to access them safely and independently. Children's safety is appropriately promoted through the childminder's ability to implement necessary precautions both inside and outside the home. Most risks have been identified and minimised to allow children the freedom to move around the ground floor rooms and the garden in safety. Discussions and sensitive reminders from the childminder help increase children's awareness of how they can keep themselves safe. However, not all the children have had the opportunity to practise

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the emergency evacuation procedure and therefore they would not know what to do

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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 to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire. Children are well protected from possible abuse or neglect. The childminder has attended training and shows a good understanding of the procedure to follow if she has any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a 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. She interacts positively with the children in their daily routines and play, encouraging them to explore the natural world as they go for walks or feed the ducks. A wide range of activities is available to children, which promote creative expression, such as collage design, drawing, painting and playing musical instruments. Children are developing independence and self-esteem by selecting their activities, helping with household chores and taking responsibility for tidying away toys. Younger children extend their social skills further by attending carer and toddler groups. Children become confident communicators, they are well supported by the childminder who enjoys listening and talking to them as she

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encourages them to recall and share past events. Children are able to broaden their experiences and enjoy outings to places of their choice, for example, play parks or barns and going for longer walks in the nearby countryside.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle well with the childminder and her family. Their individual needs and interests are catered for effectively resulting in the children being actively involved and achieving. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do and making their needs known to the childminder. They are encouraged to choose from a range of toys regardless of gender and they have access to books and activities that encourage their understanding of others and promote a positive view of the wider world. Regular visits are made to the library and children borrow books of their choice. Good techniques are used to promote appropriate behaviour. The use of praise and encouragement and an awareness of what the children like to do helps to promote children's confidence and self-esteem. Children understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries and behave well. Children benefit from the positive relationship between parents and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Written policies are in place to inform parents of the childminder's practice and consistency of care is promoted through daily feedback.

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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 organisation is good. Children have settled quickly within the relaxed environment. They are confident to choose their own activities and are effectively supported by the childminder who organises the play environment appropriately. There is a specific play room that they access as they wish and the large garden provides a safe and secure outdoor play area. Adult to child ratios are good ensuring that children spend individual time with the childminder to promote their learning and sense of belonging. Access to training ensures that the childminder continues to develop her good practice and her understanding of childcare issues. This allows children to be cared for in an interesting and stimulating environment. Most documentation is effectively maintained to ensure safe management of the care

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Organisation

service, for instance, children's details, accident records and the attendance register are satisfactorily completed. However, there is no written consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and consequently children's well-being is not always effectively promoted. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 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): • practise the emergency evacuation procedures regularly to ensure all children

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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 gain an understanding of what they need to do to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire • obtain written permission from parents to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency so that children's well-being is effectively promoted.

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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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